Volkswagen Golf GTI Launched At Rs 53 Lakh
Putting an end to anticipations, Volkswagen has revealed the Golf GTI's price in India. Being a Completely Built Unit (CBU) import, it has an ex-showroom price of Rs 52.99 lakh. It marks the return of the iconic 'GTI' badge into the domestic market and appeals to a niche but growing crowd.
The price isn't fair. But it isn't too ambitious either. Think of this 53 lakh rupees as the price you pay to buy a dream, aspirational product and the adrenaline it delivers. It is also something you wouldn't end up regretting. Accept it or not, we live in an era when Rs 50 lakh cars make more sense than Rs 10 lakh cars in terms of value and experience delivered, atleast for the enthusiast crowd.
The GTI's closest rival- Mini Cooper S, has its top-spec variant priced at Rs 56 lakh, ex-showroom. The catch, however, is that the Cooper has more affordable variants on sale as well.
Circling back to the Golf GTI, the first lot comprising 150 units has already found takers, and the carmaker is expected to start taking orders for the second batch soon.
More About The VW Golf GTI
Volkswagen has brought the 8.5 Generation of the Golf GTI to India. This essentially refers to the facelift of the eighth generation. Unlike the Polo GTI which went on sale in 2016, the Golf GTi is a five-door performance hatchback.
The design inclines heavily towards the sportier side of things. The car comes with all the 'Golf' signature cues. You'll find a honeycomb grille, multiple red accents, and GTI badging on the exterior. The headlamp unit is a five-segment LED setup and there is even an illuminated Volkswagen logo on offer.
The Golf GTI is fairly large and measures 4.3 metres in length- that's almost as big a footprint as that of the Taigun. The GTI has a hunkered-down look, well in keeping with its performance genes. It rides on 18-inch wheels and comes with a roof-mounted spoiler and dual exhaust tips. Being a family car, the boot space stands at 380 litres.
The cabin design is good-looking and sporty. The seats have sporty design and come with Tartan upholstery and Red contrast stitching. There are even 'GTI' badges on them. The steering wheels and paddle shifters are wrapped in premium quality leather.
In terms of kit and features, VW has provided all the essentials, but has refrained from stuffing it with features to the brim. The Golf GTI comes with a massive 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 7-speaker immersive audio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push button start/stop, a stubby gear selector, multiple driving modes, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, Head Up Display (HUD), wireless charger, three-zone climate control (which doesn't cool as much as some India-spec Volkswagens!), sunroof, 30-colour ambient lighting, and ventilated seats.
The safety suite on Golf GTI is indeed comprehensive. It consists of seven airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking camera, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking assist, and front and rear parking sensors. There is even an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite offered.
Under the hood of this car is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 265 PS and 370 Nm in its stock form. The transmission here is a 7-speed DSG. The hatchback can do the 0-100 kph run in just 5.9 seconds, and has a front-wheel drive (FWD) layout. The top-speed is limited at 250 kph.
Volkswagen has given this car progressive steering, electronically controlled front-axle differential lock, and Dynamic Chassis Control. The base platform has been engineered carefully. It manages to strike a likeable balance between ride quality and handling- razor-sharp handling without making the occupants uncomfortable.