THE EVERYDAY LEGEND

An airport run and a revelation of why it's still the people's performance car

- Words By: Sohil Nikam

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has always been one of those cars you hear about in reverent tones.

The kind that enthusiasts mention as a benchmark, the yardstick against which every other hot hatch is measured. But for the longest time, I'd only admired it from afar; through reviews, YouTube videos, and stories that spoke about how it's not just quick, but brilliantly balanced. So when the opportunity came to drive one, even briefly, I didn't think twice. Except my first drive was anything but exhilarating.

A STATIC ROAR

It was late evening when I picked up the Golf GTI from our garage. Mumbai traffic was in peak form. It was the kind that makes every inch of movement feel like a small victory. I barely got to move past second gear for most of the drive home. Every red light, every honk, every sea of taillights inched me closer to frustration. But then there was the engine. Even at a standstill, that 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI hummed with intent. You could feel the power coiled under the bonnet, waiting to be let loose. I actually rolled the front windows down to admire the sweet sound. However, it was a mere tease of what was in store.

AN EXHILARATING AIRPORT RUN