Volkswagen launches new Golf GTI

Volkswagen has launched the new VW Golf GTI in the UK

It was the car that started the Hot-Hatch fashion 36 years ago, and today VW announced that they are open for orders on the latest (sixth generation) Volkswagen Golf GTI.

VW showed a ‘Concept’ of the Mk VI Golf GTI at last year’s Paris Motor Show but, as we expected, it wasn’t even thinly disguised – it’s pretty much as shown!

Just like its siblings, the new GTI is really an evolutionary car rather than a revolutionary one. A new nose marks it out from the previous version. It still has a blown 2.0 litre engine, but now it delivers 210bhp. But the new Golf GTI will prove much more flexible to drive as VW has gone to great lengths to give the GTI good torque throughout the range, making it far more flexible. For instance, in fifth gear, the 80-120km/h jump takes just 7.5 seconds, and only 10 seconds in sixth gear. o-60 is despatched in 6.9 seconds.

All this tweaking also helps economy and emissions. The VW Golf GTI with a manual ‘box manages 38.7mpg and produces 170g/km of Co2.

Instead of going headlong in the 0-60 race, VW has concentrated on improving driving dynamics, with adaptive damping, a new sports suspension and an electronic diff.

You get the usual GTI bits, including sports seats and various GTI only bits like an aluminium gear knob and stainless steel pedals.

This isn’t the most exciting launch in history, but VW has delivered a very competent package that accentuates all that is good in the Golf, without making it something it’s not.

The sensible money will find this the best place for their hot-hatch money.