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NDTV
7 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Volkswagen Golf GTI Launched: Top Highlights
Volkswagen Golf GTI has been launched in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 53 lakh (ex-showroom). The performance-oriented hatchback is the second model of the brand in the Indian market to carry the "GTI" suffix in its name, following the Polo GTI, which was earlier discontinued. It is to be noted that the Golf GTI will be sold in the Indian market via the CBU route, with the deliveries scheduled to begin in June. Before the consumers start receiving the car, here are some highlights of the vehicle. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Powertrain The Volkswagen Golf GTI offered in India features a powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, generating 265 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which efficiently delivers power to the front wheels. Additionally, the Golf GTI is equipped with an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock, enhancing its performance and handling. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Performance To justify the title of hot hatch, the car boasts impressive acceleration figures for the Golf GTI, claiming it can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.9 seconds. Furthermore, the vehicle's top speed is electronically limited to 267 kmph, showcasing its sporty capabilities. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Booking Even after being the most expensive model of the brand on sale in India, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is already sold out. Specifically, 150 units of the car allocated for the Indian market have already been booked. If reports are to be trusted, the automaker will bring 100 more units of the car in response to the demand. Also Read: Volkswagen Golf GTI Review: Hottest Hatch In India Driven At NATRAX Volkswagen Golf GTI: Safety Along with performance, the German automaker has focused on the safety of the hatchback with features like seven airbags, rear-view camera & park distance control, and a suite of Level 2 ADAS features. The list includes adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, lane assist, travel assist, rear traffic alert, and more. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Features As for interiors, it includes a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports voice commands driven by Chat GPT. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a GTI-specific digital display featuring red accents. Other highlights consist of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, multi-zone climate control, heated and power-adjustable front seats, paddle shifters, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Volkswagen Golf GTI first drive review: The hot hatch we have been waiting for
There are few cars that evoke the kind of cult-like enthusiasm the Volkswagen Golf GTI commands. It is a name that needs no introduction — synonymous with hot hatch performance, razor-sharp dynamics, and everyday usability wrapped in a practical shell. And now, after years of anticipation, the Golf GTI is finally making its way to Indian shores. I had the privilege of experiencing this icon at the NATRAX facility in Indore — India's high-speed proving ground — and let me tell you, the Golf GTI did not disappoint. Let us start with the numbers, because they set the tone for what the GTI is capable of. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that churns out 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque. This power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG transmission that has been tuned for lightning-quick gear shifts. On paper, it does the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds, and out on the NATRAX's 11-kilometre high-speed loop, I clocked an exhilarating 267 km/h — yes, that is the electronically limited top speed. But the GTI is not just about outright pace. It is about how it delivers that speed. The throttle response is immediate, and in Sport mode (which I stayed in for most of the drive, naturally), the car transforms into a beast. Tap the accelerator and the GTI surges forward with an urgency that is borderline addictive. The exhaust note gets throatier, burbling and popping just enough to remind you this is not your average hatchback. One of the standout characteristics of the Golf GTI is its chassis dynamics. The Mk8.5 facelift brings sharper steering and a more refined suspension setup. At speed, the car feels glued to the tarmac. The steering is beautifully weighted, precise, and gives you a constant read of what the front wheels are up to. Turn the wheel and the car responds like it is hard-wired to your brain — point it in any direction and it follows through with surgical precision. Even at triple-digit speeds, there is a level of composure that is almost uncanny for a front-wheel-drive car. The GTI's front differential, electronic stability control systems, and dynamic chassis control all work in tandem to keep the car flat and stable through high-speed corners. The Mk8.5 version of the Golf GTI does not scream for attention, and that is what makes it so appealing. The design is an evolution of the GTI legacy — clean lines, a wide stance, a sharp LED light bar that stretches across the front, and red accents that hint at the performance lurking within. It is mature, but purposeful. A hot hatch that does not need to shout to be noticed. At the rear, the dual exhaust tips and subtle diffuser add just the right amount of aggression. The signature GTI badging and distinctive alloy wheels complete the package. It is a design that stays true to its roots while still looking contemporary in 2025. Step inside, and the GTI surprises with its level of sophistication. The cabin is well put together with premium material, and sporty touches — like the heavily bolstered seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and red stitching — remind you that you are in something special. Space is generous for a hatchback. There is ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the boot is large enough to handle weekend getaways. But it is the tech that stands out — there is a large touchscreen infotainment system with connected car features and a fully digital instrument cluster that can be customised with drive data, navigation, and more. Add to that multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging, and the GTI feels every bit the modern daily driver. The Golf GTI might be a purist's machine, but Volkswagen has not compromised on safety. It comes loaded with Level 2 ADAS features — 20 of them, to be precise — including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. This ensures that the GTI is not just thrilling on the track, but also safe and intelligent in everyday scenarios. The car's braking performance is impressive. Whether it is a gentle slow-down or a full-blown panic stop from high speeds, the GTI's brakes inspire complete confidence. To be fair, no car is perfect, and the GTI does come with a few quirks. The ride, while not uncomfortable, is on the stiffer side —understandable given its performance orientation. Ground clearance might also be a concern for our urban speed breakers and less-than-perfect roads. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a car you buy because you know what it stands for — decades of hot hatch heritage, unmatched driving pleasure, and a community that spans generations and geographies. Driving the GTI at NATRAX was more than just a test — it was an experience that reaffirmed why this car is so loved across the world. Now that it is finally coming to India, the GTI is set to carve out a niche for those who value driving above all else. It is not for everyone—and that is exactly what makes it special. It is a car you buy because you want it, not because you need it. And once you drive it, you will know exactly why. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is prices at ₹52.99L Motorscribes, in association with The Hindu, brings you the latest in cars and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Volkswagen Golf GTI Review: Hottest Hatch In India Driven At NATRAX
