VW Golf GTI back in showrooms

THE QUINTESSENTIAL HOT HATCHBACK, Volkswagen’s Golf GTI, and its 110TSI R-Line sibling both return to local showrooms in 2023 with a full feature set and around 1300 units coming to Australia soon.

After a brief absence and prolonged supply constraints, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf 110TSI R-Line become available to order effective immediately, and with waiting times decreasing to around three months in the near future.

Increased supply of GTI and R-Line hatchbacks is supplemented by unrestricted access to the T-Roc 140TSI R-Line and T-Roc R compact SUVs.

Volkswagen’s Head of Product Passenger Vehicles Michelle Rowney said that demand for the Golf GTI in particular has never been matched by adequate supply in the current (Mark 8) generation.

“Inside our headquarters and in showrooms there’s so much love for the Golf, so it has been challenging to have our supply restricted for this iconic hatchback,” Ms Rowney said.

“The fact is that with the Golf GTI there are heavier hatches, ones that only go around a racetrack well, some that are louder and often are cheaper in all respects – but none match the all-round finesse of GTI.”

“From its standard adaptive suspension and tartan seats to the availability of a head-up display and Harman/Kardon audio system, the GTI delivers comfort, class and technology in one quick and super fun package.”

The Golf GTI features a 180kW and 370Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and the latest 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with twin wet clutches. Thanks to premium engineering resulting in a 1,477kg tare mass – lower than perceived rivals – the GTI combines performance and efficiency of 6.4 seconds 0-100km/h and 7.0 litres per 100km in combined testing.

It further features a choice of 18- and 19-inch wheel and tyre packages, 15-stage adaptive suspension and an electronically controlled mechanical locking front differential with ESC Sport for maximum comfort with driving fun.

The Golf 110TSI R-Line complements the GTI with a stylish sports exterior package and sports seats. It runs a 110kW and 250Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed torque converter automatic for refined and fluent driving. It delivers an 8.5 seconds 0-100km/h and 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined testing.