The Volkswagen Golf GTI has been launched at an introductory price of ₹53 lakh, ex-showroom, making it the most expensive Volkswagen currently on sale in India. Volkswagen’s celebrated hot hatch is taking the CBU route and will be imported in limited numbers. The initial batch of 150 cars has already been spoken for and the company is expected to bring in more units as per demand. The coveted GTI moniker thus returns to India after a 9-year hiatus, being first introduced with the Polo GTI. The two-door Polo GTI was also sold in limited numbers and like the Golf GTI, it was also imported as a CBU vehicle.
The Golf GTI gets its power from Volkswagen’s trusty EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. In this particular application, the engine churns out 265PS and 370Nm. Volkswagen’s signature 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox handles shifting duty and transmits the power to the front wheels only. An electronic limited-slip differential on the front-axle helps maximise grip and the 0-100kmph dash is dispatched in 5.9 seconds. The Golf GTI is electronically limited to a top speed of 250kmph.
The car gets GTI-specific red highlights and a smattering of GTI badges outside. The LED matrix headlights have automatic headlight control, and both units are connected by an LED light strip right above the grille. The Volkswagen badge is also illuminated. The front bumper also gets five LED fog lights arranged in an X-shaped honeycomb pattern at both ends. 18-inch “Richmond” alloy rims get a diamond-turned finish and slot in well into the large wheel arches. The rear is made interesting by large LED taillights with multiple elements and twin exhausts finished in chrome.
Inside, the new Golf GTI gets a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen—which controls most of the car’s tech features including its 7-speaker audio system—perched atop the dashboard. There’s a 10.25-inch digital display with customisable themes and graphics for the driver. Red stitching on the upholstery, red highlights on the steering and tartan fabric inserts on the GTI-branded sports seats are a nod to the legacy of the Mk 1 Golf GTI. Remember, the first-gen came out in 1976, which makes it legal to import to India next year. A large sunroof ensures airiness. Oh, and it also packs in ADAS features such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
It is truly mind-boggling that despite having well-known performance models in their international line-ups, most manufacturers don’t bother with limited imports except Volkswagen, bringing power to the people and living up to its name.
