WLTP Emissions KILLS the VW Golf GTI early – don’t VW have a software ‘fix’ for that?

The new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test, due to kick in in September, sees Volkswagen kill off the Golf GTI a year before they normally would.

You’ve probably started to notice changes to new car performance and economy figures as car makers rush to test their cars under the new WLTP standards – due to come into effect in September – and some car makers have ended up taking cars off the market as they sort things out.

The latest appears to be Volkswagen, with the Golf GTI biting the dust a bit early as VW decide it’s not worth the cost of getting the car through the new test regime – and fitting particulate filters which will dent its performance – so they’ve killed it off, probably a year before the Mk 8 Golf is due to arrive.

Despite the regular GTI disappearing from VW’s range, you will still be able to buy the Golf GTI Performance, and VW clearly hopes that’s exactly what those who would otherwise have grabbed the regular GTI will do. And spend more in the process.

But in case you’re worried that this seems to be the end of the ‘cheaper’ Golf GTI, there’s no need. The new Mk 8 Golf is due next year, and it seems inconceivable VW won’t deliver and entry-level GTI again at that point.

Perhaps, pre-dieselgate, VW’s clever technicians would have found a software ‘workaround’ for the WLTP tests?

 Source: Pistonheads