Simply having a multitude of cylinders is no longer a guarantee of top-of-the-heap status; we’re talking about re-engineering the engines and working with specialist chassis, power train and suspension engineers. This power game has also moved tuning houses top engineers to go crazy with their creations. And we love them for their autonomy and ability to surprise us with every new model. This time we are test-driving the latest product from established VW tuning house Abt.
Outside the ABT GTI
For the exterior treatment, an Abt kit with new bumpers with LED lights and bigger air intakes in front and a diffuser along with a pair of twin diagonally arranged tailpipes at the back. Abt designed 19 inch size light weight alloy wheels are fitted shod with wafer thin rubbers.
Inside the ABT GTI
Ignite the engine and make sure your windows are down. It is a beast at creeping speeds as the slightest touch of the accelerator pedal induces a growl and immediate engine response. With just the TSI engine to start with, Abt engineers have coaxed 260 horses out and 360Nm of torque from under the hood. Peek under the hood and there is no indication of a tuned powerhouse lurking inside as all tuning work has been done with its electronics only.
Driving the ABT GTI
Find an open piece of road and this Abt tuned GTi will hammer through the 100km/h barrier from rest in a contemptuous 6.9 seconds and it doesn’t tail off and get even the slightest out of breath in the mid range. The tuned TSI engine simply takes on a deeper, more aggressive rumble, like an approaching storm breaching the thick layers of sound insulation that the interior department have piled in to keep the serenity of the cabin intact. The sheer savagery of this tuned GTI is undeniable. Stand on the accelerator pedal and the car will shoot forward, while laying down thick black lines and a cloud of smoke courtesy of wafer thin Conti tyres that just might not last that long if you keep this up. You cannot disable the electronics completely, which is a frustration in fast sweeping corners when this Abt GTI starts skipping a beat to cope with the huge amount of torque that piles on like a ever filling buffet line.
Power is transferred with the help of the infamous GTI 6-speed DSG. Equipped with the stock factory VW steering wheel gearshift paddles, the 6-speed automatic transmission delivers a decidedly sporty or comfort-focused ride depending on the driver’s tastes. The automatic throttle-blipping function when downshifting is another innovation we love. The VW factory high-performance braking system and disc brakes all-round provides optimum stopping power even during particularly dynamic driving on the tarmac.
Now comes the price of this tune. A cool RM43,610.00 for the exterior additions, exhaust system and alloy/wheel combination. Add another RM7,000.00 for the engine electronics upgrade all from ‘FAST’ (ABT franchisee in Malaysia). Best news yet is an extended warranty is available with the above-mentioned ABT kit. The EWP ( Extented warranty programme ) covers 5 limited components. The VW Turbocharger, Engine, Drive Train, DSG Gearbox & ECU unit.
