The German auto major, Volkswagen is contemplating the expansion of its hot-hatch line up in India. While the VW Polo GTI is already on sale, the company is also planning to introduce its bigger sibling – Volkswagen Golf GTI. The all-new VW Golf GTI’s India launch might happen sometime in 2018 or 2019. This move will certainly help the car manufacturer penetrate the performance hatchback segment.
In a latest interview with Autocar, Michael Mayer, director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said, “There are more GTIs in the Volkswagen family, so something else might come in 2018 or 2019. We are looking at the Golf GTI. There’s always a point of time where the Golf makes an inroad into a market, but it’s never at the very first moment. But there is a point where the Golf will make an inroad into the Indian market.” Read – 2017 Volkswagen Polo – All You Need To Know
Powering the Volkswagen Golf GTI will be an EA 288 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine delivering a whooping 230bhp. Transmission duties will be carried out by a new 7-speed DSG gearbox. Its Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) offers three driving modes – Sport, Comfort and Normal. Based on VW’s latest MQB platform, the Golf GTI will be positioned above the Polo GTI in India. This clearly indicates that the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s prices in India will be higher than the former. This hot-hatch could be priced around Rs 25 lakh – Rs 30 lakh. Read – New Volkswagen Passat GTE India Launch In January 2017
Similar to the global model, the India-spec Volkswagen Golf GTI might have a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen with voice control, proximity sensors, satellite navigation, CD player and two SD card slots. For safety purpose, there could be adaptive cruise control, park distance control and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The German carmaker will first introduce Volkswagen Tiguan SUV in India, followed by the VW Golf GTI. Mayer said, “The question for me is what rather comes first. And I think that off-road and crossover vehicles are a global trend and are preferred by Indian buyers too. So that’s what we’re eyeing at first… Subsequently we will see what is there in the mid-price segment that we could cater to.”
Check Out – A Complete List of Upcoming Volkswagen Cars in India
