Mk8 hot hatch uses 242bhp 2.0-litre turbo, GTD, GTE variant also revealed
The new MK8 VW Golf GTi has been revealed alongside its GTD and GTE counterparts, It maintains the VW groups ‘EA888’ turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and sends all of its power to the front wheels.
The new GTi features all the add-ons fitted to the GTi MK7 Performance edition, involving the boost in power to 242bhp (from 228bhp) and torque to 273lb ft (from 258lb ft), limited-slip differential and improved brakes. The GTI also retains a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, to please the enthusiasts, though a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional.
The GTI uses the same MQB platform as the regular Golf MK8, with the suspension struts at the front and multi-links at the rear by McPhearson. It’s also fixed with a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager, that controls the electric differential lock (XDS) and optional adaptive dampers (Dynamic Chassis Control) to increase the balance between maximum comfort and driving dynamics.
VW’s engineers also reworked the steering to make it more direct in a attempt to improve both response and feedback.
The GTi arrives in a trio with the new GTD and GTE, the design of which are similar with a bespoke front bumper, a roof spoiler and other additions. While the GTi keeps its red styling emphases, the GTD uses silver and the GTE blue.
The GTi also retains its twin tailpipes look and red brake callipers, now featuring on the GTD and GTE too. Each model comes with 17” alloy wheels as standard, 18” and 19” versions are also optional.
Inside the GTi features the Golf’s top-spec 10.0in infotainment touchscreen as standard, while the GTD and GTE come with the 8.25in version as standard but can be upgraded. A new sports steering wheel has also been equipted, and the manual gear stick keeps the golf ball shape look. The GTi, GTD and GTE will all be offered with varieties of the Tartan trim, with the GTi retaining the traditional red stitching, the GTD and GTE have grey and blue respectively.
The GTD has a new version of VW’s 2.0-litre TDI that makes 197bhp and 295lb ft and has new turbocharging and cooling systems, The GTD is only offered with the dual-clutch automatic gearbox and has a claimed range of more than 500 miles.
The GTE will make 242bhp and 295lb ft. Power comes from a 148bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine and a electric motor making 114bhp for the combined output, with around 37 miles of electric-only running.
The GTE’s power output makes it a true alternative to the GTi, in which this move is intended to make it a true alternative to the traditional performance Golf.
Pricing for the three models are yet to be revealed, but expect around just under £30,000 for the GTi.