trackday athletes
To any motoring enthusiasts residing here in Malaysia, the Sepang Circuit is known to be the ultimate locale to put one’s skill to test at the wheel. Not only it’s a fix for those who demand for speed and adrenaline-fuelled excitement, but it’s also a great training ground for those who are willing to learn or drive like Jason Plato. Well, almost.
But without a doubt, this bustling motorsports venue is famed for its all-year round automotive activities, and it was Volkswagen’s time to host their own trackday recently that included an extensive model lineup – consisting of your day-to-day nameplates like the Passat, Golf, Jetta, Tiguan and oddly, the Vento (basically the saloon alternative of the hatchback Polo).
However, that’s no serious faux pas. I was assigned to try out the marque’s top-tier performance models: the Golf GTi (RM239,990) and Golf R (RM295,990). Having driven these two brilliant hot hatchbacks during my motoring journo days; they were nothing of short of fun, exhilarating and an absolute delight to drive on an empty winding road in spirited fashion.
But this time, there’s a catch. It was on Sepang at night, and the surface was damp. As a precautionary measure, the track marshalls and instructors apprised us on how a vehicle would behave differently in the wet with limited grip.
With this conveyed to mind, I proceeded down to the circuit’s paddock in earnest, and into the Golf GTi for now. With three stages planned, the first session was done with an instructor present with you in the vehicle, followed by a fast convoy formation with a lead car in front for the second. The third and final run was conducted independently with participants that were finally well-versed with both the cars and circuit.
Inside the GTi, one can instantaneously know it isn’t your average Golf. Apart from boasting a chunky steering wheel and grippy seats that fits you in the right position, it serves 228bhp and 350Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged mill upfront. It might not sound much, but that’s how it’s designed to be: balanced and nimble enough to put some quicker cars to shame.
Out on track, the first segment was all about adhering the most desired line. This study was rather important as it requires a smooth steering and throttle input. Though some thought it was rather mundane, it actually provides greater control while doing the tango. The last thing you want here is excess understeer, of which is guaranteed to trigger the traction control unnecessarily and hinder momentum.
The second session involved a series of fast laps with a lead car in front. With two laps permitted this time, I pushed on with a little more gusto with instructions still kept in mind. Surprisingly, it’s apparent that by staying composed gives you better speed and control throughout the course. It beggars belief for some, but it’s proven by many qualified instructors.
Now for the last chapter, it was time to give the Golf R a go — the hottest variant with 286bhp and 380Nm under its belt. Unlike the GTi, the R is equipped to an all-wheel drive drivetrain, giving it an added edge in wettish conditions. With power distributed almost equally to all four corners, the R eradicates any slip in exchange for a more grounded feel. Perkier it may be from the throttle response, the R remains concise and evidently planted throughout.
The Golf R, in short, is sweet and simply sublime. As a whole, Volkswagen’s trackday did played a pivotal role in educating us about the importance of braking to timing your take on a bend. It’s also a testament for newcomers that more speed doesn’t necessarily equal more fun. It was a great eye-opening experience not only for me, but for everyone who took part on that eventful day, too.
