FOR almost as long as there have been Golfs, company car drivers have been hankering after the practical, value-for-money performance offered by sporty Golf GTIs.
Now, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is reborn in a new, seventh-generation model that has twice as much power as the 1976 original.
The standard version of the latest Golf GTI turns out 220PS – the first GTI, considered quick at the time, offered just 110 – and there’s a slightly more powerful (GTI Performance) model as well, which is fitted with larger brake discs and a limited-slip differential.
The standard car gets from rest to 62mph in 6.5 seconds, the GTI performance in 6.4 seconds. Top speeds are 152 and 155mph respectively.
Fitted with Volkswagen’s self-shifting DSG transmission, the standard GTI turns in 44.1mpg and 148g/km giving a company car tax rate of 21% (43.5mpg and 149g/km in the case of the GTI Performance).
Both cars have stop/start and meet the tough new EU-6 emissions standards that are just along the way.
Expect plenty of distinctive Golf GTI trim detailing, with tartan cloth upholstery – offered on GTIs since the earliest days – black roof-lining and red brake calipers.
There’s no word yet on whether the traditional dimpled “golf ball” gear knob, absent from recent models, might make a return.
UK-spec cars are also expected to get eighteen-inch alloys and bi-xenon headlamps with daytime running lights.
British business car buyers can order the new Golf GTI from 26 March and the first cars will be delivered in June. UK pricing and detailed specifications will be released later.
Read our car review of the new VW Golf
Click on this link: The all new VW Golf on test