Volkswagen has unveiled the first official images and details of its new Golf GTI, ahead of the car's debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.
Based on the new Mk7 Golf, the GTI comes fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine which produces 217bhp. But for the first time in the history of the Golf GTI, buyers have the option of ordering the car with a new Performance Package, which ups the power to 227bhp.
In the standard GTI 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 152mph, while cars equipped with the Performance Package manage the 0-62mph sprint in 6.4 seconds and will carry on accelerating up to 155mph.
Both cars come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic available as an option. The choice of gearbox has no effect on performance, but cars with the manual 'box are slightly more economical, returning 47mpg compared to the 44mpg of the automatic.
Looks-wise, the GTI is similar to the GTI Concept which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last year. The GTI gets a lowered sports chassis, twin exhaust pipes, 17-inch 'Brooklyn' alloy wheels, a more aggressive bodykit, a rear spoiler and a honeycomb GTI grille.
On the inside, you get VW's signature tartan sports seats and a red-stitched leather GTI steering wheel. Standard equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, stop-start and a seven-inch multimedia touchscreen.
Volkswagen has yet to confirm prices for the new Golf GTI, but expect it to cost around the same as the outgoing model, which starts at £25,650. VW starts taking orders next month, with the first deliveries scheduled for June.
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