India-Spec Volkswagen Golf GTI: Booking Date And Features Revealed!
The next big launch from Volkswagen India will be the Golf GTI. The performance hatchback will officially enter the Indian market in the coming weeks. We have lately been stumbling upon multiple pictures and videos of the vehicle being tested. Limited number of the Golf GTI will be brought to India, and the manufacturer has confirmed that the pre-bookings will open on May 5. Some dealers have already started accepting orders unofficially- say reports. We expect the deliveries to begin by June this year.
A Closer Look At The India-Spec VW Golf GTI: Design, Interior And Features
The Golf GTI will arrive in India as a fully imported model (CBU), which means there will be no homologation, and the availability will be limited. If you’re a performance car enthusiast, this is a rare opportunity to own a global icon known for its fun-to-drive nature.
The Golf GTI will feature a bold and aggressive exterior. You get 18-inch alloy wheels, sleek LED headlamps, and X-shaped fog lights. The illuminated VW logo and LED DRLs with welcome-goodbye effects further ups the visual appeal.
Inside, the Golf GTI sticks to its heritage with tartan seat upholstery and Red contrast stitching, which fans of the brand will instantly recognize. The leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, panoramic sunroof, and 30-colour ambient lighting make it look all the more appealing.
For added comfort, the car comes with three-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents. There’s also a wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, and keyless start offered.
The Golf GTI will also feature a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. There will be support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 7-speaker sound system for immersive audio.
Volkswagen hasn’t cut corners on safety. The GTI will pack seven airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking camera, and front and rear parking sensors. You’ll also get advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features like lane assist and emergency braking assist.
Engine, Performance & Specs
Under the hood, the India-spec Golf GTI features the same setup as its international version- a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque. The engine will come mated to a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) gearbox.
The Golf GTI will be able to reach speeds of 100 kph from a standstill in just 5.9 seconds and will come with a front-wheel drive (FWD) layout. As obvious as it gets, you'll love this mechanical setup on high-speed highway runs and on twisty backroads. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph.
Much work has gone into engineering the chassis, so that it delivers the best results in terms of ride quality and handling. The Golf GTI comes with a stiffer suspension, quicker steering and larger brakes than the regular Golf. There is Dynamic Chassis Control offered as well, which lets drivers tweak the suspension based on his mood and the road conditions around. The car also features Progressive steering and an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock.
Expected Price and Competition
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is expected to be priced at around ₹52 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be the brand’s second performance hatchback in India after the now-iconic Polo GTI which had originally entered the market in November 2016.
In the Indian market, the Golf GTI will primarily battle the likes of the Mini Cooper S. The Cooper S now has a starting ex-showroom price of ₹ 44.90 Lakh, which goes up to ₹ 55.90 Lakh for the top-spec.