TTAC Photochop: VW GTI Mk VI

Andrei Avarvarii
by Andrei Avarvarii

VW, arguably the inventor of the hot hatch (with the 1977 Golf GTI), recently released their coolest representative of the segment: the new Scirocco. I know they're marketing it as a coupe, but really, does it feel like one? Does it seem connected to the original Scirocco by anything more than name? Is it as sleek as the Corrado? I think this new car could be considered the very definition of a hot hatch, but nothing more. This makes me wonder if there's still room for the next Golf GTI (the Mk VI) in the Veedub range? Cannibalism was never seemed like something VAG worried about. Their model line-up development principle seems to be "more fishing rods into the pond equal more fish." But, they can't just rebadge a Scirocco and make it the next 3-door Golf/Rabbit GTI, can they? The spy photographs made available so far show a boxier design, with large windows and an obvious improvement of the interior space. Considering all the things mentioned above I've rendered what could be the next GTI: an uglified Scirocco with better visibility, better head room and more trunk space. If you were a fish in the hot hatch consumer pond, which lure would you find more attractive?

[For more Avarvarii photochopistry, click here]

Andrei Avarvarii
Andrei Avarvarii

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  • Argentla Argentla on Mar 31, 2008
    Then to further add to the problem in Europe... Let's not forget the SEAT Leon (better-looking three-door/five-door hatches, designed by Walter de Silva, ex of Alfa Romeo), Altea (funkier-looking Touran), and Toledo (extended-boot version of Altea, with a tail apparently styled by Citroen), the Skoda Octavia (a cheaper, softer-riding Jetta that looks a lot like the previous-generation Volvo S40), and the Audi A3. All of these share the current Golf's platform and most of its engine range. The Audi has the advantage of badge snobbery to help carry its significantly higher price, but the others are a trickier proposition. A Leon doesn't carry quite the same residuals as a Golf (the VW name is worth more there than here), but it's vastly more attractive, with similar pricing.
  • Driving course Driving course on Mar 31, 2008

    The Golf GTI is middle aged and whatever VW do to tart it up it's looking 'like mutton dressed as lamb' rather than it's earlier 'wolf in sheep's clothing'. Like many middle aged people (myself included) the GTI is unlikely to ever be as lithe and desirable as it once was. Just to use one more farmyard metaphor... VW - stop flogging a dead horse!

  • BabyM BabyM on Mar 31, 2008

    driving course -- You've apparently never driven a Mk.V GTI. I have one, and there's nothing "dead horse" or "middle aged" about it. It's like my old '85 CRX, but with a back seat and 100 more horsepower.

  • Nathaniel Nathaniel on Mar 31, 2008

    And about 1000lbs more weight than that CRX. Seriously how did they make this car so fat? I won't argue about the drive though, it is a fun car. Can't help but wonder how it could have been had they put it on a diet though.

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