Golf GTI: Order now
March 24th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
ORDER books have opened for the sixth generation of Volkswagen’s Golf GTI hot hatch.
It will be launched on May 22, in both three and five-door guise, for which Volkswagen car dealers can now take orders.
The new model does not radically change the format of the Golf GTI. It continues to use a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine – but here, the all-new TSI unit produces 210PS.
It hits 62mph in 6.9 seconds, and can charge on to 149mph. Fuel economy improve to 38.7mpg.
Volkswagen’s superb DSG gearbox is available alongside the standard six-speed manual – and dents fuel economy only slightly, to 38.2mpg.
Power is better deployed through the front wheels now, as a trick new electronic differential, called XDS, comes as standard.
In corners, this can electronically brake unloaded wheels, to ensure good traction from the front end.
There’s optional Adaptive Chassis Control suspension, too. Dealers will be busily thinking up ways of demonstrating to buyers the benefits of this impressive new setup.
How can you spot the GTI, other than looking to its standard tartan seat trim, flat-bottomed steering wheel, Monza alloys and red brake callipers?
Well, it’s got a meaner front bumper that’s bedecked with honeycomb. The GTI badge adorns the grille, in time-honoured tradition, while ‘GTI’ alone replaces any other Golf designation at the rear.
There are also twin exhausts either side of the rear number plate, sitting in a flashy diffuser. Car Dealer Magazine is less sure about these, as it traditionally associates them with the R32. We shall see how it looks on the road…
There’s also a rear wing and smoked rear light lenses.
Question is, will customers be queuing up? Well, we’ll be driving it in a few days… come back then to get all the gossip from the launch!