The new Golf GTI is on its way. The first of the new Golfs powered by a 147 kW / 200 PS turbo engine are due to be delivered this autumn. The new model is a thoroughbred GTI following the sporting tradition of its original GTI ancestor, which was unveiled in 1976. Although almost thirty years separate the first and the current fifth generation, the standard remains the same: to give uncompromising driving pleasure.
Like the pioneering original, the present day Golf GTI, available with two or four doors, is dominated by an unmistakeable sports look inside and out, a very dynamic engine and extremely taut suspension.
The GTI letters are an absolute phenomenon: 93.2 percent of all Europeans and 98.5 of Germans associate them with the Golf. GTI = Golf = Volkswagen. Volkswagen has now started the fifth chapter of its GTI success story. The GTI based on the fifth generation Golf takes cues from its ancestor, but reinterprets typical GTI values with fascinating drive and running gear dynamics and a design which combines power with aesthetics.
GTI Engine
To power the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is using a newly developed 2.0 litre FSI turbo engine. The 147 kW / 200 PS direct injection petrol unit with a high-compression ratio of 10.5:1 makes an ideal GTI engine thanks to its dynamic torque curve (280 Nm between 1 800 und 5 000 rpm). With a standard six-speed gearbox, the four cylinders accelerate the Golf GTI to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.2 seconds. The GTI goes from 60 km/h (37 mph) to 100 km/h in 5th gear in only 7.5 seconds and reaches its maximum at 235 km/h (146 mph). The Euro 4 engine has an average fuel consumption of a frugal 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The extremely quick dual clutch gearbox (DSG) for uninterrupted power in gear changes is available as an option. It enables the Golf GTI to charge to 100 km/h in under 7 seconds (6.9).
GTI Exterior
The Golf GTI has a powerful presence with an exterior design which is typical GTI: black radiator grille with red frame, striking front and roof edges and rear spoiler with twin tail pipes, distinctive 17 inch alloy wheels (wide 225 tyres) and red calipers on the four large disc brakes. The GTI look continues with a distinctive bumper, black widened sill panels, high-gloss B pillar trim, blue heat-reflective windows and darkened headlight housings.
The Golf GTI exterior, and especially the front end, is also more distinct from the rest of the model series that ever before. Looking at the body lines in detail, the arrow-shaped contours of the bonnet flow unbroken into the newly designed, shield-shaped black radiator grille. The bumper below has three large air scoops supplying intake air to the GTI turbo engine. Like the radiator grille, these are also covered by diamond mesh.
GTI Interior
If there ever was such a thing as a classic interior, then the first Golf GTI of 1976 deserves that description. The interior of the new Golf GTI achieves a similar distinctiveness with present day technologies and styles. The seats, for instance, are newly designed for the GTI and offer maximum comfort with the best possible side support and sporty looks.The high seatbacks with integrated, but adjustable headrests underscore the interior's feel of functionality combined with sporting intent. The GTI logo stitched into the headrests is one of the perfect details rounding off the interior.
Like the first Golf GTI, the new model has a three-spoke steering wheel with aluminium trim. Today it is even fitted as standard and is covered with perforated leather for a perfect grip. Aluminium is also a major feature of the gearstick knob, the trim inserts and the pedal cluster. Another hallmark of the GTI: the black headliner.
GTI Equipment
Other interior features specific to the GTI include newly designed instruments, air conditioner (Climatic), multi-function display, illuminated front footwells, automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, rain sensor, coming home and leaving home lighting function, and a tyre monitor display. On the outside the Golf GTI has characteristic fog lights and a 15 mm lower, specially tuned sports suspension. Like all Golf models, the GTI has a comprehensive package of safety features. It includes the electronic stabilisation programme ESP, active front head restraints, three rear head restraints and six airbags.
Text and photos courtesy of Volkswagen AG
