GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: VW lobs next Golf GTI

Volkswagen has revealed its most powerful Golf GTI ever just days after revealing its new Golf GTD, both of which will make their world debuts at next week’s Geneva motor show.

Although the GTD is yet to be officially confirmed for Australian release, the new GTI has been locked in for local introduction in the fourth quarter of this year, but it remains to be seen which version of the new GTI will be available here.

Two variants of the Golf GTI – based on the redesigned Mk7 Golf that arrives here in April – will be offered in Europe for the first time, from May.

The regular GTI will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine producing 162kW of power between 4500 and 6200rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1500 and 4400rpm – up from the current model’s 155kW/280Nm – enabling it to hit 100km/h in 6.5 seconds (four tenths sooner than the existing Mk6 GTI) and a top speed of 246km/h.

In addition, the all-new Golf GTI Performance model will be fitted with the same engine, tuned to deliver an extra 7kW at higher revs. The hottest Golf 7 – until the new all-wheel drive Golf R arrives in 2014 – will pack 169kW between 4700 and 6200rpm and the same 350Nm over a wider 1500-4600rpm.

Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration drops another tenth to 6.4 seconds, while top speed increases to 250km/h.

The long-stroke (82.5mm bore, 92.8mm stroke) 1984cc engine features direct petrol injection and 9.8:1 compression.

Volkswagen Group Australia Public Relations Manager Kurt McGuiness told motoring.com.au both Golf GTIs were under consideration for local VW forecourts.

“We’re currently looking at both versions of the new GTI, but I’m unable to say whether both of them – or which one – will arrive here in the fourth quarter,” he said.

Both new GTIs are fitted as standard with a fuel-saving idle-stop system, helping reduce fuel consumption by 18 per cent – from the current model’s 6.9L/100km to 6.0L/100km for six-speed manual variants. Fuel consumption for the six-speed dual-clutch automatic models is also down, at 6.4L/100km for the regular version and 6.5L/100km for the GTI Performance.

Although both GTIs will be slightly lighter than before at 1351kg (down from 1360kg), the Performance model will come standard with a new ‘VAQ’ front axle differential lock designed to deliver even more polished handling by limiting inside wheel spin during hard cornering.

The GTI Performance will also be fitted with larger brakes, including 340x30mm vented front rotors (up from the standard GTI’s 312x25mm) and 310x22mm vented rear discs – up from the entry-level GTI’s solid 300x12mm rear discs.

Appearing almost identical to the concept version revealed at last year’s Paris motor show, the GTI will be differentiated from mainstream Golfs by 17-inch ‘Brooklyn’ alloy wheels with 225/45 tyres, smoked rear lighting, unique side skirts, red brake callipers, sports suspension and twin chromed exhaust outlets.

New tartan seat trim dubbed ‘Clark’ will replace previous the Jacky trim seen in previous GTIs, while the interior will also come with black roof-lining, red ambient lighting, stainless steel pedals and a GTI-specific steering wheel, gearshifter, instrument cluster and trim strips.

Three exterior paint colours will be available: Black, Pure White and Tornado Red.

The existing GTI accounts for about a quarter of all Golf sales in Australia, but it remains unclear whether VW will continue to offer a three-door version, which currently opens the GTI line-up at $38,990.

Priced at $40,490, the outgoing Golf GTI five-door remains a benchmark in a hot-hatch category that also comprises the Ford Focus ST ($38,290), Mazda3 MPS (from $39,490), Subaru WRX (from $39,990), Renault Megane RS265 (from $42,640), Opel Astra OPC (from $42,990) and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (from $44,490).

For our full coverage head to motoring.com.au for the latest Geneva motor show news

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