16th July, 2008

Faced with the increasingly urgent challenge of combining adequate performance with reduced fuel usage and emissions, Volkswagen have pushed technology to new limits. Under the direction of Dr Rudolf Krebs, head of engine  research and development, Volkswagen have adopted an "intelligent downsizing" approach to reducing fuel consumption. Reducing engine capacity naturally reduces internal friction and leads to greater efficiency, but we all know that for high performance there's 'no substitute for cubic inches' - don't we? Turning that idea on it's head, Krebs and his team have developed a world first: a twin-charged direct-injection 1.4-litre petrol engine.

The new TSI technology provides a belt-driven supercharger to significantly boost torque at low engine speeds, similar to a turbo-diesel. As engine speed rises, an exhaust-driven turbocharger kicks in to provide plenty of power at high revs. At around 3,500 rpm the supercharger is engaged or disengaged by an electronically controlled magnetic clutch. The result is seamless power delivery from the diminutive engine, which puts out 125 kW @ 6,000 rpm, combined with a hefty 240 Nm of torque @ 1,750 - 4,500 rpm! Put into perspective, these are the kind of numbers usually seen with a 2.3-litre engine. But without the GT's miserly fuel consumption of 7.7L/100km (combined).

How does this translate into the real world? On the road it's just magic. It really does feel like 2-litres plus under the bonnet and with a decidedly sporty flavour to boot. I fact, we laughed out loud when we first put our foot down - it's so good! How about a quoted 0-100 km/h figure of 7.9 seconds, on the way to a flat-out 220 km/h! And the accompanying engine note is pretty special too. Trundling around suburbia at the lower end of the rev range, with supercharger engaged, reminded us of an original old Beetle with extractors - in a subdued, hi-tech sort of way! But as the turbocharger cuts in and the engine rushes eagerly toward the 7,000 rpm red-line, it's all very sporty and 21st century.

There's no need to say too much about the 6-speed DSG transmission, which complements the GT Sport beautifully. Is this currently the world's best gearbox? With gearchanges happening in single-figure microseconds, never mind the option of fingertip manual over-ride, others are already following Volkswagen's lead. And now rival power-plant engineers will be scrambling to catch up with TSI development. Our only comment regarding this magic combination is that engine performance may be a little 'peaky' for some tastes. But only some! And the abundance of power across the rev range allows for tall gearing. A low 2,600 rpm at 110 km/h means relaxed highway cruising.

Needless to say, the Golf chassis is also more than a good match for such a sporting performer. With its low-slung sports suspension and fat tyres on 17" alloy rims, the GT Sport certainly looks like it means business, and it very largely delivers. Handling, steering and general roadholding are all designed to keep owners smiling, in the wet or dry. This car feels like its GTI stablemate in all but a few tight situations, such as roundabouts, where the slightly softer suspension settings mean it doesn't feel quite as sharp as hotter brother. But this is a great car to drive, offering keen drivers real enjoyment behind the wheel.

The GT Sport is also quite well equipped in usual Volkswagen fashion. The exterior treatment speaks for itself. Inside, the surprisingly roomy cabin has the usual goodies such as power windows and mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, cruise control, climate control air-conditioning, auto-on/off headlights and rain-sensing wipers, to name a few. The read-out for the multi-function trip computer sits within a blue-lit instrument cluster which includes a turbo boost gauge. Unfortunately, this is in the spot normally occupied by the temperature gauge!

We found the sports seats very comfortable and supportive over long distances, with great adjustability. Our test car  was nicely trimmed in charcoal grey leather, an option at $2,990. Other options fitted were the $790 audio upgrade, with user-friendly 6-CD changer mounted in the centre console; and satellite navigation at $2,990.

Volkswagen have certainly been facing the challenge of reducing fuel usage, while maintaining motoring enjoyment, very seriously indeed. Is this the dawn of a new age for petrol? Continued dependence on fossil fuels is probably not the way of the future. But the TSI is a viable present-day solution to the new reality of $2/litre fuel. It successfully combines turbo diesel-like economy with the free-revving, clean burning characteristics of petrol, in a very clever way.

The Volkswagen Golf GT Sport does all this in a most enjoyable way. Listed from $34,990 (manual) and $37,290 (DSG) plus on-road costs including 3-year/100,00km warranty with free roadside assist, this is a car whose TSI engine will keep owners smiling while avoiding unnecessary trips to the petrol bowser.