Review by CoMod JoergW on the Golf GTi Tuner
(analog 27230 / digital 30430)
1. Optics
Generation Carrera meets Generation Golf!
The Golf Gti, introduced in 1976, with its 110 hp, was the most powerful variant of the VW Golf I introduced in 1974, which ultimately left its mark on an entire generation, or rather lent its name. The GTi was the dream sports car for many young people in the 1970s, but only a few could afford it. Used GTis and visually improved standard Golfs were the norm and represented constant competition to the significantly cheaper Opel Manta, Asona, or Kadett C coupés. With this model and, of course, the Opel Manta, which was 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 can enter the scene, alternatives are needed. The detailed look is well-executed with the special effect paint, 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 bold, 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 ample 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, the rear panel with the exhaust tips must be unclipped. This gives access to the two rear body mounting screws. The steering angle is still good; depending on your driving style, skidding in tight corners is rather rare.
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-tracks and aren't easily damaged even by a trip into the hedges. The interior of the car is quite cramped, and when reassembling a disassembled body, you have to be careful not to pinch any cables.
4. Driving behavior
At 100 g, the GTi is surprisingly heavy for such a small car, which surprised me when I first picked it up. What stood out to me were the tires – 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 a few more tuned cars from the 70s... basically everything I wasn't allowed to buy as my first car ;-) As the ad said: Just say we're going Golfing. 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 model for motorsports, approximately 1.5 million units have been sold to date.
From the very beginning, the GTI was the object of tuning, both professional companies like Öttinger, as well as backyard workshops and ordinary home mechanics. The accessories industry supplied everything that made the car more beautiful, faster, or simply more eye-catching. And since its days as a used car, at the very latest, everything possible was installed on the GTI. The 1 Series GTI was a typical product of its time: low, wide, hard, spoiler. :-)
At the annual gathering of the VW scene at Lake Wörthersee, you can still marvel at everything that has been done with the 1 Series. And now, the 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 angle of rotation 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 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 small GTI lives up to its larger counterpart. Thanks to the powerful 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 limits by removing the center and rear magnets and the spacers, but the car generally remains manageable. It has very good acceleration, and the visually appealing tires with the replica V-profile offer excellent grip. The 100-gram body isn't the lightest for a car of this size, but it also allows the car to sit well in the slot. In terms of handling, there's no difference between the digital and analog models; 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!
The Golf Gti, introduced in 1976, with its 110 hp, was the most powerful variant of the VW Golf I introduced in 1974, which ultimately left its mark on an entire generation, or rather lent its name. The GTi was the dream sports car for many young people in the 1970s, but only a few could afford it. Used GTis and visually improved standard Golfs were the norm and represented constant competition to the significantly cheaper Opel Manta, Asona, or Kadett C coupés. With this model and, of course, the Opel Manta, which was 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 can enter the scene, alternatives are needed. The detailed look is well-executed with the special effect paint, 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 bold, 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 ample 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, the rear panel with the exhaust tips must be unclipped. This gives access to the two rear body mounting screws. The steering angle is still good; depending on your driving style, skidding in tight corners is rather rare.
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-tracks and aren't easily damaged even by a trip into the hedges. The interior of the car is quite cramped, and when reassembling a disassembled body, you have to be careful not to pinch any cables.
4. Driving behavior
At 100 g, the GTi is surprisingly heavy for such a small car, which surprised me when I first picked it up. What stood out to me were the tires – 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 a few more tuned cars from the 70s... basically everything I wasn't allowed to buy as my first car ;-) As the ad said: Just say we're going Golfing. 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 model for motorsports, approximately 1.5 million units have been sold to date.
From the very beginning, the GTI was the object of tuning, both professional companies like Öttinger, as well as backyard workshops and ordinary home mechanics. The accessories industry supplied everything that made the car more beautiful, faster, or simply more eye-catching. And since its days as a used car, at the very latest, everything possible was installed on the GTI. The 1 Series GTI was a typical product of its time: low, wide, hard, spoiler. :-)
At the annual gathering of the VW scene at Lake Wörthersee, you can still marvel at everything that has been done with the 1 Series. And now, the 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 angle of rotation 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 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 small GTI lives up to its larger counterpart. Thanks to the powerful 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 limits by removing the center and rear magnets and the spacers, but the car generally remains manageable. It has very good acceleration, and the visually appealing tires with the replica V-profile offer excellent grip. The 100-gram body isn't the lightest for a car of this size, but it also allows the car to sit well in the slot. In terms of handling, there's no difference between the digital and analog models; 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
