The New Golf GTI in Australia

BOTANY, AUSTRALIA – October 27, 2009: More than three decades after a small band of engineers started work on the first prototype Golf GTI, the very latest evolution and sixth generation of the original hot hatch has arrived.

The original Golf GTI was planned as a limited series of 5,000 cars. Since then – and five generations of GTI later – more than 1.7 million have been sold worldwide.

The elements of the original GTI remain; sharp dynamics, a responsive four-cylinder engine and driver involvement are at the core of the new GTI. Yet it has evolved – the Golf GTI generation VI is faster and more powerful than any standard GTI before it. However, the day-to-day usability of the GTI has not been forgotten and it is cleaner, safer and more efficient than ever before.

An advanced new 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 155 kW, available linked to either a six-speed manual or 6-speed DSG gearbox, is at the heart of the new GTI. Despite the rise in power output, the new GTI is assured of greater grip in all conditions thanks to Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL). The XDL improves traction and reduces the tendency to understeer. Unique springs and dampers combine with lowered suspension give GTI drivers the on-road experience they expect of the brand. In addition, Volkswagen’s innovative optional Adaptive Chassis Control system, featuring electronically controlled damper units, is offered for the first time on the GTI. This allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey.

The mechanical changes are joined by subtle cosmetic additions. The basis of the GTI is the chassis structure of the new Golf, onto which is added an aggressive new front bumper.

This features a deep honeycomb airdam framed by vertical foglights which sit below a new grille element adorned by a GTI badge. As with the new Golf, the GTI uses horizontal lines to make the new car appear lower and wider than it really is. In reality, the new GTI is 27 mm wider than the car it replaces. 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.

As with the entire Golf range, the new GTI features class-leading levels of safety with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and seven airbags, including for the first time a knee airbag, all standard. The Golf was awarded a maximum five-star rating by the EuroNCAP crash testing agency along with a maximum five-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Summary

Sixth generation Golf GTI was first unveiled in concept form at the Paris Motor Show in September 2008

The sixth generation of the original hot hatch evolves the virtues of the first generation GTI with greater power, performance and sharper responses than the car it replaces. By contrast, it is also cleaner and more efficient

Powering the GTI is an advanced new version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre TSI engine, available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox

The result is an output of 155 kW delivered between 5,300 and 6,200 rpm, which allows the vehicle to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds

Emissions fall from 197 to 180 g/km (DSG: 178) and economy improves from a combined 8.2/100km to 7.7 L/100km (DSG: 7.6 L/100km). Maximum torque – 280 Nm between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm

– is delivered over an even broader engine speed range allowing greater flexibility and response

The GTI is equipped with unique springs and dampers with ride height lowered by 22 mm at the front (15 mm rear) compared to the standard Golf

Adaptive Chassis Control is available as an option on GTI. This allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for the conditions

Exterior styling draws on the new design direction; simple, clean surfaces mix with sharp creases and large honeycomb grille elements. The use of horizontal lines around the front of the vehicle makes the new GTI appear lower and wider than it really is

Standard equipment highlights on the new GTI include red and black tartan sports seats with red stitching and headrests featuring the “GTI” logo, a flat-bottomed GTI multifunction steering wheel, red brake callipers, 17-inch “Denver” alloy wheels and dual zone automatic climate control

As with the rest of the Golf range, the new GTI features class-leading levels of safety with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and seven airbags, including for the first time a knee airbag, all as standard