KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- VW Golf GTI launch on May 26
- Comes with a 2.0L turbo petrol mill churning out 265 hp
- With first batch sold out, next batch likely this year
The VW Golf GTI has been an iconic nameplate for the thrill-seeking segment of car lovers, and while finally the brand made its plan to launch it in India with a limited 150 units via the CBU model, it all sold out before that launch itself. Now, it is learnt that the next batch of 100 units will be coming to our shores this year. Although a few existing bookings might be cancelled and then handed over to the next in line, even if you couldn't get your hands on this one, there are more coming to give you a second shot at it. Let's look at some more details, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community of avid petrolheads to never miss out on any latest news and automotive updates.
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VW Golf GTI: The Hot Performance Hatch
Volkswagen recently confirmed that all 150 units of the first batch of the Golf GTI for India have been fully pre-booked. However, with the official launch and price announcement set for May 26, there could still be a few cancellations. Anticipating continued interest, a VW spokesperson revealed that the brand is planning to bring in a second batch of 100 units this year, with deliveries likely commencing next year. The Golf GTI is expected to be priced at around Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom), which will be revealed in the next couple of days. Positioned as a premium hot hatch, it rivals the Mini Cooper S. Interestingly, VW hasn't ruled out the possibility of introducing the more powerful 328 hp AWD Golf R or offering the GTI with optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) in India at a later stage.
Inside, the Golf GTI gets a premium and sporty treatment with a large 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Volkswagens latest OS, complete with ChatGPT-enabled voice assistance. The cabin is adorned with signature GTI touches like sport seats, GTI-specific graphics, red accents, and GTI badging. As a fully imported model (CBU), the GTI comes loaded with features such as a 10.25-inch digital drivers display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heads-up display, powered and ventilated front seats, multi-zone climate control, and multi-colour ambient lighting. On the safety front, it packs advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a 360-degree camera, and an electronic parking brake, making it as tech-savvy as it is performance-oriented.
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Powerplant: The Talk Of The Town
Powering the Golf GTI is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque. It's mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission, sending power to the front wheels. The hot hatch can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.9 seconds. It also gets a more potent sibling internationally, the Gofl R, and might be in store for a future debut.
Verdict
Eveen with an anticipated hefty price tag, the demand for the Golf GTI has been nothing short of explosive with the pre-bookings completed before its launch. This is not starkly different to what the VW would have thought, considering it is a performance vehicle aimed at a niche segment of buyers who are ready to splurge for performance. However, it will be interesting to see how the Golf is priced when comapred to Tiguan R-Line when launched on 26 May.
Source- Autocar
