Cutting Euros - Part One

In late 2004 we gave you a special 2-part feature on European performance vehicles that can be had for under AUD$10,000 (see Euro-phoria - Part One and Euro-phoria - Part One). Well, since then we’ve been under pressure to cover more of the later-model cars from ‘the forgotten land’. It seems more and more people are opting for a European machine to shake the boredom of driving something you see at every set of traffic lights.

You want late-model second-hand Euro performance?

You’ve got it!

Volkswagen Golf GTi

After having only limited Australian success with the previous generation performance Golf (the 2.8 litre VR6), VW introduced the turbocharged Golf GTi to the market in 1999.

Magazine testers said the 4^th generation GTi was a return to form and the traditionalists welcomed the return of the VW GTi nameplate. Here was a performance Golf worthy of wearing those famous three letters...

Interestingly, the Golf GTi is one of the very few turbocharged hatchbacks sold in Australiain the late ‘90s/early ‘00s. By then the turbo hatches of the ‘80s were just a distant memory... But we must point out that the GTi turbo drives very differently to those turbo machines of yesteryear.

The GTi boasts a 1.8 litre 20-valve in-line four with a small capacity turbocharger and air-to-air intercooler (an engine shared with more expensive Audi models). The boosted 1.8 is configured to give a huge spread of torque through the low to mid rev range – the area where, like it or not, you invariably spend most of your time. The peak torque data tells the story – there’s 210Nm at just 1750 rpm.

Some turbo engines are only just starting to creep onto boost at that stage...

The peak torque figure continues until 4600 rpm before dropping off. You’ll find peak power at a relatively low 5700 rpm. There’s 110kW in all.

Driving through a standard 5 speed manual gearbox, 0 – 100 km/h performance is in the mid 8 second range and the quoted top speed is 216 km/h. Not bad for an utterly conventional looking hatch!

Suspended on MacPherson struts with lower wishbones at the front and a torsion beam rear axle, the 4^th gen Golf GTi is an accomplished – if not electrifying – handling machine. It is, however, an extremely safe machine to punt hard – it’s equipped with what were the latest ABS and EDL (Electronic Diff Lock) systems. Note that the EDL does not lock the differential as its name implies – the system merely brakes individual front wheels to avoid wheelspin.

The overall appeal of the 4^th generation Golf GTi continues with its practical 5-door hatchback body and high quality assembly.

Inside, the turbo GTi is treated to 2-tone Recaro front and rear seats, a leather wheel, 8-speaker CD/tuner, electric tilt/slide sunroof, cruise and climate control. It’s a very comfortable, spacious and functional cabin - but the blue instrument illumination (as also found in other 4^th generation Golf models) is of questionable taste.

Safety is assured with a highly crash tested body, 2 standard airbags plus head restraints and 3-point retractable seatbelts for all 5 occupants.

Visually, the 4^th generation Golf is a very clean-cut design. There are no fussy details and everything looks chunky but well proportioned. The traditionally thick C pillars are a hangover from previous Golf models – they probably help improve chassis rigidity but they don’t do much for rear-quarter visibility... The GTi also features 16 inch alloy wheels and integrated headlights/fog lights. 

Selling new for around AUD$44,000 in 1999, a second-hand example with service history and good condition will typically set you back anywhere from around 20 grand. Note that the GTi was sold in Australia until 2004 – you’ll pay in the mid 30s for these later-model versions.

The Audi Alternative Audi released its equivalent A3 turbo in Australia prior to the release of the Golf GTi. In essence, it's the same vehicle – the same engine, chassis layout and packaging. Aside from detail changes, the biggest difference is the availability of Audi 3 and 5-door bodies and an automatic transmission. Second-hand Audi A3 Turbos usually fetch a couple of grand more than an equivalent GTi. See New Car Test - Audi A3 Turbo for our 2001 A3 Turbo test.

Porsche Boxster

Despite the implications of many people, the Porsche Boxster isn’t intended merely for coffee strip cruises.

Just take one for a drive to find out.

The 1997-release Boxster was a clean-sheet design – the first in Porsche’s history since the V8-powered 928 of the ‘70s. This freedom of design meant there was no traditional baggage to carry over from previous models.

As a result, the Boxster has an extremely space efficient cabin and offers two genuinely useable cargo areas – one behind the engine at the rear and another at the front. Engineers were also able to give the Boxster and extremely rigid chassis despite the absence of a structural roof member.

The Boxster’s engine is yet another all-new design. Displacing 2.5 litres and employing a dry sump lubrication system, variable intake manifold and water cooling, the Porsche six cranks out a creditable 150kW at 6000 rpm and 245Nm at 4500 rpm. It’s progressive, responsive and flexible. A 5-speed manual and 5-speed Tiptronic auto were offered.

Drop this driveline into a vehicle weighing 1250kg and you have a guaranteed sub-7 second ride to 100 km/h. Unfortunately, the Boxster’s mid-mounted engine is situated very close to the occupant’s ears – and you can almost hear every engine revolution... Matters aren’t helped by the unlined soft-top.

The rear-drive chassis grips the bitumen through 17 inch 205/50 tyres at the front and 255/40s at the rear. The chassis is wonderfully balanced – it can be made to understeer or oversteer as conditions require. This is a car that exhibits even front-to-rear tyre wear – indicative of a well-sorted chassis. The steering is also fluid and direct.

The Boxster was updated in 1999 with, most importantly, a larger capacity engine and greater output. The existing 2.5 litre engine was stretched to 2.7 litres and the kilowatt count reached 162.

But the ultra high performance version of the Boxster – the Boxster S – was also released in 1999. With an 185kW 3.2 litre engine, bigger brakes, upgraded suspension and more, the S is a truly potent package. A favourite amongst track racers.

Today, an early Boxster 2.5 fetches more than AUD$55,000 – a handy saving over the 100k+ new price... You’ll pay considerably more for later models (the 2.7 Boxster is still being sold new). The potent Boxster S is relatively rare but you’ll find them starting from around 65 grand.

Whichever model you chose, it’s likely you’ll fall in love...

See The Porsche Boxster for our full Boxster 2.5 test.

Stay tuned for the final installation of this 2-part series – we’ll look at an under-rated Roadster and a completely forgotten V6 sedan/wagon...