When discussion of the new Golf GTI turns to its design, the car's technical layout needs to be discussed first. That is because the 2013 Golf GTI is based on the new modular transverse matrix (MQB). The technocratic impression that this term – "modular", "transverse matrix" – leaves, hardly speaks to the great potential associated with the MQB. This acronym signifies a completely new design layout of the Golf (and of many other Volkswagen Group models). And this new layout is perceived as a very welcome present by Group designers, because they can now implement entirely new vehicle proportions. The seventh generation Golf GTI is a superb example of this.
More dynamic proportions
Compared to the previous model, the wheelbase was extended 53 mm to 2,631 mm, but at the same time the front overhang was shortened 12 mm. In parallel, the A-pillar "wandered" further towards the rear, which makes the bonnet longer and visually shifts the entire vehicle cabin rearwards. This "cab-backward effect" makes the GTI more of a premium class car than a compact class car. In addition, the height of the GTI was reduced 27 mm to 1,442 mm. The car's length grew 55 mm to 4,268 mm now, and the width grew 13 mm to 1,799 mm. Many values that add up to an important result: the proportions of the new Golf GTI made unmistakable gains in dynamics.
Design uses GTI insignia
The designers have systematically exploited this potential of proportions to give the Golf GTI a more impressive stance on the road than ever before. Like the very first Golf GTI, the seventh generation also sports typical GTI insignia. On the new model they include the red trim strip on the radiator grille that now extends into the headlights. Also typically GTI VII are the additional air inlet openings in the front spoiler; a honeycomb structure of the air inlet screens; vertical fog lights; xenon headlights with an unmistakable light signature; the larger rear spoiler; distinctive, large tailpipes of the exhaust system that are arranged far outboard and finally the alloy wheels that were specially designed for the Golf GTI. Certainly, the visual effect of the standard 17-inch alloy wheels ("Brooklyn" type) and their interplay with the GTI sport suspension (with a 15 mm lower ride height) should not be underestimated.
Front end in detail. In the front area with its LED fog lights (optional) that were customised to the GTI, there is another strong and significant GTI element that was completely reinterpreted: the red line on the radiator grille. At one time, on the first Golf GTI, it completely surrounded the rectangular radiator grille. On the sixth generation GTI, two red stripes were used which framed the top and bottom of the grille. Now, in the seventh generation, the red stripe terminates the lower edge of the radiator grille, but then it is further extended to the left and right into the housings of the standard bi-xenon headlights. So, the red line runs across the entire width of the front end; as a horizontal element it runs parallel to the bonnet seam and the bumper.
At the very bottom of the bumper, beneath the cross panel painted in body colour, the black air inlet (with its honeycomb structure screen) is now no longer surrounded by another black area, rather by surfaces painted in body colour. In this way, the air inlet makes a stronger impression; simultaneously, the three lateral, high-gloss black aerodynamic fins beneath the headlights also terminate the front end. Another detail fitting in with the precisely contoured styling is the black splitter (lower edge of the front spoiler), which is familiar from motorsport.
Side profile in detail. In a side view, the sportiest Golf can be readily made out by the even longer look of its roof section due to the larger rear spoiler and by the alloy wheels specially designed for the GTI (17-inch standard, 18- and 19-inch optional). Even in side profile, the light contours of the optional LED daytime running lights and the standard LED rear lights stand out.
In addition, the new Golf GTI is marked by new dynamic proportions and styling that is more precisely formed than ever. Below the door handles, we have integrated the now clearly visible and very sharp character line. While this line is interrupted by the wheel arches, it is otherwise continuous and is stylistically reflected in the chrome bars of the radiator grille and headlights and at the back in the white lateral bars of the rear light clusters. Set deep down all the way around, this line lowers the visual centre of gravity and gives the car a more solid stance on the road. Another striking element is the new line along the side shoulder directly below the windows. This line begins at the front in the headlight, and then glides under the wing mirror, which is positioned right on the line, all the way through to the rear side window, underscoring the premium proportions of the Golf GTI.
Just as characteristic of the car's side profile is the unmistakable C-pillar, whose design also references the GTI I, and especially the Golf GTI IV, which itself developed into an icon with its clean shapes. On the previous Golf, the character line still cut through the C-pillar. This is no longer the case on the new GTI. The C-pillar runs along one homogenous surface from the start of the roof all the way to the rear wheel arch. Above the wheel arch, however, it picks up more strongly the entire width of the car – and as a result, when viewed from behind or diagonally from the rear, the new Golf GTI looks more solid and powerful.
For the first time, the sporty Volkswagen also has, in addition to the GTI badges at the front and rear, red plates on the front wings at the height of the character line with the same typographic interpretation of the GTI logo that has been used for decades.
Rear section in detail. Another example of the harmonious integration of GTI specific elements is the new roof spoiler design, which is considerably larger than its counterpart on Golf versions with less powerful engines; it is integrated to be flush to the boot lid and the body. The spoiler, painted in body colour, seamlessly transitions into black aerodynamic elements on the sides of the boot lid, which makes a visual reference to the use of black colour in the first generation Golf GTI. Another feature that is designed in black, along with the aerodynamic elements and the front splitter, is the diffuser at the rear. To the left and right of the diffuser are the chrome tailpipes of the exhaust system.
Note:
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Features and technical data apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries.