The first batch of the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been entirely booked. That said, Volkswagen is planning to bring another 100 units in the second batch, with bookings expected to open later this year. Until then, here are some reasons to buy and not to buy the VW Golf GTI.
VW Golf GTI: 3 reasons to buy
1. Smooth and exploitable power
The Golf GTI has no shortage of punch, with a 265hp, 370Nm 2.0-litre TSI engine paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox driving the front wheels. This version of the DSG doesn't waste power between shifts and has very little of the jerkiness common in many dual-clutch transmissions. Also, the engine pull is quick and stays strong even at high speeds. A limited-slip locking differential helps mete out all that torque, and the hot hatch hits 0-100kph in just 5.9 seconds. During our Golf GTI review drive, the Volkswagen car did a quarter mile in 14.005 seconds, and clocked a top speed of 267kph.
2. Playful and exciting handling
Despite the Golf GTI’s 1,454kg kerb weight, which is heavy by hatchback standards, it feels stable and solid at high speeds. Its quick steering is eager to turn into the corners, and only a few front-wheel drive cars can steer like the Golf GTI, thanks to the clever differential. But switch it to Comfort mode, and it behaves like any other VW TSI car with a DSG, making for a refined driving experience.
3. Niche product
The Golf GTI has been in production internationally since 1974, and is the successor to the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. And over the years, the Golf has evolved from a people's car to a premium hatchback. As a niche performance hatchback launched in India for the first time, and with limited allocations, the Golf GTI is an exclusive offering.
VW Golf GTI: 2 reasons not to buy
1. Expensive for what it is
At Rs 53 lakh, ex-showroom, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is expensive for what it offers. In fact, it is the most expensive Volkswagen car in India right now. That price tag slots it between the two-door Mini Cooper S (Rs 44.90 lakh to 55.90 lakh) and Mercedes-AMG A 45 S (Rs 94.80 lakh). It should be noted that Volkswagen imports the Golf GTI into India, which shoots up its cost. To know about the Golf GTI's on-road price, click here.
2. Some feel-good features are missing
It also misses out on several niceties, some of which particularly stands out at this price point. The India-spec model is imported from the UK where it isn't specced with ventilated front seats. It also lacks other features like a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, leather seats and electric adjustment for the front seats - all of which are available in European markets. While those may be ignored, the absence of DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) or adaptive dampers is a big miss. Notably, the slightly less expensive Volkswagen Tiguan R Line, which costs Rs 49 lakh, comes with DCC.
