Spotted: The new Volkswagen Golf Mk VII GTi

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I spy …

A GTi ….

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Here it is, the much anticipated Volkswagen Golf Mk VII GTi sitting quietly at an eerie dark, semi-lit basement, awaiting its glorious introduction to the outside world. As the next torch bearer of VW’s most successful flagship model, the new GTi will be coming into a world filled with loyal fans and savage competition previously never encountered in this parts of the world in its predecessors. It would be most interesting to see how Volkswagen Group Malaysia plans to meet all the new challenges the new GTi would be facing. Until then we have to wait.

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But meanwhile, here are some teasers I managed to snap when I had a chance encounter with one today.

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Using the same MQB platform as the 1.4TSi Golf Mk VII that was introduced in March this year (read about it HERE), the new GTi shares the same dimensions as its smaller engine cc sibling.

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What’s most obvious up front between the 2 variants is the red lining which runs across the lower part of the honeycomb grille into the headlamps and the revised bumper that features black ‘claws’ at the fog lamps

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Beautiful 18″ Austin rims shods the GTi …. a refreshing change from the Detroits and Denvers we have been seeing since Mk V.

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Aside from the rims, visually separating the GTi from the TSi are additional GTi badges with red background. It’s as though VW went all out to ensure everyone around you knows what you’re driving. A bit of an overkill, me thinks though. But then I’ve always loved sleeper cars or monsters pretending to be sheep.

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So in total, you’d find 4 GTi badges on the car. No matter from which angle you look (except top down or bottom up), you’d know you’re looking at a GTi (or a TSi pretending to be a GTi)

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Also at the back, you can expect to find the usual twin tail pipes and rear diffuser.

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Otherwise, everything is the same as the 1.4TSi on its exterior. Even the rear spoiler is the exact same design and shape.

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No pictures of the interior as the car was locked. Everything inside looks the same as the Mk VII TSi (comparison between the Mk VI and Mk VII Golf can be seen HERE) except the seats (and steering) are all plush leather lined with red stitches and GTi lettering on the steering wheel. Didn’t manage to notice any chassis controls (DCC) buttons near the gearstick as found in the Mk VI but it was rather dark so I could have missed it.

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Powering the Mk VII GTi is the 2.0litre turbocharged engine, delivering about 217BHP and previous R-model levels of torque at 350Nm. The usual 6-speed DSG will be paired with the engine. Interesting enough, VW introduces 2 different sub-variants of the GTi itself; a regular base GTi and a Performance Pack one which adds 10bhp, larger brakes and full-on differential lock. We don’t know if VGM is going to introduce these 2 variants (well, 3 if you count the future Mk VII R model) nor the price.

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And they’ve got to nail the price right. No doubt there is a huge cult following of Golf worldwide (here in Malaysia included) but the Mk VII GTi has to contend with the following competitors:-

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• Mazda 3 MPS
• Renault Megane Cup RS 265
• Ford Focus ST
• Mercedes A250

 

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Between these worthy contenders, I’d say the Merc A250 represents the biggest threat to the GTi as it is competitively priced and it from a more luxurious brand compared to “the People’s Car”. There are rumors that there will be a price increase between the Mk VI and Mk VII GTi but looking at the way things stand, if the price gap with the Merc isn’t great, it will affect the GTi’s sale. Having said that, there isn’t quite another hot hatch that can represents the total package that makes the GTi. Ultimately, it all comes to price and for that, rumor has it, the GTi will be launching either in August or October this year.

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Interesting times ahead ….

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