Volkswagen will unveil the seventh generation Golf GTI at the upcoming 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The Koing (king in German) of hot hatchbacks and pretty much the car that created the term, the Golf GTI has been in production for over 25 years. The GTI was unveiled as a concept car during the 2012 Paris Motor Show during the launch of the seventh generation Golf.
Let us begin with the most exciting aspect of the car, the engine. The 2013 Golf GTI will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill which produces 217bhp in standard form and 227bhp with optional performance pack. Power will be transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual or a DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
Thanks to the German automakers MQB platform, the new Golf GTI is 42kgs lighter than the outgoing variant. It is now believed to be more fuel efficient as well as slightly faster to 100kmph than the outgoing model.
This being the GTI, it combines performance with quite a bit of styling and this means a body kit, rear spoiler, 17inch alloy wheels, smoked LED tail lights and dual chrome exhaust pipes. Some of the toys that will be included as standard are rear parking sensors, touch-screen infotainment system, GTI specific steering wheel, knobs, instrument cluster, stainless steel pedals and automatic climate control.
The car is expected to go on sale for the European market from May onwards for a price of 28,350 Euros (Rs 19.95 lakh). For us more humble folks in the sub-continent, we could never dream of such a car being launched here, however, there are reports making the rounds that VW India may launch a Polo GTD hot hatch diesel version.
