The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most anticipated performance cars due for India this year. Autocar India can confirm that the hot hatchback will make its India debut at the Generation Speed motoring festival this month that’s scheduled to take place on February 22-23. Select dealers have started accepting unofficial bookings, and it is expected to be priced at Rs 52 lakh (ex-showroom). Deliveries for the Golf GTI are to begin from August this year.
This will be second time a VW GTI badged-model will be coming to India, the brand previously having offered the 3-door Polo GTI in India. It will, however, be in limited numbers – just 250 units have been allotted in the first batch which will arrive as full imports.
- Golf GTI gets a 265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
- 250 units have been allotted in the first batch
- Expected to be priced at Rs 52 lakh (ex-showroom)
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 engine 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, and it 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 bits 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 infotainment touchscreen featuring the brand’s latest software interface with improved graphics and simpler menus. It even features a voice assistant with Chat GPT integration. Other than the typical tartan seat upholstery and GTI steering, the hot-hatch’s digital instrument gets GTI-specific graphics, and before the engine starts up, the push-to-start button pulses red.
As a hot hatchback at about Rs 50 lakh, the Volkswagen Golf GTI will find company from the 204hp Mini Cooper S in India. The latter also uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and is priced at Rs 44.90 lakh (ex-showroom).
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