The upcoming Volkswagen Golf GTI is arguably the most hotly anticipated car launch this year for enthusiasts. An iconic nameplate in VW’s global line-up, the Golf is actually a spiritual successor to the Volkswagen Beetle. And it is also bringing back the GTI nameplate to India, with Volkswagen having previously offered the Polo GTI back in 2016. So, without further ado, here are 5 things you need to know about India’s newest hot hatchback ahead of its price announcement on May 26.
Volkswagen Golf GTI engine and specs
265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
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The Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (EA888) that produces 265hp and 370Nm. The unit is paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox with paddle shifters, sending power to the front wheels, and it also gets an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Volkswagen claims a 0-100kph time of 5.9 seconds for the Golf GTI, and it has a speedometer-indicated top speed of 267kph.
Volkswagen Golf GTI design and colour options
GTI-spec sporty details and four colour options
This sporty iteration of the Golf is marked out by GTI badges on the grille, front fenders, and tailgate. It also gets a red trim headlining the nose, a sporty-looking bumper with a honeycomb mesh pattern, and large 225/40 R18 tyres with red brake callipers. At the back, the dual exhaust tips shout out its performance credentials. In India, the Golf GTI will be offered in four body colours: Moonstone Grey, Kings Red, Onyx White and Grenadilla Black.
Volkswagen Golf GTI interior and features
Tartan seat upholstery and a large 12.9-inch touchscreen
Inside the Golf GTI, the most distinguishing feature is the tartan upholstery on the sports seats with fixed headrests and GTI logos stitched in red on the backrests, along with a GTI-spec steering wheel. Equipment highlights include the IQ.Light LED headlamps and tail-lamps, a single-pane sunroof, launch control, a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a configurable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, three-zone climate control and an ADAS suite. The India-spec model, however, misses out on ventilated front seats (it does get a heating function, though) and rear sun blinds. The lack of physical controls for basic functions like AC and drive modes could also be an annoyance for some.
Volkswagen Golf GTI expected price
About Rs 60 lakh, on-road
The Golf GTI’s expected ex-showroom price is around Rs 53 lakh, with on-road costs potentially exceeding Rs 60 lakh in some states. In terms of market positioning, it will sit between the 2-door Mini Cooper S, which costs between Rs 44.90 lakh and Rs 55.90 lakh, and the significantly more powerful Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, which sells for Rs 94.80 lakh. The Golf GTI will arrive as a full import, and only limited units have been allocated for India.
Volkswagen Golf GTI first batch booked already
Second batch being planned
Unfortunately, even if you were willing to pay the hefty amount, all 150 units of the Golf GTI allocated in the first batch have already been pre-booked. However, some cancellations are possible once the official prices are announced on May 26. The good news is that VW is planning to bring in another 100 units in the second batch, revealed a company spokesperson, deliveries of which can only be expected sometime next year.
Suraj Viswanathan
