Overview
This November I am thankful for many things. The highest on the list (concerningly) is my car; A brand used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE. GTI is not a new disease; it stands for Grand Touring Injected, describing the fuel injection system it’s got. But I get ahead of myself. The car’s bone stock (not for long), and has dark navy paint with black rims. I am in love with this car. I’ve even named it Matilda. It’s only weird if you make it weird (it’s weird). I love that rush when I accelerate out of a stop light, and it’s hard to describe the feeling I get taking a corner in second gear. This car is my life. Every second I want to be behind the wheel. I drive everywhere. I give people rides, I run errands, and I drive miles and miles away, just to drive this car.
Stats
To get the stats out of the way, it’s got a 2.0L I4 gasoline engine that makes 220hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s a five-door (trunk included) hatchback with a six-speed manual. If you’re concerned about the environment, don’t worry, it gets 27 miles to the gallon, which is fine. It has a top speed of 155 mph, and sports a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds. The car weighs in at roughly 3000 lbs, which roughly means it’s got 13 pounds for every horsepower.. Did I mention it’s front-wheel-drive? It’s also got five seats and plenty of trunk space. It’s got a 103.6 inch wheelbase, and it’s about 14 feet long, 6 feet wide, and shockingly, just under 5 feet tall. It sits 5 inches off the ground, which makes the GTI the lowest car in my family. To wrap up the boring part of the article, the GTI is fuel-injected. That means that it squirts fuel like a spray nozzle instead of using a carburetor. This was more impressive in the 70s.
Experience
The GTI handles extremely well. It takes corners like a champ, and the clutch is just the right amount of bouncy. I especially enjoy the different drive modes; by that, I mean sport mode, which I never take it out of. Additionally, the sporty shift knob does wonders, having a super short throw and a lovely feel. It’s a six-speed manual, so it feels like a race car whenever I drive it. Generally, the interior feels nice and posh, and welcomes you in like an old friend. The sunroof and power windows are a tad finicky, but it’s worth it for that wind-in-your-hair feeling. The GTI has CarPlay, which makes my commute and music experience a joy. It’s got plenty of space for all your needs, and I’ve even fitted a Playstation One in the back. The back seats leave a little to be desired, but considering I don’t have children it’s something I can let slide. Overall, the GTI provides a driving experience unmatched by any hatchback on the market. I know it’ll always have a special place in my heart, ‘cause you always remember your first.