Sure, sure, we all know, the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR is now not being produced neither is it nonetheless on sale. Nonetheless, whereas Australian fanatics eagerly await the arrival of the Mk8 Golf GTI, we have been supplied the prospect to drive the swansong to the Mk7 GTI. That’s not an give you flip down.

On preliminary impressions, the TCR might merely seem like a normal GTI with new bumpers and a few stickers. Nonetheless, it’s rather more than that and the upgrades made lead to one of many best front-wheel drive sizzling hatches going round.

Key to the Golf GTI TCR is the two.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s good for 286 hp (213 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. Curiously, that torque determine is down from the (272 lb-ft) 370 Nm of the usual Golf GTI, however the discount in torque has been offset with the implementation of a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission versus the seven-speed DSG of the usual GTI, the Golf R, and GTI TCR fashions bought in Europe.

Whereas the usual mannequin has at all times been fairly delicate, the GTI TCR is an actual head-turner, thanks in no small half to the matte black stickers utilized to the doorways. Different alterations embrace a brand new entrance bumper with a novel splitter, ducts to cut back air stress across the entrance wheels, and a pointy diffuser on the rear. A set of matte black, 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Continental ContiSportContact 5p AO tires additionally come as commonplace. It’s a pleasant trying factor and to some eyes, higher trying than the Mk8 model.

For as eye-catching as it’s, nonetheless, is it truly a lot of an improve over the usual GTI when pushed on the road? Completely, after which some.

No unusual Golf

A brand new exhaust is without doubt one of the first issues that grabs your consideration when you fireplace it up. It produces a beautiful bark on upshifts and a pleasant burble on the overrun, instantly making the TCR really feel extra centered than different Golfs, together with the R.

Whereas the output of the TCR is significantly increased than the usual GTI and far nearer to the Golf R, it continues to be routed by way of the entrance wheels courtesy of a limited-slip differential. Is that this a very good or a foul factor? Properly, it relies upon.

Off the road, the GTI TCR is at an apparent drawback to the all-wheel drive R. The truth is, VW quotes a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.8 seconds with the R and 5.7 seconds with the TCR. Whereas 0.9 seconds might not sound like a lot, the true distinction is how simple it’s to attain these instances in the true world. Due to the R’s wonderful launch management system, matching its claimed 0-100 km/h time is sort of simple. The identical can’t be stated concerning the TCR.

Watch Additionally: Mk7 VW Golf GTI TCR Tuned To 330 HP, But What About Those Wheels?

It too has a launch management system nevertheless it might be higher described as a ‘burnout mode.’ Miserable the brake and pinning the throttle permits the system and lets the two.0-liter roar. Nonetheless, when you let off the brake, the automotive doesn’t handle traction to get the perfect launch; it as a substitute ferociously spins up the entrance wheels, leaving thick tire marks on the pavement and sending tire smoke straight into the cabin by way of the air vents and proper into your face. It’s enjoyable however not efficient. Utilizing the system with a lighter proper foot is the best way to go however dropping beneath the 6.0-second mark to 100 clicks isn’t simple.

When you get shifting, the TCR truly feels faster than the R. That is partly attributable to the truth that it weighs 3,057 lbs (1,387 kg) in comparison with the three,196 lbs (1,450 kg) of the R. The engine pulls strongly by way of the gears and exhibits no indicators of letting up because the numbers begin to climb.

A automotive that thrives within the corners

Dare I say it, the TCR additionally handles higher than the R. The automotive is supplied with adaptive dampers and the experience peak has additionally been dropped by 5 mm. No matter which driving mode you’re in, the new hatch suggestions into corners the second you begin to apply stress to the steering wheel. The preliminary turn-in feels higher than the R and the automotive manages to take care of this grip by way of the length of the nook with out breaking a sweat.

The inside is a superb place to spend time and feels particular due to the crimson and black sports activities seats. The flat-bottomed steering wheel can also be completely formed and sized, though it will be good to have seen VW match a set of steel paddle shifters somewhat than low cost plastic ones. VW’s very good digital gauge cluster additional provides to the expertise.

Volkswagen bought 300 examples of GTI TCR in Australia through the ultimate months of 2020, all completed in both gray, white, or crimson, with costs beginning at AU$51,490 (US$39,676) plus on-road prices. That positioned the TCR neatly between the usual GTI (AU$47,190 / US$36,362) and the Golf R (AU$55,990 / US$43,143), and some thousand {dollars} beneath the likes of the Honda Civic Sort R and Renault Megane R.S. Trophy.

On account of its all-wheel drive, the Golf R is extra well-rounded than the GTI TCR. Nonetheless, if I had to decide on between them for an early-morning blast up a mountain highway, I’d select the latter on daily basis of the week.

Picture credit: Brad Anderson / CarScoops