As predicted, the all-new VW Golf GTI will makes an appearance at the
Paris Motor Show next week before hitting the UK in the summer of 2009.
Enthusiasts hoping for a substantial increase in performance may be disappointed to learn that VW has instead chosen to mildly update the mechanicals from the
current GTI. The 2.0-litre, turbocharged, direct-injection engine has been boosted 10bhp to 207bhp and the torque peak arrives lower down the rev range. That's the result of a new induction system, which also has the effect of reducing CO
2 by 10g/km to 178g/km. The 0-62mph time is identical to the previous model at 7.2 seconds and the top speed has been extended by 2mph to 148mph.
The four-cylinder engine is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed DSG, dual-clutch transmission an optional extra. New additions to the car include an electronic limited slip 'differential' VW calls XDS and Adaptive Chassis Control - the latter shared with the new
VW Scirocco.
Although the
sixth-generation Golf features restrained, evolutionary styling, the new GTI version takes a bolder step, with two red horizontal lines on the honeycomb grille joining new Xenon headlights that are distinctively styled internally. The front bumper is new too, with slim fog lamps mounted at the extremities to emphasise the car's width. New side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels - in a similar style to the current car's - make up the side view, while a prominent roof spoiler, diffuser-look bumper and new twin exhaust differentiate the GTI from lesser Golfs.
Inside, a tartan pattern features on the sports seats once more, with the rear bench moulded to look like it seats only two - though the centre section also has a seat belt. Up front, a heavily sculpted, flat-bottomed steering wheel and bespoke gearknob appear to be the only clues that you're in the hot hatch version of the Golf.
When the new GTI arrives in the UK next year, it's expected to go on sale for about £21,500 for the three-door manual model on 17-inch alloys. VW has already confirmed that it is working on a new R-badged model, with rumours suggesting a power output of 270bhp.
Shane O' Donoghue - 25 Sep 2008
