All new Golf GTI takes you to seventh heaven

Over at the Eastern end of Singapore, just beyond the northern edge perimeter fencing of the new Changi Air Base (East), lies a convention centre on a plot of land.

Its primary purpose is to host the biennial Singapore Airshow. The site has also become the venue for automotive-related events like the Formula Drift Competition as well as private driving experiences.

Volkswagen Singapore, in partnership with Pirelli - the official tyre partner for this event - held the GTI Driving Experience at the Changi Exhibition Centre. The event is on from Thursday, 18^th July, to Sunday, 21^st July 2013.

All cars are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres which combine high performance, comfort and safety - the perfect formula for a hot hatch like the Golf GTI.

Participants can look forward to burning some of these tyres on the scorching tarmac as they push the all new Golf GTI to the limit.

Urban Drive Challenge

Starting off as a mini drag race, participants were required to gun the Golf GTI down a straight before coming to an absolute halt within a stipulated space separated by cones. Showcasing its capabilities, it's always good to know that the brakes are more than capable of hauling the hot hatch to a complete stop.

Power Alley

In this station, participants had a chance to pilot the Golf GTI in a thrilling track environment under the guidance of Volkswagen Driving Experience's professional instructors who flew down from Germany for this special event.

One interesting point to note was that for the first time in Singapore, a specially painted track was created just for this event, which greatly increased visibility, as well as to have a better feel of a real race track.

High performance driving tips were given by the instructors during the drive and participants got to experience not only the different driving modes such as Comfort and Sport (highly recommended by the instructors) but also revolutionary safety systems in the Golf GTI, such as the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Preventive occupant protection system.

Putting 220bhp and 350Nm of torque to the test, accelerating from zero to 100km/h took a brisk 6.5 seconds. Together with a great soundtrack, the Golf GTI was a joy to behold.

Chucking the car around, there wasn't a time when you didn't feel confident with the car. There was plenty of grip and power from the punchy 2.0-litre TSI engine and the progressive steering worked hand in hand to deliver excellent performance.

Participants also got a chance to bring home the GTI Experience video, where a video of their performance on the track was recorded.

Those who have registered for the event can also look forward to trying out the Mk7 Golf and the Scirocco.

The all new Volkswagen Golf GTI retails at $199,800 (at press time).