Like all six Golf GTI generations before it, the seventh generation is distinguished from other Golf models by numerous additional equipment features and classic GTI insignia. The new Golf GTI is also one of the best equipped cars in its class with standard features like the innovative progressive steering, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Driver Alert System, xenon headlights, a radio-CD system with touchscreen and automatic climate control.
Exterior features
On its exterior, GTI-specific standard features are the red painted brake callipers, sport suspension (15 mm lower ride height), the progressive steering system being used in the GTI for the first time, bi-xenon headlights with cornering lights, licence plate lighting in LED technology, dark red LED rear lights, the GTI-typical honeycomb structure of the air inlet screens, a roof spoiler (in body colour) with side-mounted aerodynamic elements (high gloss black), GTI bumpers, ParkPilot (acoustic and visual warning signals), tyre pressure monitoring indicator, GTI logos on the front wings (sides of body in area of A-pillars) and chrome 80-mm diameter tailpipes, one on the left and one on the right. In the chassis electronics area, on-board features also include the extensively reengineered XDS+ electronic differential lock.
Extended performance features. On its exterior, the Golf GTI Performance (169 kW / 230 PS) differs from the GTI with 162 kW / 220 PS by its GTI logo on the front brake callipers and larger internally-ventilated brake discs (front: 340 mm, rear: 310 mm). Technical features of the Golf GTI Performance also include a newly developed front differential lock.
Colours and wheels. The production colours Red ("Tornado Red") and "Black" as well as "Pure White" have been typical for the Golf GTI since its beginning days. As a special feature, the new Golf GTI can also be ordered in seven metallic or pearl effect paints: "Carbon Steel Grey Metallic", "Reflex Silver Metallic", "Tungsten Silver Metallic", "Limestone Grey Metallic", "Night Blue Metallic", "Deep Black Pearl Effect" and "Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect".
Volkswagen has further developed its standard "Denver" GTI wheels. Their styling characteristics flowed into the design of the new machine-polished 17-inch "Brooklyn" alloy wheels that replace them. The new wheels have a lighter visual look and are in fact lighter in weight. The wheels are fitted with size 225/45 tyres. In addition, the new 18-inch "Austin" alloy wheels and 19-inch alloy wheels in "Santiago" design are available as options.
Interior features.
The car with the golf ball. Along with its many standard features such as air conditioning, Driver Alert system and the Composition Touch radio system, numerous GTI features refine the interior. They include the customised leather sport steering wheel and a special gear shift grip. The latter is once again reminiscent of a golf ball, which also makes it a tribute to the first GTI just like the new leather-trimmed steering wheel design. The sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel with its three metal spokes and trim in high-gloss black has a lightweight look, and it is remarkably handy and easy to grip. On its two cross spokes it has multifunction keys as standard, and at its centre - in contrast to all other Golf steering wheels - it has a round impact absorber whose form is similar to that of the component in the first GTI.
GTI instruments and ambience lighting. Also making a strong statement is the GTI instrument cluster with a colour display and independent graphics of its instruments. It is no coincidence that it resembles high-end chronographs. The GTI specific look of the interior is rounded out by red ambience lighting, special trim strips and panels (trim strips in the front doors with ambience lighting), brushed stainless steel pedals and foot rest (on left), door sill entry plates in front with a stainless steel application and ambience lighting that is also integrated here.
Classic seat now also in Alcantara. Also important are the typical top sport seats and seat covers. The first GTI had them already: seat covers in the legendary tartan pattern. As in the transition to every new GTI generation, the fabric of the Golf GTI VI known as "Jacky" was redesigned and is now named "Clark." Naturally, the tartan pattern was kept. A new optional feature: the fabric sport seats in "Clark" design can now be ordered for the first time with side panels and head restraints in Alcantara. Moreover, the seats and door trim panels can also be ordered in "Vienna" upholstery. The front seats also offer height adjustment and a manually adjustable lumbar support. Electric adjustment of the driver's seat is available as an option. Red decorative seams in the area of the seats and the gear shift trim provide a sporty contrast, and the black roofliner that is always part of the GTI emphasises the sporty layout of the interior.
Other optional features
In addition, the Golf GTI can be customised with a nearly limitless range of optional features. Here is an overview of these features (in alphabetical order):
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with Front Assist and City
- Emergency Braking
- Anti-theft warning system plus
- Auxiliary heating
- Car-Net (online information is directly transmitted to the GTI, including navigation with point of interest search, Google-Earth™ map service and Google Street View™, online traffic information)
- Comfort and Premium mobile phone interfaces and Nokia Asha 300 mobile phone
- Composition Colour radio
- Composition Media radio
- Cruise control system
- Digital radio reception: DAB+
- Discover Media navigation function for Composition Media radio
- Discover Pro navigation system
- Driver assistance pack (includes ACC, Front Assist, City
- Emergency Braking, anti-theft warning system, Dynamic Light Assist, automatic running light switching, vehicle stop function with DSG, speed limiter, automatically dipping rear-view mirror, dynamic cornering lights, rain sensor, Lane Assist)
- Driver's seat with electric adjustment
- Driving profile selector
- Dynamic chassis control (DCC) with driving profile selector
- Dynamic Light Assist dynamic main beam control
- DYNAUDIO Excite sound system
- Fire extinguisher
- Fog lights in LED technology
- Folding door mirrors with surroundings illumination and lowering of passenger's side mirror
- Keyless Access: keyless locking and engine starting system
- Lane Assist lane-keeping assistant
- Light and Sight pack (with automatic running light switching, leaving home and coming home function, automatically dipping rear-view mirror and rain sensor)
- Light Assist - main beam control
- MEDIA-IN with iPod/iPhone adapter cable
- MEDIA-IN with iPod/iPhone adapter cable and USB charging port
- Mirror pack (with folding door mirrors, surroundings illumination and lowering of passenger side mirror)
- Multifunction display "plusPlus"
- Panoramic tilt sunroof
- ParkAssist park steering assistant with ParkPilot
- PreCrash preventive occupant protection
- Rear Assist reversing camera
- Rear doors (including electric rear windows)
- Road sign recognition
- Side airbags and belt tensioners at rear seats
- Smoked side windows and rear windscreen absorb 65 per cent of light
- Towbar unit (swivelling)
- "Vienna" leather upholstery
- Voice control
- Wheels/tyres, 18- and 19-inch
- Windscreen with wireless heating and infrared reflecting
- Winter wheels, 16- or 17-inch
Note:
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries.