Currently reading: Geneva motor show 2013: Volkswagen Golf GTI
Mk7 version of the GTI available with either 217bhp or 227bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine

Volkswagen will give the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7 its American debut at the New York motor show. It arrives in the UK this June and will be available in the USA next year.

The final specification of the production car was confirmed at the Geneva motor show, and the hot hatch is nearly identical to the ‘concept’ version shown last autumn.

Two versions of the car will be offered: a 217bhp standard car and a 227bhp Performance Package version, a first for the Golf GTI. A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with 258lb ft is used in both cars.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard in both cars, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic available as an option. The standard GTI can crack 0-62mph in 6.5sec and reach a 153mph top speed. 

Both cars share the same 47.1mpg combined economy, 139g/km CO2 emissions and 1276kg kerb weight.

The Performance Package cuts 0.1sec off the 0-62mph time and adds 2mph at the top end.

The GTI gets a lowered sports chassis, twin exhaust tailpipes, 17-inch ‘Brooklyn’ alloys and a body kit with wider sills and integrated rear diffuser. Cabin features include a sports steering wheel and pedals, plus traditional plaid sports seats.

Standard models get 314mm ventilated front discs and 300mm rear unventilated discs. Performance Package versions feature ventilated disc brakes all round, 342mm at the front and 310mm at the rear.

Prices for the new Volkswagen Golf GTI are yet to be confirmed but are expected to start at around £26,000 for the three-door manual version and £27,500 for the DSG-equipped version.

Five-door models will likely command a premium of around £650, while the Performance Package should cost in the region of £1,000.

Volkswagen has also confirmed the specification of a new GTD model, which largely shares its looks with the GTI. Power comes from a 181bhp, 280lb ft 2.0 TDI engine.

Equipped with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, it can crack 0-62mph in 7.5sec on its way to a 137mph top speed. Combined economy is rated at 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions are just 109g/km.

Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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coolboy 27 February 2013

great show

 

This is enticing.

Guys moaning that it looks exact same way as the one before. So what? It is a Golf!

Beetles look like beetles, 911s look like 911s. Were is the amazement?

Lol, the GT 1982 or a Golf. Who cares the ricebean?Does someone waste time to cross-shop between the Avensis and the 3-series? Get real!

Who heads to a Golf, wants a  Golf. There are a awful amount of cars out there to choose from in the first place, some of them change shape every 2 weeks or the like.  They call to that: create market appeal.

fadyady 27 February 2013

Absurd pricing

My only criticism is that this car looks exactly like the Golf GTI MKVI and that its extortionately pricey at £26k. Rival hot hatches from more premium German brands are far better value.

supertax 27 February 2013

On Top Gear Clarkson said the

On Top Gear Clarkson said the coming UP! GT will be the new Golf GTI compaing it to the mk1, he said same power 110bhp (1.0 turbo) and similar size. But it wont be too close, as the UP! GT will be about 950kgs, and the Mk1 Golf GTI was 810kgs, with 1.6 normally aspirated 110bhp.

Closer I think to get the Lupo GTI with normaly aspirated 1.6, 125bhp/975kgs, which is what I did.

But I suppose if you need a new car, Up! GT and get a aftermarket remap to get in the 125bhp range.

Most people get cars way too big for what they need.