What's the news?
Volkswagen has announced that the Golf GTI will join the previously revealed GTD model on its stand at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Looking largely similar to the 'concept' seen in Paris the new car will boast 220hp, but a factory fit performance pack is amongst the options.
Exterior
Styling wise the GTI will remain largely loyal to the concept that was shown at the Paris Motor Show with the signature red stripe running along the front grille and into the headlights. Further differentiating the GTI from the rest of the Golf range (and even the GTD) will be two chrome tailpipes either side of the rear diffuser, red brake calipers, 18-inch 'Austin' alloy wheels, smoked tail lights and sports suspension. UK specification will also include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.
Interior
Fans of the GTI will rejoice with the news that the tartan 'Interlagos' sports seats make a welcome return and an interior that will be bathed in red ambience lighting. Trim wise the GTI will get a bespoke sports steering wheel, gear lever and instrument cluster, trim strips and stainless steel pedal caps while the specification will include equipment such as 'Composition Media' DAB-equipped infotainment system with Bluetooth, and dual-zone climate control.
Mechanicals
The new GTI will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine that, in standard guise, offers 220hp, 350Nm of torque, a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds and, thanks to the weight saving of the new Golf and standard fitment of stop-start, 47mpg (44.1mpg with DSG) and emissions of just 139g/km (148g/km with DSG).
We say in standard guise as Volkswagen will offer a factory-installed performance pack that will boost power to 230hp, add larger brake discs and replace the electronic XDS system with a mechanical limited-slip differential.
All told the Mk7 Golf GTI will be 18 per cent more frugal than its predecessor despite being noticeably quicker.
Anything else?
UK order books are expected to open on March 26 with first deliveries scheduled for June. Prices will be officially announced after the car's unveiling in Geneva but it is expected the GTI will start from £25,845 for the three-door manual (five-door £26,500) and with a DSG gearbox £27,260 (five-door £27,915). The performance pack is expected to cost £980.
Paul Healy - 26 Feb 2013