Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the production-spec Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI has been revealed ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut. Lighter and more powerful than before, the new GTI looks set to take the hot-hatch segment by storm.
Internationally, the new GTI will be available with a turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine in two states of tune. The standard version develops 162 kW while models equipped with a Performance Package produce 169 kW. Both units develop 350 N.m of torque and will be offered with a choice of six-speed manual and DSG transmissions.
Equipped with a manual gearbox, the standard car returns an average fuel consumption of 6,0 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 136 g/km. It’s automatic equivalent returns 6,4 litres/100 km and emits 148 g/km of CO2. The ‘auto-equipped Performance Pack model returns 6,5 litres/100 km and emits 150 g/km of CO2.
In its standard guise, the GTI will hit 100 km/h from standstill in 6,5 seconds on the way to a 246 km/h top speed, while the Performance Package-equipped examples will complete the same sprint in 6,4 seconds, hitting a top speed of 250 km/h.
In addition to the power hike over that of the previous model, the new GTI will also be considerably lighter, weighing in at 1 267 kg versus the old car’s 1 318 kg.
Among this model’s exterior highlights are a more aggressive front apron with prominent air dam strakes on its outer edges and the now-signature red piping on the lower edge of the grille, while the rear sports a black rear diffuser and dual exhaust pipes. Both the standard and Performance Package models roll on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels shielding 314 mm front/300 mm rear ventilated brake discs on the former and 342mm front/310 mm rear ventilated discs on the latter.
The interior is largely stock Golf 7 with such extras as traditional plaid-inlaid seat panels, a sports steering wheel and sports pedal boot lifting the ambiance.
The standard (162 kW) model will reach the local market during the third quarter of 2013. There’s currently no word on the availability of the Performance Pack-equipped model.
Buy a VW Golf Gti on South Africa’s most trusted car marketplace.
Golf Gti for sale
Used Golf Gti for sale
Gti for sale in western cape
Gti for sale in cape town
Gti for sale in johannesburg
Gti for sale in kwazulu natal
Gti for sale in eastern cape
