Words: Jason Round
Overseas for a little while now, VW Australia, riding on the huge success of the Golf range, has decided to bring its very interesting GT TSI down-under, and we couldn’t be happier.
Basically, the GT 1.4 TSI offers the best of both worlds – turbocharger and supercharger – in the same package, with the only other vehicle to offer that to come to mind the March Super Turbo from way back. Together, this not only means instant torque that comes from a PD supercharger, but also great fuel economy, at just 7.7L/100km.
Dubbed a ‘twincharged’ engine, the compact 1.4 delivers 125kW and provides maximum torque of 240Nm between 1750–4500rpm. In reality, that’s equivalent to squishing a 2.3L engine in there.
Maximum boost is set at a substantial 2.5bar at 1500rpm, with the super- and turbocharger operated at the same pressure ratio. “The more rapid response of the exhaust turbocharger enables the supercharger to be depressurised earlier by continuous opening of the bypass valve. This means supercharger operation is restricted to a narrow map area with predominantly low pressure ratios and, therefore, low power consumption. Consequently, the disadvantage of the mechanical supercharger system in terms of consumption can be limited.”
In short, turbo lag? Gone…
So, it’s looking pretty bright for the GT then, though we don’t know exactly how the aftermarket will react given the complex nature of the twincharger set-up. Here’s hoping then. Hopefully, with a pulley swap and a bit more boost from the turbo, the 0–100 should be able to dip into the sixes.
Exterior-wise, you get 17s, special badging, as well as the usual Golf gadgetry inside. Front sport seats are standard.
Pricing is at:
Golf GT 1.4 TSI six speed manual from $34,990*
Golf GT 1.4 TSI six speed DSG from $37,290*
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