Overview

The sixth generation Golf GTI hot hatchback is back almost 36 years since the original was launched in 1973. The car retains the original elements of this iconic hatch with sharp dynamics, a responsive four-cylinder engine and driver involvement still at the core of the car.

Power

The new car has an advanced 2.0-litre TSI engine, available linked to a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox and has modified pistons and piston rings, an improved oil pump, new induction system and a high-pressure fuel pump. The result of this is an output of 210 PS delivered between 5,300 and 6,200 rpm (an improvement of 10PS over the MK V), which powers the car from standstill to 62 mph in just 6.9 seconds.

Economy and CO2 green credentials

CO2 emissions fall from 189g/km to 170g/km (DSG 173g/km) and fuel economy rises from a combined mpg of 35.3 mpg to 38.7 mpg (DSG: 38.3 mpg). Torque is delivered slightly lower in the rev range allowing greater flexibility and keener throttle response. Top speed where permissible rises to 149mph.

Traction

The GTI has much better traction due to the new standard XDS electronically controlled differential. A series of sensors detects when, through hard cornering for instance, the inside wheel is not sufficiently loaded and applies braking pressure via the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) in order to restore traction. This results in less wheel spin and greater precision and control of the car on demanding roads.

The car also has unique springs and dampers linked to a ride height lowered by 22mm at the front and 15mm at the rear. The strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension is joined by new anti-roll bars to provide much sharper responses. In addition to this the new GTI, for the first time, has Volkswagen’s innovative Adaptive Chassis Control system (ACC), featuring pneumatically controlled damper units. This allows the driver to select from a normal, comfort or sport mode to define suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for different journeys.

Cosmetic changes

An aggressive new front bumper featuring a deep honeycomb air-dam framed by vertical fog-lights is a subtle cosmetic change. As with the MK VI Golf the new GTI uses horizontal lines to make the new car appear lower and wider than it really is. The new car in reality is only 27mm wider.

At the rear a diffuser is located between an all-new exhaust system with separated tailpipes to further lower the stance of the car. A subtle rear wing sits above a pair of smoked rear light lenses and a single “GTI” badge.

Standard equipment

Highlights on the new GTI include red and black tartan sports seats with red stitching and head-rests featuring the “GTI” logo. The car also has a flat-bottomed GTI multifunction steering wheel, red brake callipers, 17-inch “Monza” alloy wheels and a 2Zone electronic climate control.

High class leading safety levels include ABS, ESP, seven airbags and the car has been awarded a maximum five-star rating by the EuroNCAP crash testing agency. Golf GTI model line-up and prices.

2.0-litre TSI 210 PS	Basic RRP	VAT	RRP	‘On the road’
3dr 6-spd manual	£18,861.30	£2,829.20	£21,690.50	£22,410.00
5dr 6-spd manual	£19,370.00	£2,905.50	£22,275.50	£22,995.00
3dr 6-spd DSG	£19,996.09	£2,999.41	£22,995.50	£23,715.00
5dr 6-spd DSG	£20,504.78	£3,075.72	£23,580.50	£24,300.00

The Mk VI is faster, sharper and more powerful than any GTI before it and Volkswagen contract hire prices are available now. (Contract hire is sometimes called car leasing as well).