
Australian pricing for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR has been announced, ahead of its July arrival.
Limited to 300 units and landing as something of a swansong for the 'Mk7.5' Golf GTI line, the 2020 GTI TCR is priced from $51,490 before on-road costs.
That starting price positions it between the regular $46,690 180kW/370Nm Golf GTI and the $55,490 213kW/380Nm Golf R – the latter being the Golf line's all-wheel-drive flagship.
The Golf GTI TCR retains the front-wheel-drive configuration of all GTI models, but it matches the R for its 213kW output (previously achieved only by the GTI 40 Years, and only on overboost).

Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed wet-clutch DSG (and locking differential) instead of the seven-speed unit equipped in Europe, thanks to the absence of a petrol particulate filter on its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. (Recently applied to models in Europe.)
This, likewise, sees our market landing a GTI 40 Years-matching 350Nm torque tune instead of the 380Nm delivered with the overseas unit.
Again like the 40 Years special, peak torque in this unit will come in at 1750rpm – later than with the regular GTI's 1600rpm but earlier than the R's 1850rpm.
Nonetheless, the GTI TCR's status as the quickest-ever GTI is only slightly tarnished in Australian spec: whereas the European version claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds, local models will get there in 5.7 seconds.
That betters the 2016 GTI 40 Years' claim of 6.3 seconds, and the updated MY20 GTI's 6.2-second run. It's also, just barely, within a second of the R's official 4.8 seconds.

Away from the peculiarities of Volkswagen's ongoing balancing act between ever-tightening European emissions regulations and Australia's comparatively lax laws, the GTI TCR boasts a number of other special features.
Those include a bespoke adaptive chassis control and performance front brake system, along with a firmer and 5mm-lower ride than the regular GTI.
A freer-flowing exhaust system is also featured, giving the TCR a more satisfying note.
LED headlights with dynamic cornering lights are standard, along with dynamic light assist.
A new Pure Grey colour is offered alongside the GTI-specific Pure White and Tornado Red colours, joined by a black roof, unique honeycomb graphics down the side, and 19-inch wheels.

Inside, there's Alcantara highlights to the gearshift lever and door trim inserts, along with new black and red combination cloth/microfleece trim, and a tweaked steering wheel design with perforated leather at the hand grips and a red 12 o'clock marker. Seat belts and floor mats get red trim.
The only optional extra on offer is a $1900 glass panoramic sunroof.
The Golf GTI TCR will arrive in Australia from July, with production kicking off in April.
2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR pricing for Australia
- Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR - $51,490 (before on-road costs)
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