Who says Volkswagen Golf, says GTI. That has been true for almost as long as the Golf has existed. It could not have failed: here is the eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI. Included are derivatives: the green GTE and mileage eater GTD.
At the IAA of 1975 Volkswagen introduced an exciting variant of the then brand new Golf. A 1.6 with mechanical compressor, good for 110 hp, a top of 182 km / h and from 0 to 100 km / h in exactly nine seconds: those were nice figures for that time and the Volkswagen Golf GTI grew into an icon .
Now that the Golf has entered its eighth generation, it is high time for its GTI version, which allows us to shine in ‘kingsred metallic’ in a photo studio in Wolfsburg. The 2.0 TSI delivers 245 hp (just as much as the outgoing GTI in Performance trim) and 370 Nm. Its top is at 250 km / h, Volkswagen does not make any official statements about the acceleration, but in the Wolfsburger corridors we hear that it is approximately at the level of the old Performance: 6.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h. The Golf GTI is available with a manual six-speed gearbox and a seven-speed DSG. The TCR gets 300 hp and only the 7-DSG.
The new GTI is equipped as standard with 17-inch Richmond wheels (18-inch for the TCR), adjustable DCC driving programs, lane assistance, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, Led Plus headlight lighting, sports seats, black headlining, mood lighting, digital dashboard, front induction charger the telephone, window paneling, GT bumpers and side skirts, roof spoiler, grille with diamond pattern, an LED strip between the headlights, shift paddles (DSG), a red pulsating start button and progressive control. It is 15 mm closer to the asphalt. The X-shaped LED fog lamps are striking, but optional.
In addition to the GTI, Volkswagen also presents the GTE and GTD. To start with the first one: this 1.4 TSI plug-in hybrid has a 13.0 kWh battery pack. His WLTP range has not yet been approved, but in the corridors we were told that we can count on the 60 km electric range (maximum 130 km / h) and that he will score below 40 g / km CO2. The gasoline engine delivers 110 kW (150 hp), the electric motor 85 kW. The system power is 245 hp, exactly that of the GTI, and it gets a six-speed DSG. The whole is good for 400 Nm.
The GTD, the first edition of which appeared in 1982, will be a 2.0 TDI with 200 hp and 400 Nm, which is only available with a seven-speed DSG. With its Twin Dose SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalyst with double AdBlue injection, it will be one of the cleanest TDIs ever according to VW.
Both the GTE and the GTD are largely the same as the GTI in terms of equipment. For the seasoned spotter it is good to know that the GTI has two exhaust pipes on either side, the GTD a double left and the GTE no visible. While the GTI and GTD have logos on the front fenders, they are missing from the GTE because they would be in the way of the loading flap on the left. For all three, the GTI, GTE or GTD logo is located centrally under the VW logo on the tailgate.
Prices are not yet known. We do know that the order books for the GTI and GTE will open in mid-July, and those for the GTD in mid-September, so at the latest we will know what they will cost. Those who already want to admire them for real should do the trip to Geneva next week.