Volkswagen Golf GTI India Launch Considered For 2019 Or 2019
From the premium hatchback segment to the luxury space, sportier versions of the regular models have been receiving increased appreciation from the customers in recent times. Fiat introduced the brilliant 140 hp Abarth Punto and it did what a hot hatch should always do - sending the speedo indicator up the north - instead of minor makeovers to the exterior without performance surge. Also Read: 192 PS Volkswagen Polo GTI Launched in India at Rs. Being a lightweight hot hatch in limited numbers, it can sprint from zero to 100 kmph in just 7.2 seconds and top out a maximum speed of 233 kmph. The Wolfsburg-based automaker is well aware of the performance hatchback segment having already entered the GT TSI as well but it seems like the simmering perspectives will be taken up a notch with the growing interest showed by the brand. Volkswagen鈥檚 hot hatch legacy is shaped by the legendary Golf GTI and Autocar reports that it is keenly being considered for an entry into India. VW鈥檚 Michael Mayer, Director of Passenger Cars, said the Golf will make its presence felt in our domestic market in the near future with the GTI. It is based on the MQB platform and gets powered by 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol pumping out 230 horsepower. Like the Polo GTI, it could be offered as a limited production run model. VW鈥檚 sister brand Skoda will be launching the RS performance version of the Octavia next year and it features the same engine as the Golf GTI.
Storage is reasonably good. The sides of the bin ahead of the shifter double as places to brace a knee. The door pockets have good space and bottleholder contours, but the center-console under-armrest room is good for little more than a smartphone and/or a pack of smokes. Outward visibility is very good. Outside mirrors are low and the inside high enough that neither blocks any vision even on climbing switchbacks. The bottom of the windshield is unobstructed the full width of the dash and the top is high for an excellent view forward. The rear pillars are so far away they don't compromise quarter views. Behind the seats there is 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space; a bit less below the cargo cover. Folding the rear seats expands that to more than 40 cubic feet, which is approaching crossover territory. The GTI is a hoot to drive, whether ferrying kids about or resorting to hooliganism.
It's a synergy of balance and capability, even if other cars offer more speed or higher handling limits. With a small turbocharger on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, power is immediate and gratifying at any speed. Peak horsepower is 200 and maximum torque 207 lb-ft, both inferior to the MazdaSpeed3 and Subaru Impreza WRX. Those cars are quicker but rate about 20-percent lower fuel economy, and the all-wheel-drive Ralliart and WRX are heavier. Honda's Civic Si non-turbo matches the GTI for horsepower but falls behind on torque and is just shy in fuel economy. Hyundai's rear-drive Genesis coupe 2.0-liter turbo is slightly more powerful, slightly less economical, and not quite as refined as the GTI. Underway, that refinement counts for a lot. All 207 lb-ft of torque are available from 1800 rpm to 5000, and max horsepower ranges from 5100 to 6000 rpm, so there is virtually nowhere on the rev band without plenty of urge.
Zero to 60 mph is in the low to mid six-second range. Officially, the engine goes to 6500 rpm, smoothly and with a pleasant snarl from the tailpipes, but on more than one occasion the tach needle on a DSG car sailed right off to 7000 rpm under full throttle. The abundant torque and flexibility make it easy to drive, the willingness and lack of torque steer make enjoyable. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and properly set up for the car's use and broad powerband. The double-clutch DSG, essentially a 6-speed automated manual (no clutch pedal, shift only if you wish) cracks off gear-changes faster than humans, dropping the 0-60 mph time by a tenth of a second. It even has the ubiquitous launch control but you don't want to make a habit of using it. We tend to prefer manual gearboxes with small turbocharged engines. Fuel economy for the GTI is an EPA-estimated 21/31 mpg City/Highway with manual gearbox, 24/33 mpg with the DSG transmission. There are few drawbacks to either gearbox. The manual probably gives up one real-world mpg.
We also find a distinct difference between Drive and Sport with the DSG. Drive wants to shift up quickly. This improves fuel economy but hurts throttle response. When cruising along in the city, there often seems to be a lack of power when you finally get an open space. The Sport mode holds gears much longer, making it the choice for performance driving. During everyday driving, though, this keeps the power on boil all the time, making the car feel high strung and hurting fuel economy. It also never goes into sixth gear, which also hurts economy. We found ourselves switching between these modes to get the throttle response we desired in various situations. Another way to deal with these issues is to leave the car in Drive and shift with the steering wheel paddles or gearshift. MacPherson-strut front and coil/link rear suspensions, both with hollow anti-roll bars and tacky summer tires ensure the GTI sticks to the ground. In this respect, the GTI gives up nothing in performance to the competition and generally delivers a more civilized, compliant ride, in part because it's lighter than anything but the Civic Si.
