Volkswagen Golf GTI coming hot on the heels of base hatch

By Anthony Crawford | September 06th, 2012

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The all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI is set to launch in Europe around May next year, coming just three months after the standard hatchback line-up reaches overseas showrooms in February.

The iconic Golf GTI replacement looks set to make its international debut at either the Detroit or Geneva motor shows early next year.

The all-new seventh-generation Golf launches in Australia in the second quarter of 2013, although at this stage Volkswagen Australia says there is no word yet on timing for the local launch of the GTI hot-hatch.

The Mk7 GTI will be powered by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is expected to produce around 165kW – up 10kW from the outgoing model.

In addition to a range of new petrol and diesel engines for the base models, electric and plug-in hybrid variants will also join the range further down the track – a benefit of the company’s new MQB platform that allows for different propulsion systems to slot in without the need for excessive engineering work.

Volkswagen will also produce a version that will run on compressed natural gas in markets where the refueling infrastructure is in place.

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gt86.com.au

just expected so much more from the mkVII..even though its not just a facelift like the mk6 it sure feels like it. sorry vw.
- Golfschwein
  
  Looks like a few people aren’t warming to it, gt86. Might take some time. I remember when the VY Commodore came out, fans were distraught over the new squared-off Magna-ish back end. One bloke even bought an SS and took it straight down to the panel beater to have a VX rounded rump put on it, just to teach those stupid Holden stylists a lesson, I remember reading in WHALES. I think the stylists had the last laugh, somehow.
  - Smart US
    
    well its a facelift with a promise…
- JooberJCW
  
  Looks like they are doing what the audi cars are like, just aligning the designs closer to one another than ever before. Sooner or later headlights and tailights are interchangable regardless SUV, micro, sedan etc.
Nada

Will they dumb down the power due to ‘our weather’ or will it sit nicely in the Audi/VW matrix?
- Jober As A Sudge
  
  They’ll do it for Golf R most likely
- http://www.facebook.com/people/Karl-Sass/100000921334936 Karl Sass
  
  It’s not ‘dumbing down’ its about preventing engine knock when it’s working hard.
Xristo303

I was hoping it was going to be unveiled in Paris later this month as per prior reports.
Basil Exposition

10 years ago the Golf was a revelation in the Oz small car market place. Here was a baby E Class when other hatched were cheap plasticky and tinny.

I’m afraid the world has moved on and the differences are not that stark any more. Coupled with this boring styling direction I am no longer lusting for a Golf.
- Legnab
  
  Yer you would look better sitting plastic i30 .
  - Basil Exposition
    
    Thanks for the compliment… my raw good looks make me look good even in a Lada. Others need Golfs and for the truly ugly nothing less than a Ferrari will do.
    - Legnab
      
      Keep dreaming .
      - Noddy of Toyland
        
        Keep wet-dreaming about the Golf, Legnab.
      - Legnab
        
        Big ears ive got mine you keep sending cards to the north pole perhaps santa will punt one in your stcokings .
      - Basil Exposition
        
        Ha ha ha!
Showtime

It looks nice, but just so plain looking. I wonder if they will keep the same alloy wheel style as the previous generation Golfs.
Force-15

If Volkswagen is producing a CNG-fueled Mk7 Golf, maybe they can engineer an LPG variant for sale in Australia and other markets where LPG is available. Such a car would be dirt cheap to fuel.
Zaccy16

Cant wait!
qikturbo

At 165 kw it’s ok,but still behind the competition such as the upcoming Ford ST and Megane RS.
- Car Fanatic
  
  Buy a Golf R then!
- Car Fanatic
  
  Buy a Golf R then!
- Car Fanatic
  
  Buy a Golf R then!
- Legnab
  
  APR has a solution for that issue .
Martin

It seems like we could have still got another 2 years out of the mk6. I was really surprised when it was announced that it was being replaced by mk7 when it feels like the mk6 hasn’t been around all that long (2008 from my research). Hopefully the mk7 will allay all fears of reliability once and for all and shut up all the naysayers.
- Latin Fish Names
  
