James Chan
New cars come and go, but only the best leave a lasting memory. The Volkswagen Golf GTi is such a car, and I nominate it as my best drive of 2005 because fond memories of the road test still linger after nearly a year.
There are lots of new GTis in Hong Kong, and each time one of them drives past - as they frequently do - I can't help but think of the fun the drivers must be having.
The ordinary Golf has been transformed into a highly capable driving machine, without the loss of creature comforts, civility and practicality. You can treat the GTi just like a grocery-shopping Golf and hardly feel the ride getting harsher. And you can pack as much stuff and people into it as any other econo-box.
I can still feel the engine spooling up and, as we accelerate, the press of my body against the sweet-smelling, leather-lined sports seat. It's hard to forget how the turbine whines at high speeds; nor can you forget how the DSG sequential gearbox facilitates the smoothest gear changes, even on down-shift.
The steering is fluid and perfectly weighted. The suspension setting is ideal for those who like to romp along Clearwater Bay Road or Shek O Road. The combination of engine power and handling performance, and even the interior decor, makes you want to drop off your in-laws and race off alone.