India! Meet the latest pocket rocket, the Volkswagen Golf GTI! A legend in its own right, the Golf GTI finally lands on Indian shores and we had a chance to take it for a fast, furious and a ferocious spin at NATRAX, India's premier automotive proving ground. The Golf GTI proved to be a delight and sure, the conditions were also controlled and it won't be easy to replicate the performance on regular roads. But then again, this was more of an opportunity for VW to showcase just how capable the Golf GTI is. Before we dive straight into it let me regulate my emotions and take a deep breath and then begin writing. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Design Let's start with the looks. The GTI doesn't scream for attention, but it's got that unmistakable 'I'm fast, and I know it' attitude. Red accents on the grille and that signature honeycomb fog light design all whisper 'performance' with a German accent. Then you have the illuminated VW logo up front and a GTI-themed welcome lights that lights up the ground as soon as you enter the car. Viewed in profile, you notice the car's low-slung silhouette and those EV-like alloys, which I think rob some sheen off the look. But all of it is an effort to keep the drag co-efficient as low as possible. The rear section is typical of a Volkswagen hatchback, but the two chrome exhaust pipes do give it a subtle, sporty flavour. Adding to that are the 'GTI' badges that are peppered generously all over the car. The overall look of the Golf GTI is subtle, yet has enough heat and kick to it. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Interior & Features Step inside, and the cabin feels like the cockpit of a premium German car. Well-bolstered tartan-cloth seats (a GTI tradition), red accents all over, GTI badge on the steering wheel and embossed on the seats, a 12.9-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver, a digital console that looks straight out of Forza Horizon, and a steering wheel that begs you to hold tight and take corners at ridiculous speeds. The cabin doesn't scream sporty but all the elements inside suggest that you take the car very, very seriously. Now, you have features like ADAS, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 7-speakers, an electric sunroof and the likes. What is missing though are a couple of items that I think should have been offered as standard. First is the dynamic chassis control (DCC), which would have made the car even more fun (Fun fact, the Tiguan R-Line gets it) and secondly, the front seats have to be adjusted manually. On a car like this, you would also expect ventilated seats, but I am ok with those not being offered. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Engine Specifications & Performance Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine pumping out 261 horses between 5,250 and 6,500 rpm. Peak torque output is a healthy 370 Nm between 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. The engine is paired to a 7-speed DSG. With the numbers out of the way, lets dive into the performance. Now, we were driving the car on the high-speed test track and the handling test track at NATRAX, with no distractions whatsoever and while we had limited time with the car, there were a few things which immediately stood out. First, the Golf GTI is fast, really fast and the way it builds up speed is just exhilarating. The turbo lag is minimal and there is power available right across the rev range. The meaty bottom end and mid-range means that the 0-100 kmph sprint is done in 5.9 seconds, which is at par with more powerful rivals. The 7-speed DSG snaps through gears like it's horribly late for a meeting. You mash the throttle, carrying dizzying speeds and the moment when it is time to slow down, you appreciate the sharp brakes and quick-acting DSG, which shifts down smoothly, keeping the drama alive, with the lovely pops and crackles from the overrun. We hit a top-speed of 267 kmph on the high-speed testing track and did it for an extended period of time too. The engine proved its mettle, now it was time to see how the Golf GTI handled. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Handling We moved to the tight, technical handling test track which had near zero runoff area, the perfect playground for the Golf GTI to flex its handling ability. And the hot hatch did not disappoint. At near triple digit speeds, the Golf GTI impressively held its line through tricky switchbacks, even with the tyres squealing under protest. We suspect that the XDS electronic front differential has something to do with it. A neat piece of tech indeed! In the Sport mode, the steering feels artificially weighted, although there's decent feedback. There's a hint of body roll when you are aggressively entering a corner, but nothing that mars your driving experience. Now, we did drive the Golf GTI in a tightly controlled environment, but there is no doubt in our mind that the when we drive the car out in the real world - the suspension will feel stiff and may not exactly play well with the road conditions that we usually have in our cities. Also, the 136 mm ground clearance isn't exactly SUV-like, so going over big speed breakers, bumps and potholes will have to be an exercise in patience. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Practicality But the real magic of the GTI is how it balances performance with practicality. It's got just about enough boot space for a weekend getaway's worth of luggage for two and cramped but comfy rear seats for the occasional third-wheel friend. Although we suspect that the fuel economy might make you weep at the pump. But then again, if you can afford to buy the Golf GTI, then the fuel bill shouldn't be much of a concern. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Verdict The Volkswagen Golf GTI is full of personality. It is fast, furious and a lot of fun. The sheer drama and the visceral driving experience is likely to find lots of fans on Indian roads. I mean the first batch of 150 cars is already sold out, without the price being revealed. But a word of caution for those who buy it. It will be the easiest thing to get carried away by the kind of performance it offers, coupled with its compact footprint. But if you don't care much about practicality, like authentic, spirited cars and have deep pockets, then the Volkswagen Golf GTI is something you should definitely add in your garage.