  I hope VAG have got their reliability and running costs sorted too.
  - Legnab
    
    Reliability no problem for me , and running costs brilliant 8.8l/100km city cycle 6.2 rural , one year 15,000km $300+ , all sunshine in VAG world , you keep dreaming about your ferrari that you will never own .
    - gasman
      
      VW are cheaply made disposable cars made worse than the Korean brand you continue to hate. VW have significant electrical faults (cruise control failing, door lock/immobiliser problems, tyre pressure errors), coil pack issues, rattles, cheap plasticy interiors (which are obviously to differentiate from Audi interiors). Completely over-rated. My Golf has had all the above problems, and I can’t wait to get rid of it. It’s such a shame, because they are fun to drive when it all works. I persuaded my friend to get a BMW because of those reasons. I have many friends who own Hyundai’s too, and they are mostly loyal to the brand once they’ve experienced the good value they represent. They even tell their close friends and relatives in getting one, which completely surprised me.
      - Legnab
        
        Really ive had 3 all without your mythical faults , reliable except for squeeky door rubbers , and last month they sold 4000+ of these reliable cars , to educated buyers , not bogans .
        
        I too have told friends to buy VW , for obvious reasons , BMW excellent cars , Hundi , not bad value lack that longevity and handling , they try hard .
      - Martin
        
        Now Legnab don’t be nasty. Just because you haven’t experienced the same issues that gasman has had doesn’t mean that they are “mythical”, be nice or don’t bother commenting.
      - Legnab
        
        Myths .
Kris

The styling was never going to differentiate itself a great deal from MKV and MKVI Golf…It’s the VW way, everything is evolution rather than revolution. I’m more impressed with the interior which looks a step up, along with the claimed weight savings which should result in a more efficient, better accelerating car. It will also be interesting to see if the already competent handling of the car is improved on the new MQB platform.
Robin_Graves

Sounds like the MQB platform allowing powertrains to ‘slot in’ might solve a lot of the reliability problems, they’ll just put in a new engine and trans at every service.

I dont really see what this article is about, a few new panels and some cheap plastic bits in the interior, a ‘new’ hand grenade engine and it took them 3 months to differentiate a GTI from a povo pack?
- Legnab
  
  SO garve robber hows your replacement for your aging G6E coming along, no new teck no new bodies just a cadaver getting colder by the day , repose in peace falcoon .
  - Robin_Graves
    
    How does this article have anything to do with my Falcon? It’s still got at least half a million clicks under it’s belt by the way, it’ll still be powering on long after your Stage 10 hand grenade has been recycled back into something useful like a turd tanker.
    - Legnab
      
      YES its just alive but worth zilch , try and sell it pal its a gonna , get a fiesta , make a good taxi , just add papadams .
    - Mac
      
      Children behave or go to your rooms.
MK

Long live the GTi…
Car Fanatic

Poor Robin, still living in fantasy land
Sydlocal

It looks like VW have borrowed the Porsche 911 exterior designers to design the Mk7. We all know they are the laziest designers out there! TVFPIC
- JooberJCW
  
  Perhaps, but you can say the same thing for BMW too.
  
  Its actually more risky and costly to redesign a look rather than evolve and existing ‘working’ one.
Save It For The Track

If they have the electronic park brake in the Gti forget about it.
Jr

Yes, I am pretty sure there will be electric park brake as well as an electronically controlled mechanical locking diff.
Can’t wait for the new GTI. My first VW is the Mk6 GTI. Driven 40K and I’ve yet to experience any of the reliability issues mentioned. If anything I believe many of the ongoing mechanical issues are a result of incompetent mechanics. Although this could point to poor support/training from VW.
GTI all the way. Expect to also see porche technology in future models.