Review by CoMod JoergW on the Golf GTi Tuner
(analog 27230 / digital 30430)
1. Optics
Generation Carrera meets Generation Golf!
Introduced in 1976, the Golf Gti, with its 110 hp, was the most powerful variant to date of the VW Golf I introduced in 1974, which ultimately left its mark on an entire generation and lent its name to it. For many young people in the 1970s, the GTi was the dream of a sports car, but only a few could afford one. Used GTis and visually souped-up standard Golfs were the norm and represented constant competition to the significantly cheaper Opel Manta, Asona, and Kadett C coupes. With this model and, of course, the Opel Manta released at the same time, Carrera has now found a good entry into the 1970s theme. Carrera kids of the 1970s are now family fathers with hobby rooms, and before a train set can get into that space, alternatives are needed. The detailed look is well done with effect paint, an extreme tuning kit on the rear shelf, and the bunny. Back then, the Golf was called Rabitt = rabbit in the USA. Only the rear tires look a bit too heavy, but that could be due to the handling. I consider the rather large gap in the rear wheel arch to be a minor cosmetic flaw, which fortunately doesn't affect the handling and will unlock plenty of tuning potential.
2. Technology
The Golf also offers the new option of servicing the rear axle without disassembling the entire chassis. To remove the chassis, you need to unclip the rear panel with the exhaust tips. This gives access to the two rear body mounting screws. The angle of rotation of the guide keel is still good, but skidding in tight corners is rather rare, depending on your driving style.
3. Processing
The Golf makes a solid impression and exhibits no manufacturing defects. The plastic and workmanship can withstand the rough daily life on the slot-track highways and aren't easily damaged by a trip into the hedgerows. The interior of the car is quite cramped, and when reassembling a dismantled body, you have to be careful not to pinch any cables.
4. Driving behavior
At 100g, the GTi is surprisingly heavy for such a small car, which surprised me when I first picked it up. The tires were striking to me – less the attractive tread pattern than a completely new feel. The consistency of the tires promised grip, which was confirmed in the extensive driving tests. The very grippy tires make the GTi significantly more controllable than comparable vehicles with other tires. The GTi has sprint and cornering qualities and is hardly unsettled. With two magnets, it is very suitable for beginners and children, and can be adjusted to the increasing demands of the driver by gradually removing the two magnets or the distances.
5. Miscellaneous
Overall, a bold and appropriate choice of vehicle. Let's see how it's received and how it sells. Personally, I'd love to see a few more tuned cars from the '70s... everything I wasn't allowed to buy as my first car ;-) As the advert said: Just say we're driving a Golf. Sure, gladly.
CoMod JoergW
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Review by CoMod Lotus on the Golf GTi Tuner
(analog 27230 / digital 30430)
Lake Wörthersee in the Slot...
In 1975, a car was presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show that would become the epitome of an entire car class and make history: the VW Golf GTI. Originally intended as a 5,000-unit competition car for motorsports, approximately 1.5 million units have been sold to date.
From the very beginning, the GTI was the target of tuners, both professional companies like Öttinger, as well as backyard workshops and the average home mechanic. The aftermarket industry supplied everything that made the car more beautiful, faster, or simply more eye-catching. And since its days as a used car, at least, everything imaginable has been installed on the GTI. The 1 Series GTI was a typical product of its era: low, wide, hard, with a spoiler. :-)
At the annual gathering of the VW scene at Lake Wörthersee, you can still marvel at all the things that have been done with the 1 Series. And now, the most coveted object of our automotive youth is available as a slot car from Carrera. In the classic tuner version with large rims, fat tires, and powerful spoilers.
Let's begin : This Golf also features Carrera's new chassis design with a removable axle unit for servicing the rear axle. Loosen one screw, and the entire block is out. The distance between the guide keel and the front axle is correct, and the guide keel's rotation angle is OK, but could be a bit less tight. The chassis is very stable and, above all, straight (the body screws at the rear are located under the panel on the rear bumper, by the way). The body itself is very robust, as you'd expect from Carrera. Removable mirrors are now standard, putting an end to the annoying search for them on the carpet.
The printing is very clean and precise, and the paintwork is top-notch. Details like the GTI grille and the nitrous oxide cylinders in the rear of the Golf are very nice. My favorite features are the two-piece rims with chrome rims. Looks are one thing, performance is another.
To put it bluntly : the little GTI lives up to its larger counterpart. Thanks to the strong magnets, the car drives like it's on rails. A car that's absolutely suitable for a child's room and that little ones will have lots of fun with. Advanced drivers can test their own limits by removing the center and rear magnets and the spacers, but the car generally remains controllable. It accelerates very well, and the visually appealing tires with their replica V-profile have very good grip. The 100g body isn't the lightest for a car of this size, but that means the car sits well in the slot. In terms of handling, there's no difference between the digital model and the analogue model; I tested both models.
Conclusion : I think the Golf is great and I'm already looking forward to other models. And, of course, to its direct competitor, the Manta. If Carrera were to bring out the wide Ford Capri RS or the Ford Escort BDA, the disco troika of the 80s would be complete!
