New VW Golf GTI revealed

Volkswagen has released pictures and details of the new Golf GTI, ahead of its unveiling at Geneva Volkswagen has unveiled the all-new Golf GTI – and the legendary hot hatch is available with an optional power upgrade for the first time. Based on the latest Mk7 Golf, the GTI comes with a 2.0-litre TSI engine that produces 217bhp, but you can also order a new Performance Package, which ups the power to 227bhp. Both figures are more than the 207bhp on offer in the outgoing Mk6 Golf GTI, though, and the newcomer weighs 42kg less. As you’d expect, the Mk7 is quicker. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds in the standard model and 6.4 seconds in the Performance Package. Those figures are four and five-tenths quicker, respectively. Crucially, they’re also on a par with the Ford Focus ST, which claims a time of 6.5 seconds, despite having a more powerful 247bhp 2.0-litre turbo. The new GTI is 18 per cent more efficient than before, which translates to 47mpg with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, and CO2 emissions of 139g/km. That compares to the 39.2mpg and 169g/km claimed by the Focus ST. VW will offer a six-speed DSG gearbox, which has no effect on performance but does worsen fuel economy slightly, with the standard GTI’s figure down to 44.1mpg. With a near 40-year history to draw from, the latest GTI features plenty of recognisable styling cues. The honeycomb grille has featured since the Mk5 GTI, while the red stripe in the grille first appeared on the Mk1 but has been given a modern update, by continuing into the light clusters. The GTI also gets a more aggressive bodykit, a rear spoiler, twin chrome exhaust pipes and 17-inch Brooklyn alloy wheels. The interior comes with the famous tartan GTI pattern on standard sports seats, along with a red-stitched GTI leather steering wheel and red ambient interior lighting. Standard kit on the GTI includes front and rear parking sensors, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system and automatic climate control. VW has hinted the GTI will cost much the same as the outgoing car, which starts from £25,650. Order books open late next month, with the first UK deliveries scheduled for June. autoexpress