Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI debuts with more power and sharper focus
Volkswagen has unveiled the production Golf Mk7 GTI ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut, offering buyers a choice of two power outputs and a host of chassis upgrades.
Volkswagen has officially pulled the covers off the seventh-generation Golf GTI, confirming its production specification before the car’s public debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The new GTI brings more power, sharper styling and a wider range of options compared to its predecessor, with first customer deliveries in Europe scheduled for May 2013.
Engine and performance options
The Mk7 GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, offering 220hp in standard form and 230hp in the new Performance version. Both variants deliver 350Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission. The standard GTI accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds, while the Performance model achieves the same in 6.4 seconds. Top speeds are 246km/h and 250km/h respectively.
Chassis, equipment and styling
Volkswagen’s new GTI sits lower than the standard Golf, with a sports chassis and wider side sills. The car features a new body kit, a built-in rear diffuser, and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, fitted with 225/45 tyres. Inside, the GTI retains its trademark tartan sports seats, a new sports steering wheel, and distinctive pedals. The Performance variant is expected to include upgraded brakes and a limited-slip differential, although detailed equipment lists will be confirmed at Geneva.
Efficiency and emissions
Volkswagen claims fuel consumption of 6.0 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 139g/km for the new GTI, reflecting incremental improvements in efficiency over the previous generation. These figures apply to both the manual and DSG versions, according to the manufacturer’s data.
Ordering, price and launch schedule
Orders for the Golf 7 GTI open in Germany in March 2013, with a starting price of €28,350 for the standard version. Volkswagen plans to roll out the car to other European markets from May. UK pricing and specifications are expected to follow, with previous GTI models traditionally among the best sellers in the UK hot hatch segment.
- 2.0 TSI engine: 220hp (standard), 230hp (Performance)
- 0-100km/h: 6.5s (standard), 6.4s (Performance)
- Top speed: 246km/h (standard), 250km/h (Performance)
- CO2: 139g/km
- 17-inch alloys, sports chassis, tartan seats
The Golf 7 GTI marks the latest evolution of Volkswagen’s iconic hot hatch formula, building on the platform introduced with the seventh-generation Golf. For details of the new Golf platform and its earlier unveiling, seeVolkswagen Unveils Seventh-Generation Golf in Berlin. For background on the concept version shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, seeVolkswagen unveils new Golf GTI at 2012 Paris Motor Show.
