Volkswagen Australia has under promised and over delivered with the MY19 version of its perennial Golf GTI.
- 180kw/370Nm
- 7-speed wet-clutch DSG
- Front differential lock
- Bigger brakes
See our Golf GTI and GTI related reviews HERE
Having stated its intent to release a GTI Performance Edition 2 in the third quarter of this year to follow 2017’s sold out first edition, Volkswagen has instead made all GTIs performance grade.
With the 169kW GTI no longer available, Volkswagen Australia was able to standardise the technical specification of the Performance Edition for all GTIs.
While pricing and equipment for the MY19 range is being finalised, the current GTI range remains on drive away, making it less expensive than challenger cars.
Available for order next month ahead of October delivery, MY19 GTIs come standard with equipment previously reserved for Performance Editions including the 180kW/370Nm tune of the 2.0-litre turbo petrol four, 7-speed wet-clutch DSG, electro-mechanical front differential lock and the ventilated front and rear disc brake package from the Golf R.
While a three door GTI is still to be had in GTI Original form while stock lasts, the MY19 GTI has five doors. Stocks of manual three and five door GTIs remain.
Ben Wilks, Volkswagen Australia General Manager of Marketing, said that the Mark 7/7.5 Golf Performance Range “continues to evolve six years into its life cycle”.
“Volkswagen has the unique ability to adapt and upgrade in this way, as opposed to carmakers that seek to emulate the GTI paradigm,” he said.
“Change brought about by the advent of Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in Europe is one of the major challenges confronting European brands in this market, but we were able to take advantage of this situation to improve the best-selling car of its type.
“Such has been the demand for Performance Editions that making its specification standard is a logical progression, especially in terms of DSG, a transmission others are either trying to copy or cannot.
“This GTI embodies what customers want.”
Mr Wilks said that an announcement about the GTI TCR, unveiled at this month’s Worthersee festival, will be made next month.
The new Polo GTI arrives in August priced from $30,990. It too employs a version of the EA888 2.0-litre turbo four with 147kW/320Nm.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTi Original.
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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