2020 Golf GTI TCR Driven: a fitting Mk7 send Off?

The Golf Mk7 platform has been around a fair bit of time now, having served for a fittingly ironic seven years. Being a VW product itself was an evolution of the MK6, which was infact the MK5, but I digress. The GTI moniker and its uniquely South African “Vrrpha” charisma captured the hearts of many and stole of 1/3 of all the 42 000 odd MK7’s that found homes in South Africa. Substantial sales and the model having grown from strength to strength in the popularity demanded some tasty variations of this model, and the TCR has some preferably exciting shoes to fill. Question is how well does it take to the challenge?

2020 VW GOLF GTI TCR?

Serving as the production model ode to the International Touring Car Racing championships in which VW competes. It in this context perhaps, it results in a drop in ride height of 50mm from the standard GTI, A new stainless steel exhaust and the more powerful full cream version of the EA888 engine customarily reserved for the R. This results in an increased power output of 213kW and 380Nm from a lowly 1800Rpm to 5300Rpm. Driving the front wheels via a six-speed DSG box and a VAQ Electromechanical Locking front differential given the bootful of grunt on tap. Lifted from the R are two additional front radiators to aid in cooling. Further changes include revised Slotted breaks and revisions to the electric power steering to make it more focused and direct.

2020 VW GOLF TCR: Exterior styling

You’ll struggle to find all the differences between this model and the standard version, with the nuanced GTI nature carrying through into the TCR. No real extremes or shouty body modifications, just a larger front splitter, more pronounced rear tailgate-mounted spoiler, sharper side skirts and 19″ Reifnitz Alloy wheels wrapped in 225/35/R19 rubber. Possibly the loudest thing about the TCR is the hexagon-themed stickers on the doors, but these can be removed at no cost.

2020 VW GOLF TCR: Interior

The most significant difference is the design options available for the seats with the leather option ditched for Tartan themed Alcantara versions of the GTI bucket seats. There are a few more drizzles of Alcantara on the door cards and gear lever gaiter but otherwise its typical GTI. The Dash gets a special plaque to remind this is one of 300 models. The older generation Discover Media 8-inch touch screen handles connectivity and infotainment duties with CarPlay and Andriod auto standard. The actual age of the cabin does begin to become apparent, but it’s still ergonomically a wonderful place to be.

2020 VW GOLF TCR: On the Road

Being this is a performance car, all the facts are almost secondary if the vehicle drives like a Malva pudding. I’m glad to report that the TCR goes very well, Indeed. The sheer grunt is suitably impressive, the first ratio serving as the wheel-spinning, rev-limit bouncing gear and the selection of another cog bringing a steady shove into the seatbacks. With Launch control engaged, VW claims a 5.6 second 0-100, which I managed to match relatively easily with a Dragy handling the timing. Top speed is an impressive 264km/h with the speed limiter removed as standard for South African models. The TCR feels every bit as fast as the numbers suggest, with the mid-range 2-3-4 in-gear pull being the most explicit distinction over the standard model. Feeling far more effervescent, and incorrigibly more eager to and feeling more strong approaching the redline and with a throaty rasp that doesn’t exist in the standard model. Tackling the twisties, the standard Adaptive Chassis Control sharpens the steering wheel, which otherwise is a little bit lighter than you would like, but allows for a sharp point and shoot style of drive. The inner wheel always seeming to behave even with traction lowered or off all-together; spinning but not allowing for torque steer or pushing the nose wide. It becomes pretty clear rather quickly that the chassis is not as dynamic as those of the Direct FWD rivals Megane Cup RS 280 or Hyundai I30N. It fails to inspire as much chuckable confidence as those hardcore models, but critically is still very rapid and when driven with a smooth and disciplined approach is a scary fast, a hot hatch with proper levels of grip and capable of terrifyingly high turning velocities. The GTI element that means dropping the car back into ECO or COMFORT means the ride is far more compliant and arguably far more subtable for a daily drive than either of the rivals as mentioned earlier. Viewing the TCR as an incredibly talented and more adept version of the GTI rather than an outright one-off will make understanding it simple, and a lot easier to justify without leaving you wanting more. VW claims a 7.5L/100 which no matter what I did couldn’t replicate with a more realistic 8.6L/100 achievable relatively easily, which is not terrible and comfortable with the heps of low-down torque.

2020 VW GOLF TCR: Should you get one?

Having driven the Clubsport S and the Clubsport, it’s tough to say this is the MK7 fitting of doyen status. The Clubsport S being so competent as a performance machine that it was no longer in the reach of the typical GTI owner. This should express volumes about how immense it is and makes you feel. The Clubsport did the very same but made it a Golf again by having space for groceries, comfortable yet terrifyingly rapid in all-weather and conditions with space for your pet labrador retriever (mine fits just fine). It’s, for this reason, it will remain the best MK7, maybe even Golf GTI VW will make. If you think I’m wrong, lest we not forget the purpose of a GTI is to do everything, brilliantly.

2020 Golf TCR Pricing In South Africa

The innovative strategy to though fully loaded cars, in limited numbers, means VW understands this is another model likely to do very well in our market. The Sticker price of R675,700 makes it a rather expensive proposition, with the most direct rivals on a like for like bases bring the Megane RS280 Cup coming in a bit cheaper at R634900,00 and the I30N a touch more at R 679900,00. I should also express that an early higher milage Clubsport can be had for a little as R370k with the full cream Clubsport S starting at R550K these days. Standard in the Price is a 90 000Km/5-Year service plan, with the full maintenance plans as options.