CoMod Lotus
(analog 27230 / digital 30430)
1. Optics
Generation Carrera meets Generation Golf!
Introduced in 1976, the Golf Gti, with its 110 hp, was the most powerful variant to date of the VW Golf I introduced in 1974, which ultimately left its mark on an entire generation and lent its name to it. For many young people in the 1970s, the GTi was the dream of a sports car, but only a few could afford one. Used GTis and visually souped-up standard Golfs were the norm and represented constant competition to the significantly cheaper Opel Manta, Asona, and Kadett C coupes. With this model and, of course, the Opel Manta released at the same time, Carrera has now found a good entry into the 1970s theme. Carrera kids of the 1970s are now family fathers with hobby rooms, and before a train set can get into that space, alternatives are needed. The detailed look is well done with effect paint, an extreme tuning kit on the rear shelf, and the bunny. Back then, the Golf was called Rabitt = rabbit in the USA. Only the rear tires look a bit too heavy, but that could be due to the handling. I consider the rather large gap in the rear wheel arch to be a minor cosmetic flaw, which fortunately doesn't affect the handling and will unlock plenty of tuning potential.
2. Technology
The Golf also offers the new option of servicing the rear axle without disassembling the entire chassis. To remove the chassis, you need to unclip the rear panel with the exhaust tips. This gives access to the two rear body mounting screws. The angle of rotation of the guide keel is still good, but skidding in tight corners is rather rare, depending on your driving style.
3. Processing
The Golf makes a solid impression and exhibits no manufacturing defects. The plastic and workmanship can withstand the rough daily life on the slot-track highways and aren't easily damaged by a trip into the hedgerows. The interior of the car is quite cramped, and when reassembling a dismantled body, you have to be careful not to pinch any cables.
4. Driving behavior
At 100g, the GTi is surprisingly heavy for such a small car, which surprised me when I first picked it up. The tires were striking to me – less the attractive tread pattern than a completely new feel. The consistency of the tires promised grip, which was confirmed in the extensive driving tests. The very grippy tires make the GTi significantly more controllable than comparable vehicles with other tires. The GTi has sprint and cornering qualities and is hardly unsettled. With two magnets, it is very suitable for beginners and children, and can be adjusted to the increasing demands of the driver by gradually removing the two magnets or the distances.
5. Miscellaneous
Overall, a bold and appropriate choice of vehicle. Let's see how it's received and how it sells. Personally, I'd love to see a few more tuned cars from the '70s... everything I wasn't allowed to buy as my first car ;-) As the advert said: Just say we're driving a Golf. Sure, gladly.
CoMod JoergW
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Review by CoMod Lotus on the Golf GTi Tuner
(analog 27230 / digital 30430)
Lake Wörthersee in the Slot...
In 1975, a car was presented at the Frankfurt International Motor Show that would become the epitome of an entire car class and make history: the VW Golf GTI. Originally intended as a 5,000-unit competition car for motorsports, approximately 1.5 million units have been sold to date.
From the very beginning, the GTI was the target of tuners, both professional companies like Öttinger, as well as backyard workshops and the average home mechanic. The aftermarket industry supplied everything that made the car more beautiful, faster, or simply more eye-catching. And since its days as a used car, at least, everything imaginable has been installed on the GTI. The 1 Series GTI was a typical product of its era: low, wide, hard, with a spoiler. :-)
At the annual gathering of the VW scene at Lake Wörthersee, you can still marvel at all the things that have been done with the 1 Series. And now, the most coveted object of our automotive youth is available as a slot car from Carrera. In the classic tuner version with large rims, fat tires, and powerful spoilers.
Let's begin : This Golf also features Carrera's new chassis design with a removable axle unit for servicing the rear axle. Loosen one screw, and the entire block is out. The distance between the guide keel and the front axle is correct, and the guide keel's rotation angle is OK, but could be a bit less tight. The chassis is very stable and, above all, straight (the body screws at the rear are located under the panel on the rear bumper, by the way). The body itself is very robust, as you'd expect from Carrera. Removable mirrors are now standard, putting an end to the annoying search for them on the carpet.
The printing is very clean and precise, and the paintwork is top-notch. Details like the GTI grille and the nitrous oxide cylinders in the rear of the Golf are very nice. My favorite features are the two-piece rims with chrome rims. Looks are one thing, performance is another.
To put it bluntly : the little GTI lives up to its larger counterpart. Thanks to the strong magnets, the car drives like it's on rails. A car that's absolutely suitable for a child's room and that little ones will have lots of fun with. Advanced drivers can test their own limits by removing the center and rear magnets and the spacers, but the car generally remains controllable. It accelerates very well, and the visually appealing tires with their replica V-profile have very good grip. The 100g body isn't the lightest for a car of this size, but that means the car sits well in the slot. In terms of handling, there's no difference between the digital model and the analogue model; I tested both models.
Conclusion : I think the Golf is great and I'm already looking forward to other models. And, of course, to its direct competitor, the Manta. If Carrera were to bring out the wide Ford Capri RS or the Ford Escort BDA, the disco troika of the 80s would be complete!
CoMod Lotus
