Volkswagen has officially launched the Golf GTI Mk 8.5 in India at ₹53 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes it the most expensive Volkswagen car currently on sale in the country. The car has been brought in as a completely built unit (CBU), and the first batch of 150 units has already been sold out. Volkswagen is also planning to bring another 100 units based on customer demand.

The Golf GTI follows in the footsteps of the popular Polo GTI, which was earlier sold in India but later discontinued. The Golf itself is seen as the spiritual successor to the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.

Power and Performance

Under the hood, the Golf GTI gets a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 265hp and 370Nm of torque. This is the same engine found in the new Tiguan R Line. It comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and sends power to the front wheels.

The car also features an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock, which improves handling and traction. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. In comparison, the Mini Cooper S takes 6.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h and has a slightly lower top speed of 242 km/h.

Sporty Exterior

The design of the Golf GTI stands out with sporty details. The front features an illuminated Volkswagen logo, Matrix LED headlights, and a thin LED daytime running light strip. A red strip runs across the nose of the car, and the signature GTI badge sits proudly on the grille. You will also find GTI badges on the front doors and tailgate.

The car rides on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels with red brake calipers. The rear gets LED tail lights with a smoked look, a large roof spoiler, and dual exhaust tips, adding to its sporty appearance.

Premium Cabin

Inside, the Golf GTI offers a premium and sporty feel. It gets special sports seats with classic tartan-patterned fabric in the centre. The front seats also have ‘GTI’ stitched in red. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and features a red GTI badge.

The dashboard comes with two large displays—a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Other features include a sunroof, wireless charger, paddle shifters, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, and 30-colour ambient lighting.

Safety Features

The Golf GTI is loaded with safety tech. It comes with seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, a rear-view camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. It also gets Level 2 ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking, lane change assist, and rear traffic alert.

Colour Options and Rivals

In India, the Golf GTI is available in four colours. Although the GTI does not have many direct rivals, it will compete with performance hatchbacks like the Mini Cooper S.

With its combination of performance, features, and sporty design, the Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a unique option for enthusiasts looking for a premium hot hatch in India.