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Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Volkswagen Golf GTI First Drive Review - Dollops of fun but at a price
Volkswagen Golf GTI: What is it? This is the eighth-generation VW Golf making its way to the Indian market, 'Mk 8.5' Golf GTI, to be precise. The hatchback has grown larger and more powerful with every generation, and we are glad India gets the GTI version instead of the tamer alternatives. This is a proper hot hatchback, and its closest rival is the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, which is not only significantly more expensive but also a lot more powerful. The Golf GTI then promises to bring scintillating performance with reasonable everyday usability. More importantly, it's the new halo offering in Volkswagen India's lineup, a notch above the recently launched Tiguan R-Line. The Golf GTI is long with clean lines and large 18-inch alloys dominating the profile. The hot hatch is instantly recognisable Volkswagen Golf GTI: Design The Golf GTI is a good mix of old and new, bringing the old school look of VWs with the modernity of a larger touchscreen, Matrix LED headlamps, and customisable taillights. The design is quite on point, and the hot hatch has quite the stance to grab your attention. We do like it in the red stripe running across the grille and headlamps, while the illuminated VW logo is a first for India. The five-lamp LED fog lights also give a distinctive touch. Move to the side, and the stance of the hatchback looks leaner and meaner. The chunky 18-inch alloy wheels look menacing, complemented by the red brake calipers and low-profile tyres. At nearly 4.3 metres, the Golf GTI is nearly as big as the Hyundai Creta, albeit substantially low given its performance positioning. The ground clearance measures just 136 mm, which means navigating badly designed speed breakers will be a show of skill. The rear sports wraparound LED taillights and a sporty bumper, but the real standout feature are the twin exhaust tips that unleash a bassy, menacing sound. Topping it off are the 'GTI' badges finished in red, which tell you that this hatch means business. The Tartan seats are specific to the Golf and add an old-school bit to an otherwise modern cabin Volkswagen Golf GTI: Cabin Step inside, and the cabin features a flat-bottom steering wheel and sport front seats that instantly make for a sporty connection. The all-black cabin gets contrast red stitching all over, but the highlight at the Tartan seats that remain special to the Golf range. The seats offer good bolstering and hug you well, albeit you won't find an electrically adjustable driver's seat available. You also don't get cooled, ventilated seats, although there is an option for heating, which the folks up north will enjoy for a few months every year. Now, the Golf GTI comes to India as a full import and is a part of the 2,500 units that Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) is allowed to import without homologation. That's why any addition or change to the overall spec can't be done without having to homologate the car (essentially beating the purpose). A digital instrument console offers all the information, including a lap timer. A larger 12.6-inch infotainment system provides access to all other controls. There are dedicated buttons to access specific functions like climate control, drive modes, Level 2 ADAS function, and more. Plastics are good, if not the most premium, but everything feels sturdy around the car. The rear seat experience is decent, though not the most friendly for tall passengers. Under-thigh support could be better, but there is ample headroom. The central tunnel also makes it a four-seater at best, with the middle passenger squeezed in at best. To be fair, that's not the seat you would want to be in the Golf GTI. The Volkswagen Golf GTI packs the thunderous 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that develops 261 bhp and 370 Nm Volkswagen Golf GTI: Performance Powering the Golf GTI is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 261 bhp and 370 Nm of peak torque, paired with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. If those numbers aren't enough to solidify the GTI badge, the top speed of 250 kmph (electronically limited) should. Fortunately, we had the chance to sample all those horses working overtime at the Natrax high-speed test track. This 11.3 km circuit has been designed to handle speeds up to 350 kmph, so we knew we were in good hands. It was a no-brainer then to max out the Golf GTI. The roaring engine rumbles as you step on the accelerator, and the triple-digit speeds climb in no time. VW claims 0-100 kmph in 5.9 seconds, while the 200 kmph mark comes up about 10 seconds later. As you approach the first banking corner, the instrument console is closing in on the 265 kmph mark. Your right foot is hard pressed on the pedal right down to the floor, and the Golf won't flinch even an inch. Calm, composed and raring to go more, there is little to get you nervous even at breakneck speeds. It doesn't take long for 267 kmph to show up, and the Golf GTI can do it all day long. We hit back-to-back laps on the high-speed test track, and there was little to no resistance from the Golf GTI as we held on to the top speed every time for a few good minutes. This hot hatch is all about endurance, and it does so quite well. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Handling But that's not the only bit the Golf impresses with. The handling is simply superlative and has just the right amount of playfulness to keep you smiling. Our second stint was on the handling track, and in the short loop, we managed to put the Golf through its paces. The steering is direct, although electric, and lets you point and shoot the car into a corner. Turn the traction control off, and the tail will be happy to step out with the slightest of input. It's not just about straight-line performance, this is a car that likes its corners as much as the straight line and justifies its iconic stature in both places. The Golf GTI likes being thrown around, and there's no bodyroll to get you worked up. The independent suspension at either end, work extra hard to ensure there is the right balance between comfort and performance. Everything stiffens up in the Sport mode, but you do get a Comfort mode to dial things down a little. That said, do not expect a cushy ride quality out on the open roads, given there isn't much suspension travel to play around with. The Golf GTI is for the pure enthusiast who has waited a long time to get one. And you can't put a price on that feeling Volkswagen Golf GTI: Verdict The Volkswagen Golf GTI offers accessible power, by which I mean the hatch is intimidating enough to keep you on your toes, but sublime enough to get you home after a hard day at work. More importantly, the Golf is all about making that emotional connection. Whether you sat in one as a kid or drove one while playing video games, the nostalgia will hit you aplenty when you get behind the wheel. And that's the whole point of getting the Golf GTI. This isn't a car you purchase with your head. This is all heart. For the first 250 customers who've already booked one (no allocations till early 2026), this feeling resonates rather well. And you can't put a price on that, but only should you have about ₹ 60 lakh (on-road) to spare. First Published Date: 26 May 2025, 12:08 PM IST
