KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Both cars are powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, but they are completely different.
- The A4 can be had from Rs 46.99 lakh to Rs 57.11 lakh (ex-showroom).
- The Golf GTI arrived in a batch of just 150 units and has been sold out.
- Both cars are also primarily front-wheel drive,
The Audi A4 and the Volkswagen Golf GTI may seem like two very different animals, but if you dig deep and look at a slightly bigger picture, they have a few things in common, including some Indian customers who will have both products in their wish list. After all, they've worked hard enough to be able to indulge in a luxury like this.
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Audi A4 Vs Volkswagen Golf GTI; Design
One is a sedan, the other is a hatchback, obviously, but they aren't too far apart when it comes to size. The Golf GTI is not your regular sub-4m budget hatchback, and you will definitely feel it is larger in the flesh. Of course, the design is typically Volkswagen; understated, but thanks to the GTI-spec, there are a few racy, sporty elements that make it stand out.
The Audi A4, on the other hand, remains unchanged in the way it looks, carrying over the same design from the B9 model's debut in India, with a few tweaks here and there. The sedan carries a more premium, sophisticated vibe, but both designs work quite well, and this one comes down to user tastes and preferences. Personally, I'd go the hatch way.
Audi A4 Vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: Powertrain
| Criteria | Audi A4 | VW Golf GTI |
| Engine | 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol | 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol |
| Power | 201bhp | 265bhp |
| Torque | 300Nm | 370Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT |
Both cars in this comparison are front-wheel drive, and while they both feature a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powertrain, they are quite different in their approaches. The A4 obviously has a power and torque defiict, but you do need to remember that this is a premium sedan, while the Golf GTI is a proper hot hatchback with its engine massaged for more output.
That said, the A4 is definitely no slouch; it can certainly hike up its skirts and go from 0-100kmph in 7.1 seconds, which is not really that far behind when compared to the GTI, and it does the same in 5.9 seconds. Both cars are also not too far off when it comes to the claimed top speed figure, with the A4 and the Golf GTI reaching claimed figures of 241kmph and 250kmph (electronically-restricted) respectively. However, in our first drive review, the Golf GTI crossed that particular landmark; you might want to check out the video for that.
Audi A4 Vs Volkswagen Golf GTI; Interiors And Features
The Golf GTI has the more racier interior layout, featuring an all-black cabin with red inserts to lay emphasis on the sporty nature of the hot hatchback. It gets things such as 12.9-inch touch screen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit with a customizable display, voice commands, an electronic front differential, adaptive cruise control, and a 7-speaker sound system, Level 2 ADAS, 7 airbags, rear view camera, a wireless charger and a conventional sunroof among other things.
The A4, being a more comfort-oriented car, offers two upholstery options; Atlas Beige, and Okcapi Brown. In terms of features, the Audi A4 comes with a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, ambient lighting with 30 colour options, wireless charging, powered front seats with memory function, three-zone climate control, Audi virtual cockpit, a panoramic sunroof, powered ORVMs with auto-dimming and optional memory function among other things.
Audi A4 Vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: Ride And Handling
In terms of the drive experience, the Golf GTI is meant to be loads of fun, and a very dynammically-sorted car. On our first drive review, we found the Golf GTI offers great levels of steering feel and feedback, and it also sticks to a line very well, with little understeer. However, it remains to be seen how it behaves on normal Indian roads, given that we tested the car on the smooth, paved sections of the NATRAX.
On the other hand, the Audi A4 offers a more comfortable, smoother ride experience. This is the car for someone who wants to take the backseat, as it glides over road imperfections and bad patches with a certain ease that is yet to be seen in its rivals. However, should you take the wheel, the A4 won't disappoint you either, as it also gets a steering that weighs up nicely. It doubles up as a premium sedan and a driver's tool, but that said, the A4 prefers catering to the chauffeur-driven buyer.
Also read: Renault Duster & Bigster Hybrids to Arrive a Year After the Petrol Model
Verdict
The Audi A4 and the Volkswagen Golf GTI are not too far apart in terms of pricing, with the A4 ranging between Rs 46.99 lakh to Rs 57.11 lakh. The Golf GTI's Rs 52.99 lakh will also raise a few interesting questions in the buyer's mind. If the buyer wants pure driving thrills, there should be no question about going for the GTI. However, the A4, with its more refined and comfortable cabin will be easier to live with on a daily basis.
