Bookings for the upcoming Volkswagen Golf GTi will commence on May 5, with the price announcement expected later this month. The Golf is one of VW’s most iconic nameplates globally, and it will be brought to India for the first time as a full import – in GTi spec no less. This will be VW’s second GTi-badged model in India; previously, it had brought the 3-door Polo GTI. Being a full import, it will be expensive, and prices are expected to cross the Rs 50 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
- Golf GTi will be powered by a 265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
- Volkswagen has allotted 250 units in the first batch
- Will rival the Mini Cooper S in India
The bookings can be exclusively done on Volkswagen India’s website, and it will be open for a limited period only. Deliveries will begin in June from select dealerships across India.
Volkswagen Golf GTi powertrain and specs
More powerful than a Mini Cooper S
Powering the Golf GTi in India will be a 265hp, 370Nm, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. It also gets an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock. Volkswagen claims a 0-100kph time of 5.9 seconds for the Golf GTi, with top speed being electronically limited to 250kph.
As a performance hot hatchback, the Golf GTi will sit in a space of its own. For reference, the Mini Cooper S is the only model that comes relatively close to the GTi in terms of performance. It is powered by a 204hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and is less practical due to its two-door configuration.
Volkswagen Golf GTi exterior design and colours
Will be offered in four colour options
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 twin exhaust tips at the rear. It also gets a unique five-piece lighting element neatly embossed on the dual-tone front bumper, and the LED DRLs protrude out of the headlamps and into the grille.
Volkswagen will offer the Golf GTI in India in four colour options: Grenadilla Black Metallic, Oryx White Premium, Moonstone Grey Black and Kings Red Premium.
Volkswagen Golf GTi interior and features
Shares interior features with the Tiguan R Line
On the inside, the Golf GTi will share a lot with the recently launched Tiguan R Line in India, including the large 15-inch central touchscreen and the 10.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster. It will also get a GTi-spec steering wheel and sports seats with GTi branding. The iconic tartan seat upholstery seen on the international-spec model will also be available on the India-spec Golf GTi.
As already mentioned, the only rival for the Golf GTi in India will be the Mini Cooper S that’s currently priced between Rs 44.90 lakh and Rs 55.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Volkswagen is understood to have imported 250 units of the Golf GTi in the first batch.
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