[TusharK]

According to a media report, Volkswagen is gearing up to introduce the Golf GTI in India next year. The hot hatch is expected to be launched by August 2025. It will be imported as CBU and could be priced around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom).



The Golf is a large 4-door hatchback that sits above the Polo in VW’s line-up. The GTI is one of its performance versions that is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine. It produces 261 BHP and 370 Nm and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The front-wheel drive Golf GTI can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.



The latest generation of the Golf GTI features a slim front fascia with sleek LED headlamps and a large air dam. The car has sharp creases along the sides and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

The rear features angular LED taillights, a roof spoiler, and dual exhausts. The GTI version gets subtle red highlights on the front grille and red brake calipers.



It has an all-black interior with a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre. It has a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel and a digital instrument cluster.

Source: Autocar India

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Mod Note: Our Volkswagen Golf GTI Review has been taken live at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!

[VIN No]

As much as I love that they are bringing the Golf to Indian shores that too in GTI guise my question is why?

What kind of benefit do they get by introducing it, it's not stock clearance, it's a slow moving segment

For what then, Hype? Brand value?

[Ayu8648]

It's a great step from VW is what I feel. Couldn't wipe my smile throughout the article. The Golf has been under speculation for ages. Moreover, the enthusiasts have always wanted to see a Golf here in India. The GTI can be a great alternative to the mini and its been a while since we saw any action in that segment. This could also be an upgrade to many Polo GTI owners. This could be a huge success if priced right, especially when the Polo injuries have still not healed
Great days ahead, finally!
On a side note, Apart from high end cars VW should get their mass market strategy in place, we are done with numerous special editions.

[Jangra]

Originally Posted by VIN No

For what then, Hype? Brand value?

The VW Golf in this new guise is sure to find a home for every single unit. Personally, I’d seriously consider owning this marvel. I’ve been eagerly waiting for VW to make an official announcement. I don’t think they’ll need to slash the price by ₹15 lakh, like they did with the Superb, to make it sell. In Europe, it’s often compared to the hatchbacks from the three big German brands, and for good reason.

[shastryBLR]

They already bought the GTI 2 times, once as a CKD in 2017, then as a CBU.
Only that it wore a name plate far more legendary. They called it a

Skoda Octavia vRS

They sure do not make cars like this anymore

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHDtxj5YDNs

[It's Magic]

Originally Posted by TusharK

It will be imported as CBU and could be priced around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Volkswagen Golf is an amazing product, but introducing it in India at ₹40 lakh doesn't make any sense. If I remember correctly, Volkswagen launched the Polo GTI for upwards of ₹25 lakh in 2016 and was able to sell only 99 units until it was discontinued four years later.

When it comes to Indian buyers, I doubt many will be willing to pay more than ₹40 lakh for a hatchback when you can easily get bigger SUVs for that money and might even save some.

Additionally, since it would be imported as a CBU, the availability of spare parts or skilled technicians to handle any future car issues would be tricky.

[SiddharthR]

This is basically part of the Skoda-VW playbook to launch a 'halo car' for the brand once every 2 years or so, to keep their sporty brand image among enthusiasts. This helps them sell their 'GT badge' cars
I doubt they will ever sell this at a sensible price, I guess the pricing is meant to be senseless by design. But certainly a more meaningful price will help them move these units on time and without discounts. I guess they won't learn this anytime soon

[//M]

As a halo product, I think VW should bring in the Golf R instead of the GTI. That would be something truly special.

[TheFonz]

I’ll eagerly wait for the price to be announced. But the sensible thing to do would be to wait and buy one second hand.

[CafeRacer16]

Originally Posted by SiddharthR

I doubt they will ever sell this at a sensible price, I guess the pricing is meant to be senseless by design. But certainly a more meaningful price will help them move these units on time and without discounts. I guess they won't learn this anytime soon

I don't think they had problems selling the T-Roc or Karoq which came via same homologation route. I will not comment on the price but going by T-Roc pricing, VW would price the Golf sensibly & people would want to own something that is unique & a true blue VW.

Problem with Skoda Superb & Polo GTI was that they were available earlier hence there were not a lot of novelty factors in owning these outdated models at exorbitant prices.

[Cresterk]

I wonder what the sales figures of the A45 AMG is. Thats the only comparable hatchback in the market right now and the target customer base for the GTI will be the people who find it overpriced.

[FiestaST]

Instead of GTI, VW India should have experimented with full blown Golf R this time around. These are low volumes anyway, and with the discontinuation of AMG 45s, Golf R would't have had any direct competition.

[DasAutoFanatic]

Woah! I started my day with this article as my first read.. Simply amazing.. Can't wait. I would seriously consider owning this car right now, but as of now, 40L seems slightly out of my budget (family commitments ��). But seriously, I always wanted a Polo GTI, this is even better!

[josetom89]

I am a die hard Golf fan and I had two iterations of the Golf while I was working in Dubai the R32 and Golf 1.4 DSG. I was waiting for this news for years but now that it has finally come, I am not as happy and jumpy as I would have been few years back. The reason, "Electric cars"!
My Tiago EV offers GTI level performance between 30-70 kmph in the narrow and congested roads of Kerala at "0" cost (Solar at home and office). I am so used to the zero running cost now. Though I might have the money for GTI, this humble EV is making me think twice about this. A year back by this time, I would have been in a VW dealership enquiring instead of writing this note.

[GTO]

The ultimate hot hatch I'm a big fan of compact + fast + relatively affordable cars (compared to sportscars)! Just cannot wait to drive this car.

Also, Skoda is displaying the Octavia vRS at the Auto Expo. 2025 is already turning out to be a great year for car enthusiasts.

Originally Posted by VIN No

As much as I love that they are bringing the Golf to Indian shores that too in GTI guise my question is why?

What kind of benefit do they get by introducing it, it's not stock clearance, it's a slow moving segment

Two words = HALO CAR. Read up on the concept to understand it.