265 Bhp Volkswagen Golf GTI ‘Hot Hatch’ Confirmed For India

After years of evaluation, Volkswagen India seems to have made up its mind to bring the iconic Golf GTI to the Indian shores. Reports indicate that the car will be shown at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 and the market launch will happen by August 2025. Volkswagen Golf GTI could easily become a new halo car for the brand here. We’ll talk about it and more in this article.

The manufacturer plans to bring the Golf GTI to India via the homologation-free import route that allows up to 2,500 units to be brought in a year. This also means that the country could get the global spec which holds a stellar reputation among enthusiasts. Upon launch, the car could act as an aspiration product, and help elevate the brand image.

Remember the Volkswagen GTI that was introduced in India previously and the commotion it created here? It was launched in 2016, had prices comparable to those of the Mini Cooper, and was sold out soon! Well, things could be bigger with the Golf!

The Updated VW Golf GTI Is Coming To India!

Volkswagen gave the Golf GTI its latest update in April this year. Changes weren’t just cosmetic. Along with design reworks, the car got a major infotainment software update, and a slight bump in power. It continues to be powered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (EA888), which now makes 265 hp instead of 245 hp. At 370 Nm, the torque remains untouched. The transmission on offer is a 7-speed DSG and the car gets Front Wheel Drive (FWD) layout.

I. t can now do the 0-100 kph run in just 5.9 seconds- 0.4 seconds quicker than the predecessor. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph. The hot hatch gets progressive steering (featuring a variable steering rack and pinion gearing- we recently saw something similar on the Mahindra BE 6!) and an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock. An adaptive suspension can be had as an option.

In styling, the updated car got more sporty cues and lines. It rides on 18-inch ‘Richmond’ diamond-cut alloy wheels (optional 19-inchers), GTI badges, illuminated VW logo, and striking Red accents.

The front and rear bumpers have also been tweaked. The front now has a massive air intake with Black surrounds, rear diffuser and twin tailpipes. There is even a two-tone full-roof spoiler.

The new Golf will also come with Matrix LED headlights and 3D-looking LED tail lights. You can also program these with welcome and goodbye signatures by using the infotainment screen.

You will feel the air of sportiness on the inside as well. There are multiple sporty trims and finishes. For instance, the push-to-start button pulses red before the engine fires up. How cool is that?

The 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen now gets updated software, improved interface, graphics and simpler menus. There is even an in-built voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. The vehicle also comes with tartan seat upholstery, GTI steering, digital instrument cluster with GTI-spec graphics and more.

Volkswagen Golf GTI: Estimated Launch And Expected Price

We expect VW India to launch the car by August 2025. The price could be around 40 lakh. This would place it close to the Mini Cooper, with a competitive edge. The Cooper S is currently priced from 44.90 lakh. Skoda is also known to bring the Octavia RS to India soon, which would further heat up the competition.

Source: Autocar India