2022 First-Ever Volkswagen Golf Test Drive at Sepang Track

We had experience the most-awaiting beast from Germany's renowned car marque, Volkswagen. The event was held at Sepang International Track Circuit, and most of the media team were invited alongside its guests’ members.

Other than focusing on the latest Golf family debuts, a few of its predecessors were also exhibited such as Golf MK1 placed at a corner looking stylish and classic in the red-painted body.

The event kickstarted in the late evening, which was officiated by an official speech of Erik Winter by a virtual stream. With colourful fancy lights and a dark theme setup, it seems like the night was made only for these beasts to stand out along with its creative mood.

After the preview, all eyes and ears were shifted towards two Golf variants making its wheezing sound right on the lane track. At first, only two variants were circling the area.

Yet, do not be fooled as another member of the Golf family also “attended”.

Three of its prominent variants were gathered in a line flashing their headlights towards the crowd is just fascinating. From the left, it was Golf R, followed by R-Line and then the GTI. 

Landing on the third group where they released six people in one set off had made the waiting worthwhile when it was finally my time to shine, starting with the R-Line model first.

An upgraded interior of R-Line appears to use simple designs, especially with the R logo stitched at its Sardegna fabric seats. Both variants are identical to GTI with a 10-inch digital instrument panel and a large Discover Media infotainment touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Between the occurrence, Volkswagen also threw a Lucky Draw session where winners get to win customisable silkscreen tote bags or T-Shirts which run in the middle of the test drive session while some were geared up for the track.

Previously the MK7.5 version was mated with a DSG transmission, but now, it comes with an eight-speed auto transmission and a new gear handle where you get to push it instead of holding a normal gear to shift modes.

Driving my first time on the Sepang Track was surreal with the nervousness I had to swallow. However, once I buckled up and made myself comfortable in the semi-buckets seat with integrated headrests, all that’s left is to hit the pedal just yet.

Driving on a straight route took around 9 seconds for me to reach 100km/h. It was quite an entertaining ride with its 1.4TSI turbocharged engine that churns out 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque power.

After finishing three laps on the track, we moved into the Golf GTI and drove another three laps as instructed. Compared to R-Line, the sibling has a lot more to offer, especially its handling, practicality, and engine performance.

Each time they changed passengers, the team sanitised and ensured everyone was wearing head caps as amid pandemic, let’s not risk it and obey the SOP.

A few metres away, spotted shining in Black, the GTI is already there waiting for its next passenger. Equipped with full LED headlamps and taillights, the GTI offers a compelling 2.0TSI turbocharged engine mated with a seven-speed wet-clutch DSG that transmits 228hp and 350 Nm of torque.

The speciality offers its Vehicle Driving Management system and carries 50-litre fuel tanks.

Looked into the cabin and toggled around with its new features such as 3-Zone Electronic Climate Control and spotted four Driving Modes Selection– Normal, Eco, Sport, Race. In addition, it offers a multi-function leather sports steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Riding on18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, GTI accelerates straight up to 100km/h within 6.7 seconds before reaching the first corner. VPCM claims that the top speed is 250km/h, just like the previous Mk7.5 GTI.

At the corner, the handling was smooth and wasn’t like I expected. Despite the turning point acceleration being quite rough, my body is still planted into my seats with less wiggling after the hasten manoeuvre.

The major highlight of the whole race would be maintaining body stability after its braking performance shown on the junction is admirable. I would say, a sporty car performance such as Golf GTI definitely reacts as a shield and weapon on the track.

Overall, the night was memorable and filled with the overwhelming Love of Golf!

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