Volkswagen Golf GTI: New TVC Out Ahead Of Launch!
Volkswagen is expected to launch the highly anticipated Golf GTI performance hatchback in India, this month. The GTI will be brought in as complete imports and will thus be prohibitively expensive. A limited number of units (just around 250) will be available, which Volkswagen India plans to sell through its online store. With the launch date approaching fast, the German giant has now released the official TV commercial of the car on its YouTube channel.
The video shows the Golf GTI being driven in its 'happy place'- a racetrack! The performance hatchback is seen driving fast through the twisties and straights of the track. We also get to see the interior and some of the features of the Golf GTI that's coming to India.
Notable among these are the ghost lamps mounted on the rear view mirrors, stubby gear selector knob, push button start/stop, the massive 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (which will come with a 7-speaker immersive audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), selectable driving modes and the 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. Other features will include wireless charger, Head Up Display (HUD), sunroof, three-zone climate control, 30-colour ambient lighting, and ventilated seats.
We also get to see various exterior styling details of the car. The Golf is known to come with a complete LED lighting package. The car has an illuminated VW logo and LED DRLs, which come with welcome-goodbye functions.
Inside, the seats will have Tartan upholstery and Red contrast stitching. These will feature red 'GTI' badges. The steering wheel will be wrapped in premium leather and have paddle shifters.
The safety suite on the Golf GTI will have the likes of seven airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking camera, adaptive cruise control, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), emergency braking assist, and front and rear parking sensors.
The Biggest Highlight Will Be The Powertrain
The Golf GTI that's coming to India will have the same powertrain specifications as the one that's on sale abroad. The powerhouse will be a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque. It will come mated to a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) gearbox.
This performance hatchback will be capable of reaching 100 kph from a complete standstill in just 5.9 seconds. It will have a front-wheel drive (FWD) layout. Enthusiasts will love this powertrain on highways and on twisties. The Golf GTI will have an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph.
The vehicle will excel with its body control and handling. Volkswagen has engineered the chassis carefully. A sweet balance between ride quality and handling is to be expected. The ride will be on the firmer side. A quicker steering setup and larger brakes than the regular Golf (which is sold in the global markets) will also be offered.
Volkswagen will also offer the Dynamic Chassis Control on the GTI. This lets the driver tweak the suspension based on his mood, the road conditions around and various other factors. Progressive steering and an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock will further add to the Golf's excellent road manners.
Expected Price And Rivals
When launched, the Golf GTI will battle primarily with the Mini Cooper S. At present, the Cooper S has a starting price of 44.90 - 55.90 lakh rupees, ex-showroom. We expect the Golf GTI to have an ex-showroom price of over 50 lakh rupees, as CBU imports are typically expensive. It will become Volkswagen's second performance car launch, after the now-iconic Polo GTI.
Sold Out Before Launch!
Volkswagen began accepting orders for the Golf GTI earlier this month. It has been amassing massive interest from the enthusiast crowd in the country, and the same reflected in bookings. Within days of commencing reservations, the initial batch of 150 units was sold out! The price announcement and customer deliveries of the vehicle are expected to commence later this month and early next month.