The Volkswagen Golf doesn't carry nearly the same amount of cache as more powerful hatchbacks do, but when it comes to sports hatchbacks->ke304, you'll find it difficult to name another one that's as beloved by aftermarket company's than the Golf->ke164.
As it is, the Golf's reputation as a sports car->ke506 trapped in a hatchback body has made it a tuning favorite, and the latest one to profess its admiration for the VW is Caractere, which is no stranger to working on Volkswagens->ke94.
The program is made up of both aesthetic and mechanical upgrades with Caractere working really hard to build a new aero kit that gives the Golf a more dynamic look and feel. The kit includes a new front lip spoiler, revised side skirts, a rear diffuser, a stainless-steel sports exhaust system and a new set of 18- or 19-inch CW1 light alloys. These five new elements play equally important roles on improving the Golf's look, while also addressing the need for more performance balance brought about by the comprehensive engine tune the company gave it.
Speaking of the performance upgrades, Caractere offers a comprehensive program list that covers the full breadth of Golf trim models, beginning with the 1.6 TDI, which saw its output jump from 90 horsepower to 110 horsepower all the way to the most powerful Golf in the fold -- the 2.0 TFSI -- which increased its output from 270 horsepower all the way up to 310 horsepower.
It's not the most mind-blowing Golf project we've seen, but in terms of overall likeness and authenticity, Caractere's program for Volkswagen's resident sports hatch gets high marks from us.
Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Golf VII
2014 Volkswagen Golf VII by Caractere
- Make: Array
- Model: 2014 Volkswagen Golf VII by Caractere
- Engine/Motor: inline-4
- Horsepower: 310
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
The seventh-generation Golf GTI rolled out some pretty major updates, including exterior and interior revisions and a new Performance version that increases the final output by 10 horsepower -- a first for a Golf. Golf Performance, in particular, comes with a 2.0-liter in-line-four engine that produces 230 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds to go with a top speed of 155 mph.
On the German market, the seventh-generation Golf GTI was priced at &euro28,350 (around $37,00 at the current exchange rates).