VOLKSWAGEN Australia is getting nearer to asserting {that a} higher-performance model of the Golf GTI sizzling hatch will return to Australia, echoing a two-tiered GTI technique final witnessed in 2020 when a TCR-inspired particular version was offered domestically above the usual automotive.
The only Golf GTI at present provided to Australian consumers is the collection manufacturing model that, in recently-launched Mk 8.5 format, produces 195kW of energy and 370Nm of torque with a retail value of $58,990 plus on-road prices.
In Europe, a warmer grade referred to as the Golf GTI Clubsport makes use of a extra frenetic implementation of the Evo 4 iteration of Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine tuned for 221kW/400Nm.
“We’re (the GTI Clubsport) very carefully,” Arjun Nidigallu, head of product for Volkswagen Australia Passenger Autos (VWPV), instructed media. “I’ve a private stake in attempting to get it to Australia as a result of I like the automotive.’
Nonetheless, an much more unique Golf GTI 50 Years Version is ready to be revealed on the Nurburgring 24 Hours touring automotive race in June 2025. It’s seemingly that the 50 Years Version would be the most centered Golf GTI to this point—and it’d even pack the 235kW or 245kW tunes used on the all-wheel drive Golf R.
Whereas particular particulars of the Golf GTI 50 Years is not going to be revealed for one more month, the GTI Clubsport grade has been on sale in Europe for practically a yr, and has been evaluated in Germany by VWPV executives.
“It could possibly be very attention-grabbing for the Australian market,” stated VWPV model director Piergiorgio Minto. “There’s a massive distinction between the GTI and the Clubsport (which is) actually brutal now. I feel there’s the potential of a distinct segment, so let’s see what we handle to do there.”
The Clubsport’s extra energy, in addition to subtly enhanced aerodynamics by method of a bigger rear spoiler and revised entrance apron, is enough to lower the GTI’s acceleration time to five.6 sec (from 5.9 sec) in Clubsport kind.
It shares the standard-fit seven-speed wet-clutch DSG automated, front-wheel drive and VAQ mechanical entrance limited-slip differential of the usual GTI, however the calibration of the diff’ is extra aggressive within the Clubsport—whereas bigger brakes are fitted.
A ‘Nurburgring’ drive mode is lifted from the Golf R, inserting the Clubsport into an optimum adaptively-damped suspension mode for the well-known German racetrack.
Optionally available extras in European specification embody a ‘Race’ bundle lifting high pace from 250km/h to 267km/h, a louder Akrapovic exhaust system, and cast 19-inch alloy wheels.
In its residence market of Germany, the Golf GTI Clubsport (with out choices) attracts about an eight per cent value premium over the usual automotive. If mirrored in Australia, the Clubsport could possibly be priced at round $64,000+ORCs.
It’s attainable that Volkswagen Australia would decide to totally equip the Clubsport as a neighborhood particular version with a value within the $70,000+ORC vary.
Individually, the Golf GTI 50 Years may come to Australia as a limited-run, special-edition mannequin. Native consumers did rating the well-received Golf GTI 40 Years in 2016, with the Covid pandemic mainly in charge for why VWPV handed on the GTI 45 Years in 2021.
“There are some particular editions (of Golf that) we’re additionally ,” Mr Nidigallu instructed GoAuto.
Whereas Volkswagen’s native distribution firm has not provided a twin GTI vary within the Golf’s present Mk 8 technology, it did so for a part of the span of the mannequin’s seventh-generation iteration.
In 2020, a TCR particular version was offered domestically for $51,490+ORCs ($4300 greater than the usual GTI), whereas between 2014-2016, Australian consumers may go for a GTI Efficiency that—over the common GTI—provided a 7kW bump, Pirelli tyres and fitment of the entrance differential.
