After years under evaluation, Volkswagen will finally bring the Golf GTI to India. Expected to arrive by August 2025, the souped-up hot-hatch will be brought in under the government’s homologation-free import route (up to 2,500 units a year are allowed), and act as an aspirational, halo model for Volkswagen India. While this will be the first time the Golf GTI will be brought to India, the German brand had introduced the Polo GTI in our market back in 2016, in limited numbers.
- Latest VW Golf GTI gets 265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
- Gets aggressive, sporty design outside and inside
- Price expected to be around Rs 40 lakh ex-showroom
Volkswagen Golf GTI engine and performance
The latest update for the Golf GTI was revealed in April this year, and it came with minor cosmetic changes, updated infotainment software, and most importantly, a bump in power. The familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (EA888) now makes 265hp (up from the 245hp it used to make), but the torque figure is the same at 370Nm. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that sends power to the front wheels only.
Volkswagen claims a 0-100kph time of 5.9 seconds for the updated Golf GTI (0.4 seconds quicker than its predecessor), and it also has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. Other mechanical highlights include a progressive steering (featuring variable steering rack and pinion gearing), an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock, and an optional adaptive suspension.
Volkswagen Golf GTI interior and exterior
Unmistakably a Volkswagen, the latest Golf GTI is a svelte-looking hatchback, and has the requisite sporty cues, courtesy of the 18-inch ‘Richmond’ diamond-cut alloy wheels (19-inchers are optional), GTI badges, and contrasting red bits (like a strip on the bonnet above the illuminated VW logo and the red brake callipers). It also features aggressive front and rear bumpers (the front has massive air intakes surrounded by a black finish while the latter features the trademark twin tailpipes and a diffuser) and a dual-tone full roof spoiler.
Like newer, more premium VWs on sale abroad, the Golf GTI gets Matrix LED headlights and 3D-looking LED tail-lights, both of which can be programmed with welcome and goodbye signatures selectable via the infotainment screen. Speaking of the 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, VW says it’s been updated with improved graphics and simpler menus, and it features a voice assistant with Chat GPT integration. Other than the typical tartan seat upholstery and GTI steering, the hot-hatch’s digital instrument gets GTI-specific graphics, and before the engine starts up, the push-to-start button pulses red.
Volkswagen Golf GTI price estimate and rivals
When it arrives in India, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is expected to be priced around Rs 40 lakh. Based on its proposition and price point, the hot-hatch will go up against the likes of the Mini Cooper S, which is currently priced from Rs 44.90 lakh, and comes with a 204hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. If Skoda does decide to bring the Octavia in its hotter RS avatar to India (it is currently under evaluation and will be brought to the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025), then the Octavia RS will also serve as an alternative to the VW Golf GTI.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
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