To celebrate 50 years of the VW Golf, Remix takes the 2024 GTI for a spin
For over 70 years, we Kiwis have been creating countless memories with Volkswagen. With a rich history in innovation and craftsmanship, Volkswagen is known for its iconic models with their vehicles woven into the fabric of Kiwi families up and down the country. However, VW believe no matter the craftsmanship or design aesthetic, their cars don't truly become a Volkswagen until there are people in them. It is the many human moments like school drop-offs, the morning coffee run or a weekend roadie that forms the connection between people and the VW vehicles that they own, and love.
To celebrate the bond between car and consumer, VW has released a film paying homage to the Volkswagen vehicle and the people behind their wheels. Whether it's WalkiesVW when you are walking the dogs, Mum'sVW on the daily commute or Dave'sVW, getting out in nature, this montage-style film showcases the heart-warming dynamic between people and their cherished vehicles––as if they were members of the family.
If you’re a Volkswagen owner you too will have the opportunity to upload your cherished memories with Volkswagen and become part of the ‘YourVW’ campaign which will be shown in various content series and activations throughout the year and into the future––in Volkswagen dealerships, at physical events and across social media.
If there wasn’t already enough to celebrate, this year Volkswagen is celebrating 50 years of the VW Golf. A car that has been a staple in Kiwi lives and will live on for generations to come. To celebrate this golden birthday Remix Features & Lifestyle Editor Nina got to put the new 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI to the test. Spoiler alert––it passed.
At first glance, the Volkswagen GTI looks like it’s built for the race track, with its sporty physique and compact size, and while that might be partly true, an acquired knowledge of the history of the Volkswagen Golf—and getting behind the wheel myself—revealed that this car has much more to offer. Despite its smaller size, the GTI impressed me with its advanced technical and design features, challenging my idea of what my ideal car would look like. Over a long weekend, my husband and I took the vehicle for a series of roadtrips from Matakana to Clevedon, covering long stretches of motorways and winding country roads.
A selection of four driving modes—eco, comfort, sport and individual allows any driver to control their journey, and in the interest of fine auto journalism, we engaged sport mode to put the Golf’s 4-cylinder inline turbo engine to the test. Agile and responsive, the MacPherson struts and sports suspension keep the car firmly planted through sharp corners, making it ideal for winding rural roads. Advanced lane assist and blind spot monitoring provide an extra layer of safety when navigating curves or overtaking other vehicles. Inside, the multimedia touchscreen lets you customise everything from drive modes to music and navigation, all seamlessly connected through wireless App-Connect. With a convenient charging dock provided to ensure your phone’s battery is always charged. Your speed and navigation directions are also conveniently and quite cleverly projected onto the windshield, which allows your eyes to stay fixed to the road––an invaluable feature to eliminate distractions.
And as with any road trip, sound is an essential ingredient. In this sporty wee VW, the Harman/Kardon premium sound system includes eight high-quality surround sound speakers, a centre speaker, and a subwoofer, delivering crisp, clear audio that’s perfect for summer road trips with friends and family. We listened comfortably from leather sports seats with power-adjustable lumbar support that ensures an ergonomic drive on every journey. Additionally, a 30-color ambient lighting system is seamlessly integrated into the cabin, allowing for a customisable and stylish interior atmosphere.
In these small moments, it is immediately clear that every detail of the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been meticulously crafted by Volkswagen engineers, embodying the true spirit of the brand.
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