Fridae

European hatchbacks are cool and chic; and at the same time they are capable of everything a man would ask of a car. Hence it is not surprising that hatchbacks dominate the car markets in Europe. The Volkswagen Golf had been the queen of all hatches for as long as Madonna had her reign over other pop divas.

Currently in its fifth incarnation, the first Golf was conceived by the currently Porsche owned manufacturer to replace the Volkswagen Beetle. It was not completely successful at that, however it has created the front wheel drive economical family hatch. The Golf's popularity has been extraordinary as it has been a consistent top seller in Europe.

If you could only afford one car and needed the performance of a sports car and practicality of a hatchback, the Volkswagen Golf GTi had been literally the only car you could get.

Not so anymore.

In 2007, the German car manufacturer dropped a 1.4 litre TSI engine into its evergreen Golf. This engine is supercharged and turbocharged at the same time; it packs a phenomenal 170 bhp and 240 NM from just 1750 rpm, sending the Golf GT Sports from 0 to 100 Km/h in just 7.7 Secs. These headlines grabbing numbers are courtesy of a supercharger acting below 1750 rpm and a turbocharger to take care of matters till the muscular engine hits the redlines at 6000rpm. The supercharger creates an instant rush during pick ups from stand stills. While the turbocharger creates a linear delivery of cramped horsepower, ensuring an addictive rush to flash the Golf GT's batch at stubborn and unlearned road huggers. Move over!

The mind-blogging performance of the Golf GT is coupled with a fuel economy that remains very much like its engine capacity, a claimed petite 7.3 litre per 100 Km. A heavy right footer like myself could easily achieve a 700 km run on a single fuel tank of 55 litres before the fuel warning sign starts irritating me. Impressive and very dear information to those drowning in fuel bill receipts!

The highly coveted DSG gearbox is standard on the Golf GT Sports. The quick shifting and smooth changes from the gearbox compliments the 1.4 litre TSI engine's sporting aspiration very well. What more can one asks for? Performance and fuel economy is offered in spades from this Volkswagen offering. A well deserved winner of the International Best Engine for its capacity.

The Golf MKV's platform is a class act with its expensive independent rear suspension. The multi link rear set-up allows all four wheels to maintain contact with the road surface at all times. While displaying its talents at tackling corners with aplomb, ride quality is not affected. Composure over rough roads is excellent with road noise suitably suppressed. The Golf GT is a quality driving tool.

The interior of the Golf GT Sports is a typical example from the German car maker; solid, logical and ergonomically flawless. A slight dip in aesthetics feel of the plastics on the dashboard can be felt; particularly among the lower regions when compared to the legendary MK4 Golf. Yet, among the current crop of hatchbacks, the Volkswagen Golf still rues the host in terms of interior quality.

You would think I would stop my article here by telling you folks that the Golf GT Sports retailing at S$104,200 will be the best car ever.

Things get a bit complicated when a boot is added on the Golf, the Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI launched recently in Singapore (March 2008) simply complicates the car buying decision.

We have to thank the Americans and the Chinese car markets for the Jetta. The world's two largest car buying nations are not in favour of hatchbacks yet. Hence, Volkswagen had to create a sedan from its Golf mechanics to capture the buying imagination of these two critical markets.

Essentially sharing the same mechanics as the Golf GT, the Jetta presents itself as an even bigger bargain as it retails at S$98,200. For S$6,000 less, you gain a humongous boot; however that boot will slow you down by 0.4 seconds over the century dash and take some agility off the handling front. The price disparity would also account for the missing auto headlamps, auto dipping rear view mirror and folding side mirrors on the Jetta 1.4 TSI. But none of these would irritate you as much as the harsher ride on the Jetta when compared to the magic carpet riding Golf GT Sports.

I would pick the Golf GT Sports over the Jetta 1.4 TSI for its more stylish looks, better driving manners and most importantly, I have no intentions on taking up golf lessons just yet.

So which would you pick, Fridae readers?

Make/Model	Volkswagen Golf GT Sports	Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI
Engine	1,390 cc 4 cylinder 16V, DOHC, Supercharged and Turbocharged	1,390 cc 4 cylinder 16V, DOHC, Supercharged and Turbocharged
Transmission	6-Speed DSG (Automatic)	6-Speed DSG (Automatic)
Max. power	170 HP @ 6000rpm	170 HP @ 6000rpm
Max. torque	240 NM @ 1500rpm to 4750rpm	240 NM @ 1500rpm to 4750rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	7.7 secs	8.1 secs
Top speed	218 km/h	220 km/h
Fuel consumption (combined)	7.3 L/100km (combined cycle)	7.3 L/100km (combined cycle)
CO2 emissions	174 g/km (Euro IV compliant)	174 g/km (Euro IV compliant)
Dimensions (L x W x H)	4204X1995X1479 mm	4554X2010X1459 mm
Price with COE*	S$104,200	S$98,200

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.