Volkswagen Golf GTI India launch in April-June quarter

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most anticipated performance cars to be introduced in India this year. VW has now confirmed that it will announce the prices for the hot hatchback early in the April-June quarter. Select dealers have started accepting unofficial bookings, and its ex-showroom price is expected to be Rs 52 lakh. 

1. Golf GTI is VW’s second GTI-badged model in India 
2. It gets a 265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
3. VW has allotted 250 units in the first batch

It is the second time that VW will offer a GTI-badged model in India; previously, it had brought the 3-door Polo GTI. However, the numbers will be limited – the company has allotted just 250 units in the first batch, which will arrive as full imports.

Volkswagen Golf GTI engine, specs

The India-bound 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 dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. Volkswagen claims a 0-100kph time of 5.9 seconds for the Golf GTI, which has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

Other mechanical highlights include a progressive steering (featuring variable steering rack and pinion gearing), an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock and an optional adaptive suspension.

Volkswagen Golf GTI exterior and interior

Unmistakably a Volkswagen, the latest Golf GTI is a svelte-looking hatchback and has the requisite sporty cues, courtesy of the 18-inch alloy wheels, GTI badges and contrasting red accents. It also features aggressive front and rear bumpers and a dual-tone full-roof spoiler.

On the inside, the Golf GTI gets a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring the brand’s latest software interface with improved graphics and simpler menus. It even has a voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. Other than the typical tartan seat upholstery and GTI steering, the hot hatch’s digital instrument cluster gets GTI-specific graphics. The push-start button pulses red before the engine starts up.

In India, the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s main rival will be the 204hp Mini Cooper S, which, too, uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and is priced at Rs 44.90 lakh (ex-showroom).