India Today
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India rejigs leadership, appoints new brand heads
In a strategic leadership change, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) has announced two key appointments aimed at strengthening its brand presence and accelerating growth in India by promoting local Gupta, the outgoing Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, has taken over as Brand Director of Skoda India, effective May 1. He succeeds Petr Janeba, who returns to Skoda Auto in the Czech Republic. Gupta brings over 20 years of industry experience, including more than a decade with the Volkswagen Group, and is set to focus on brand growth, customer engagement, and network expansion for Skoda in the Nitin Kohli, currently heading Sales and Operations at Audi India, has been appointed as the new Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. With 25 years of experience in automotive sales, and over 12 years with the company, Kohli is expected to drive Volkswagen's next phase of growth in the Indian market. The leadership transition underscores SAVWIPL's emphasis on localisation and nurturing homegrown talent to lead global brands in India. Commenting on the appointments, Piyush Arora, CEO & MD of SAVWIPL, said the changes reinforce the company's commitment to building agile, market-aligned leadership from within India. 'Empowering strong Indian leaders remains a core element of our growth strategy,' he Bures, Board Member and Executive Director for Sales, Marketing & Digital, also praised the appointments, noting that both Gupta and Kohli have consistently demonstrated agility and customer-focused transition marks a broader push by Skoda Auto Volkswagen India to strengthen its market responsiveness through local leadership, drive cross-brand synergies, and support long-term transformation to Auto Today Magazine
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Skoda, VW recall over 47k cars in India over this safety issue: Is yours affected?
Skoda, VW recall over 47k cars in India. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has issued a recall for over 47,000 vehicles, following the discovery of a potential defect in the rear seatbelt system . The recall affects several models across both Skoda and Volkswagen brands, all of which were manufactured between May 24, 2024 and April 1, 2025. According to data shared by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), a total of 47,235 units are involved in the recall. Of these, 21,513 are Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus models, while the remaining 25,722 include Skoda's Kushaq , Slavia , and Kylaq . All affected vehicles were assembled in India. Slavia, Virtus, Taigun, Kushaq, Kylaq recall: What's the issue? The issue lies in the rear seatbelt assembly. SIAM's filing indicates that in the event of a frontal crash, the latch plate of the rear seatbelt buckle may break. Additionally, there's a risk that the webbing of the rear centre seatbelt and the buckle of the rear right seatbelt could fail. These faults could potentially compromise the safety of rear seat passengers in a collision. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How can a 3-month-old get cancer? Please help! Give Hope India Donate Now Undo Skoda Kylaq Real World Review Things To Know Before Buying | TOI Auto In response to the findings, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has confirmed the recall and said it is taking proactive steps, PTI reported. 'Our authorised service centres are proactively reaching out to customers to ensure swift and seamless resolution,' the company said in a statement. Like any other recall, customers won't be bearing the costs of repairs, if any. Owners can also verify whether their vehicle falls under this recall by visiting the official websites of Skoda or Volkswagen and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Skoda Auto Volkswagen recalls over 47,000 units to fix rear seatbelt
(You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is recalling over 47,000 units of various models, including Taigun, Virtus and Kushaq due to potential manufacturing defect with the rear seatbelt, according to industry body SIAM. The automaker is recalling 21,513 units of Taigun and Virtus manufactured between May 24, 2024 and April 1, 2025. Similarly, it is recalling 25,722 units of Kushaq, Slavia and Kylaq, SIAM said in a filing on its Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus manufactured during the period, the rear seatbelt buckle latch plate may break or the webbing of the rear centre seatbelt assembly along with buckle of rear right seatbelt may fail during frontal collision, it stated. This may pose a safety risk to passengers occupying rear seats, it cited same reason for the Skoda contacted, the company said: "As a part of the Group's commitment to customers, to maintain the highest standard of safety and quality, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is conducting a recall of the Skoda Slavia, Kushaq, Kylaq and Volkswagen Virtus & Taigun models (manufactured between May 24, 2024 to April 1, 2025), to address a potential seat belt concern.""Our authorised service centres are proactively reaching out to the customers to ensure swift and seamless resolution," it added.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Skoda India to recall over 25,000 units of Kushaq, Slavia and Kylaq
According to SIAM recall data, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has issued a voluntary recall of 25,722 units of its Kushaq, Slavia, and Kylaq models, citing a potential safety defect identified during routine quality inspections. The recall will begin on May 1, 2025. The vehicles covered under the recall were manufactured between May 24, 2024 and April 1, 2025. According to the company, in the event of a frontal collision, there is a risk that the rear seatbelt components may fail. Specifically, the latch plate of the rear seatbelt buckle may break, and the webbing of the rear centre seatbelt assembly, along with the buckle of the rear right seatbelt, may also be compromised. This could pose a safety risk to passengers seated in the rear of the vehicle. Skoda India will contact affected customers to carry out inspections and replace faulty components where necessary.
