Volkswagen has revealed that it will be replacing its Golf Sport and GT trim levels with a single model - the Golf GT Sport.
The new model will be fitted with a darkened grille section with GT Sport badges intersected by a set of horizontal 'fins', bringing the car in line with the more focused
GTI and
R32 variants. The new grille is flanked by revised headlamps with darkened lenses sitting above a pair of fog lamps mounted into the front air dams. GT Sport models will also be distinguished by tinted rear windows, 17-inch multi-spoke 'ClassiXs' alloy wheels shod with 225/45 R17 tyres, and twin chrome exhausts outlets for the more powerful models.
Beneath the subtle exterior revisions, the new GT Sport will be propelled by Volkswagen's 1.4-litre TSI engine (which utilises both a supercharger and a turbocharger) in 138bhp or 168bhp guises. A 2-litre TDI diesel engine is also available with 138bhp or 168bhp outputs. Both petrol and diesel engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a DSG transmission.
The interior will be adorned with a leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake to complement the new front sports seats. Automatic light sensing headlights, rain sensing windscreen wipers, air conditioning, a CD stereo system and electric windows are also part of the package. Safety equipment comes in the form of six airbags, ABS and ESP.
Deliveries for the new three- and five-door Golf GT Sport will start later in the summer, joining the existing S and Match trim levels in the Golf model range. Prices will start at £17,422 for the entry-level 138bhp 1.4-litre three-door and rise to £21,352 for the five-door 168bhp 2-litre TDI model with DSG transmission.
Eric Gallina - 7 Jun 2007