Volkswagen starts pre-sales of the new, more powerful Golf GTI

Increased output: the new 195 kW (265 PS) Golf GTI is now available to order, with prices starting at 44,505 euros

- exterior: Volkswagen has sharpened the design with a new front, new LED headlights, new LED tail light clusters and new 19-inch wheels

- interior: the fully revamped infotainment systems and new voice assistant with ChatGPT integration are intuitive to use

- GTI performance: the latest evolutionary stage of the GTI engine powers from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds

Volkswagen has made significant improvements to the Golf, with new infotainment system, new software, new design and new drives. Pre-sales of the most iconic vehicle in this model series are now starting: get ready for the new edition of the Golf GTI – the original of sporty compact cars. Now boasting an output of 195 kW (265 PS), the new GTI is 20 PS more powerful than its predecessor. From the outside, the car can be recognised thanks to features such as the new LED headlights and an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front, as well as redesigned LED tail light clusters and the likewise new 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels. Inside, the everyday athlete is equally impressive: its revamped infotainment systems are intuitively controlled by means of a visually free-standing touchscreen or by IDA, the new voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. Equipped with a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) as standard, the Golf GTI can now be configured and ordered at prices starting from 44,505 euros.

GTI drive: The heart of a Golf GTI is the engine – and it has now become even more powerful. The latest evolutionary stage of its turbocharged engine delivers a maximum torque of 370 Nm to the front axle – which is combined with an electronic differential lock – starting from a very low engine speed of 1,600 rpm. This power is now available up to 4,590 rpm and thus in an even wider engine speed range. The GTI engine generates its maximum output of 195 kW / 265 PS within the engine speed range of 5,250 to 6,500 rpm. The fast-shifting seven-speed DSG ensures that the Golf GTI’s power is transferred to the drive axle with virtually no interruptions to traction during gear changes.

The gearbox can also be shifted manually using paddles on the multi-function steering wheel. The GTI reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, so the first time under six seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

GTI exterior: Volkswagen has given this iconic vehicle an even sharper look. The front has been redesigned and now sports the new LED Plus headlights. Together with the illuminated Volkswagen badge, they create a striking light design. Customers can also opt for the latest generation of the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights – these offer a high-performance high beam with 15 per cent more range than the predecessor. As standard, the Golf GTI leaves the Wolfsburg factory with 17-inch Richmond alloy wheels. Other wheel rim options include the new 19-inch Queenstown3 alloy wheel. With its striking design of five oval semi-circles, this evokes the classic Detroit wheel, which was introduced for the fifth-generation Golf GTI. Other exterior modifications include the redesigned LED tail light clusters. Even without the GTI logo on the boot lid, the Golf GTI would be easily recognisable thanks to its twin-pipe exhaust system, with a chrome-plated tailpipe on both the left and right sides of the vehicle.

GTI interior: Inside, the Golf GTI is characterised by premium sports seats with integrated head restraints and the distinctive GTI check pattern. There is red decorative stitching on the seats, centre armrest, floor mats and multi-function steering wheel to emphasise the fact that this interior belongs to a Golf GTI.

An exclusive GTI feature is the Engine/Start/Stop button: after the doors are opened, this pulses red until the turbocharged engine is started. Also fitted as standard are pedal caps in brushed stainless steel, a black headliner and the enhanced Digital Cockpit Pro (digital instruments). The new infotainment systems can be operated intuitively using a free-standing touch display (diagonal: 32.8 cm/12.9 inches). Equipped as standard is the Ready 2 Discover infotainment system (navigation system available as an upgrade). The Discover system including navigation is available as optional equipment. Other new features include the control function of the illuminated touch sliders for the automatic air conditioner and volume control as well as the IDA voice assistant, which accesses the AI-based software ChatGPT to answer additional questions.