VOLKSWAGEN Australia has slashed the price of its GTI hot hatch for a limited time in the run up to the arrival later in the year of a comprehensively upgraded and more powerful version, the Golf GTI 8.5; and competition from Hyundai’s more powerful and sharper priced i30 N.
Until June 30 (end of the financial year), the high spec GTI is offered for $59,990 drive-away AND includes VW’s Luxury Package (previously a $4000 option) and Sound & Style Package (previously a $2600 option) as standard.
According to Volkswagen Australia, the deal makes the current GTI arguably VW’s best value ever, as before this offer the regular recommended retail price (excluding on-road costs) with these options was $62,690 which correlates to $67,980 drive-away based on a Sydney 2000 postcode.
VW says the deal represents a $7990 reduction with the only remaining option Kings Red Premium Metallic paint for an extra $300 extra. All other colours choices are included in the drive-away pricing deal.
Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles head of product Michelle Rowney said the iconic Golf GTI continues to provide the benchmark upon which all hot hatches are judged, with technology and value that eclipses its competitor set.
“Increased production availability of the Golf GTI allows us to finally meet the demand for our quintessential hot hatchback, and we want to accelerate its appeal with a special, fully loaded $59,990 drive-away offer,” she said.
“The Golf GTI doubled its sales last year compared with 2022, emphasising how this Volkswagen is still going from strength to strength.
“When you combine the iconic design, the unrivalled engineering and the high-level technology and quality that underpins the Golf GTI, there is – even after so many years – no hot hatchback that comes close to matching its skill set.”
The Volkswagen Golf GTI combines a 180kW and 370Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and front-wheel drive with a Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) – incorporating front differential lock, extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL), Sport ESC and adaptive chassis control.
A high safety standard includes LED headlights with automatic high-beam, Front Assist with oncoming vehicle braking when turning, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Park Assist, Emergency Assist, Exit Warning System, a proactive passenger protection system and nine airbags including centre airbag.
It features an Innovision Cockpit (including Discover Pro 10.0-inch satellite navigation system and Digital Cockpit Pro with map display), Wireless App-Connect, Wireless Charging and Keyless Access deliver a seamless user experience from entry to drive.
The addition of the Luxury Package adds a panoramic glass sunroof, Vienna leather appointed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, electric driver’s seat with memory and steering wheel heating. The Sound & Style Package features 19-inch alloy wheels, head-up display and Harman/Kardon premium audio system.
By way of comparison, the GTI’s direct front-wheel drive competitor, the Hyundai i30 N Premium hatch, is priced from $49,200 excluding on-road costs – and calls up 206kW from its 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine.
The generation 8.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI due late in the year or early next year was reported by GoAuto in January as featuring an updated suite of interface, technology, and styling improvements.
Inside, the model benefits from enhanced materials for the dashboard pad, model-specific instrumentation graphics, larger 10.4- and 12.9-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens, update voice assistant with AI-powered responses, head-up display (optional), 360-degree camera, and remote automated parking.
The updated Volkswagen Golf GTI is tipped to offer as much as 195kW in standard format.