America's 2019 Volkswagen GTI Won't Ditch The Manual
Unlike in Australia. Sorry about that, Down Under. A few days ago, it came to our attention that the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI will lose its six-speed manual transmission option in Australia. Carsales reported VW will only sell the 2019 GTI with the more powerful Performance Edition, which features an upgraded 2.0-liter turbo four and the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission as standard. A few other upgrades, such as the Golf R鈥檚 electro-mechanical front differential and ventilated front and rear disc brakes, will also be included. But the six-speed manual is gone Down Under. That made us wonder if the same will be in store for the US market 2019 GTI. However, 2016 saw the greatest number of GTIs sold in America since 2010, according to GoodCarBadCar. The current seventh generation Golf is due to arrive next year, but will likely launch first in Europe. Expect 2020 to be its first model year in the US. And yes, a new GTI will soon follow, and based on the current popularity of the manual transmission (at least in the US), it will likely stick around.
In the bumper, further changes will become visible that will gain a new diffused element, hopefully significantly more aggressive than the worldly unit seen on the current GTI. For the first time ever, there will be 鈥淕olf 鈥?lettering under the 鈥淰W 鈥?badge, similar to the new Arteon. Design aside, the new Golf GTI will be slightly longer and wider than its predecessor. As well as giving the Hatchback a more planted posture, it will increase stability and provide a bit more legroom and elbow room in the cabin. The interior of the upcoming Golf Mk8 remains a mystery without spy footage, but the latest Polo and Touareg models give some valuable clues. Although the Golf won鈥檛 be identical to any of the aforementioned cars, it will have similar tones, starting with a much cleaner dashboard with rectangular slings at the corners and in the middle pile. I get a much bigger infotainment screen in the middle, with the Touareg鈥檚 15-inch display likely to be offered on the more expensive trimming. A digital instrument cluster is also on the table.
As usual, the redesign will include a new steering wheel, revamped seats, new cushions, and materials, as well as an expanded space for the rear passengers. On the technical front, Volkswagen promises a 鈥渞evolution. 鈥?According to the head of design Klaus Bischoff, the upcoming Golf will have a 鈥渢otal digital environment 鈥? The only analog aspect is basically the steering wheel. The official chassis details are still under wraps, but we know the upcoming Golf GTI will use an updated version of the company鈥檚 well-known MQB platform. The word says the improved substrates will help shed up to 70kg (about 154 pounds) compared to the previous model through the use of lighter materials. Combined with other weight-saving features, the new Golf GTI could be around 拢200 lighter than the old model, which translates into better performance and fuel economy. Speaking of performance, the GTI will retain its place between the standard Golf and the merit-based R model in the lineup.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will also continue to be used, but the turbocharge-up will work in conjunction with a 48V mild hybrid system. The technology includes motor-off sailing, an integrated starter engine and generator, and electric-powered turbochargers. With the next-gen Ford Focus ST, which is to receive the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine from RS with at least 270 horsepower, the Golf GTI should be equipped with at least 250 horses in the base trim. Volkswagen is likely to continue to offer the performance package, which is expected to increase the GTI鈥檚 performance to at least 270 hp. An updated all-wheel-drive system provides more stability, traction, and dynamism. It鈥檚 said that 2021 Volkswagen GTI is working on an electric-powered rear axle for the 4Motion system, but that could only be offered on the Golf R model. Given the extra power, hybrid build-up and lighter starting weight, the new Golf GTI should be half a second faster from 0 to 62 mph. The outgoing model takes 6.4 seconds to hit 62 mph, so expect the Mk8 version to get there in 5.9 clicks. The top speed remains at the usual 155 km/h. Price information is obviously not available at this point, but it can be assumed that the redesign will add a premium to the current sticker.
