The ‘Red Hot’ new golf GTI has made its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show today after already showing unprecedented sales success in both Europe and Great Britain.

The new GTI’s 2.0 litre FSI Turbo petrol engine delivers 147kW and produces an impressive 280Nm of torque from 1800-5000 rpm. This car sprints to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds with the manual six-speed gearbox. If the DSG double-clutch transmission is taking care of gear changes for you, it will only take 6.9 seconds.

GTI History

The Golf GTI origins date back to 1976. That year a 182 km/h Golf ruffled a few feathers among the German establishment. On the autobahn this compact, wild young racer suddenly started looming up in the rear view mirrors of fast sports cars and big sedans cruising in the fast lane.

The rest is history.

GTI Power Plant

The broad torque band of the 2.0 FSI-Turbo used in the Golf GTI makes it an ideal sports car engine. In terms of technology, the 1984 cm³ four-cylinder engine is paving the way for a new generation of petrol engines that provide powerful propulsion just above idling speed.

The 2.0 FSI-Turbo is one of the few engines in the world to use the powerful combination of direct petrol injection and a turbo charger with intercooler. The dynamic results are an ideal torque band and excellent response.

It’s simply exciting to drive.

GTI Handling

The safety chassis as seen in the 5th Generation Golf with front struts and a rear multi-link axle combined with ESP, has been given a considerably more dynamic set-up for the new Golf GTI.

The decisive changes include the suspension being lowered 15 millimetres to sports chassis level and the use of stronger stabilizer bars. The electro-mechanical power steering has also been ‘programmed’ with a GTI map.

GTI Exterior

For the first time in the almost 30-year history of the GTI, the nose is different to the other Golf models as it has its own radiator grille design. The model now has a defined GTI nose with a black radiator grille and a red frame featuring a honeycomb structure. The bottom and top parts of the grille are divided by a gloss blocks U-shaped section that forms a smooth connection.

At the rear, the roof spoiler, the chrome twin exhaust pipes, the all-new lower bumper section and again the GTI badge, signify that this is a real sports car.

Looking from the side, the GTI flair is conveyed by the standard 17-inch “Denver” alloy wheels with 225/45 tyres, the lowered suspension, the black widened sill panels and the black high-gloss B-pillar trim.

GTI Interior

The all-new GTI seats provide a high level of comfort with excellent side support and a sporty look. The high seatbacks with integrated, but adjustable head restraints highlight the feel of top sporting functionality.

The breathable interlagos upholstery cloth with “Checked Anthracite” pattern has also been newly developed. Leather versions in “Anthracite and “Pure Beige” are also available as an option.

Just like the first Golf GTI, the new generation is steered with a three-spoke steering wheel. However, today it is a leather rimmed flat bottomed steering wheel with aluminium inserts. The aluminium and leather GTI gearstick knob, trim inserts and aluminium pedal cluster are also new. Another GTI hallmark is the black headliner. Last, but definitely not least, the new instruments have also been designed exclusively for the GTI.

Pricing

6 Speed Manual			$39,990
6 Speed DSG			$42,290

The new Golf GTI has won five British awards since its launch in January this year, including ‘Best Hot Hatch’ by influential motoring magazine, What Car?

The new Golf GTI will be available for delivery in May.