The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI will make its global debut alongside the hybrid GTE and diesel GTD siblings at the Geneva Motor Show. More power, new driver interface and design inside and out.
Five months since the maiden debut of the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen has provided details on the upcoming Golf GTI, GTD and GTE. The new Golf GTI and plug-in hybrid GTE will have 242 bhp, while the diesel-powered GTD will make 197 bhp.
All three cars will get LED headlights as standard with a coloured line that spans from one end to another. Each car will get its own assigned colours; red for the GTI, blue for GTE and silver for GTD. And for the very first time, the eight-generation hot Golfs will get an additional LED strip that connects the DRLs of both headlights. Thus creating a new lighting signature.
Likewise, the taillight cluster will be illuminated by LEDs. And the GTI, GTE and GTD letter is positioned centrally under the Volkswagen emblem.
At launch, the new Golf GTs will be fitted with 17-inch Richmond aluminium-alloy wheels, while optional 18-inch or 19-inch rims are available.
Inside, the assigned colours for each Golf continue to make their presence. The steering wheel’s central spoke in each car will bear the colours red, blue or silver depending on the model. The sport seats are clad in a new checked design called Scalepaper. Moreover, Scalepaper’s grey and black design will be highlighted with red, blue or black applied on the seats’ seams and edging depending on the model.
All three models will get a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and the 10-inch navigation touchscreen. Mood lighting will also come as standard in the cabin’s dashboard panel, door trim, storage cubbies and footwell in a spectrum of 30 configurable colours.
Under the bonnet of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI is a 2.0-litre turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder EA888 evo4 engine, which makes 242 bhp and 373 Nm of torque. The new engine makes 15 bhp and 23 Nm more. The GTI will come with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid’s drivetrain consists of a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EA211 engine which makes 148 bhp, coupled with a 112 bhp electric motor, a 6-speed DSG gearbox and a new lithium-ion battery. The powertrain’s combined output is 242 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, while the all-electric range has been increased to 60 km.
The Golf GTD is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 197 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. The GTD exhaust system is linked to two SCR catalytic converters with dual AdBlue injection. The GTD will only come with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox as standard.
The Golf GTI, GTE and GTD will be suspended with a combination of a front strut-type and multi-link rear suspension. New to the cars is the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which controls both the XDS function and the DCC adaptive damping system.
In the latest iteration of the DCC system, drivers will be able to access an ‘Individual’ mode on top of the fixed ‘Comfort’, ‘Eco’, and ‘Sport’ modes. By using a digital slider, the driver will be able to accurately set and store their personal profile. This enables the driver to choose their level of comfort as much as a possible and the contrary for maximum damping stiffness.
