Volkswagen has launched its sixth generation of the Golf GTI locally in both three- and five-door form.
It's not only the fastest GTI to date, says the manufacturer, it's also safer and cleaner-running. With peak power of 155kW available between 5300 and 6200rpm, plus 280Nm of torque produced between 1700 and 5200rpm, the GTI can accelerate to 100km/h from a standing start within 6.9 seconds. In combined-cycle testing, the GTI discharges CO2 emissions as low as 178g/km (DSG) or 180g/km (manual) and fuel consumption is 7.7L/100km (manual) or 7.6L/100km (DSG).
The powerplant is a 2.0-litre TSI (turbocharged and direct-injected) four-cylinder engine, driving through either the standard six-speed manual or (optional) DSG transmission to the front wheels. Traction is enhanced by an 'Extended Electronic Differential Lock' (XDL) and the GTI also features exclusive suspension tuning. Volkswagen engineers have lowered the ride height of the Golf by 22mm (front) and 15mm (rear) for the GTI application. The sports model's spring and damper settings have been revised and the car can be specified with Adaptive Chassis Control as an option. This is the first occasion the electronic damper control system has been offered with the GTI variant.
The sports model can be distinguished by 17-inch 'Denver' alloy wheels, a revised nose, comprising a modified bumper integrating a deeper airdam with a honeycomb mesh insert. At the rear of the car, a diffuser is located between the twin exhaust pipes and a rear wing is perched above the tail lights.
Safety features fitted to the GTI include: ABS, stability control and seven airbags (including a kneebag for the driver). The Golf range has been rated five stars for safety by both Euro NCAP and ANCAP (the Australasian New Car Assessment Program).
As standard, the GTI features red/black tartan trim for the sports seats (complete with red stitching and 'GTI' logo on the headrests), a flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel, red brake callipers and dual-zone climate control.
Pricing for the GTI is as follows:
Golf GTI three-door manual $38,990
Golf GTI three-door DSG $41,490
Golf GTI five-door manual $40,490
Golf GTI five-door DSG $42,990
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