New infotainment systems. Volkswagen has completely redesigned the hardware and software of the Golf GTI’s infotainment systems. They are now based on the fourth-generation modular infotainment system (MIB4). Operation has been significantly improved and simplified thanks to brand-new graphics and a new menu structure for the touch display. The infotainment system will be available in two different versions for both GTI models: Ready 2 Discover (installed as standard; navigation system available as an upgrade) and Discover (with navigation function as standard). Both systems are equipped with a 32.8-cm (12.9-inch) touchscreen. The new tablet-style displays are designed to be visually free-standing. The screens are divided into two touch bars at the top and bottom and the large home screen in the middle. The driver can assign favourite direct access functions to large areas of the top bar and home screen. The big advantage: the individually configured top bar and static bottom bar remain continuously displayed when the driver opens various functions in the form of apps on the home screen. This makes the system easier to use. The touch sliders for the temperature and volume control have been newly developed; they are now more ergonomic to use and are illuminated. Another new feature is the IDA voice assistant, which can be operated by natural language. The optional system enables many vehicle functions to be controlled and answers questions on all conceivable topics. To do this, the system accesses online databases and ChatGPT (AI). As an option, Volkswagen will offer a 480-watt sound system from Harman Kardon for both Golf GTI models.
Customisable Digital Cockpit Pro. The Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport have the latest generation of digital instruments on board: the standard-equipment Digital Cockpit Pro (display diagonal: 26 cm/10.2 inches). The driver can choose between three different basic graphic configurations (information profiles) using the View button on the likewise new version of the multifunction sports steering wheel: Classic with round instruments, Progressive with display tiles, and GTI. The GTI information profile has a large round instrument in the middle in the form of a classic rev counter (up to 8,000 rpm), in which the letters GTI and the current speed are shown in the middle in red. There are smaller round instruments on the left and right next to it; these can be used to display the current turbocharger boost pressure in bar and the currently requested torque in newton-metres, for example. A windscreen head-up display will also be available as an option for the new GTI models, showing current data such as speed, navigation symbols and information from the assist systems.
Characteristic GTI insignia. The interior of the Golf GTI features standard-equipment premium sport seats with integrated head restraints and a Scalepaper check pattern characteristic for GTI models with red stitching in the grey-black checks. Red decorative stitching on the seats, centre armrest, floor mats and multifunction steering wheel emphasises the fact that the interior belongs to a Golf GTI. The sports steering wheel of both GTI versions is finished in perforated leather at nine and three o’clock, offering comfortable grip; the steering wheel trim at six o’clock is customised by GTI lettering and red accents. Paddles on the steering wheel facilitate manual interventions in the otherwise automatic gear changes of the 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). The background lighting on board as standard immerses the displays and all other illuminated interior areas (dash panel, door trims, mobile phone interface and footwell) in a spectrum of 30 configurable colours – naturally also including the red colour that is a perfect match for a Golf GTI. An exclusive GTI feature is the function of the standard Engine/Start/Stop button: after the doors are opened, it pulses red until the turbocharged engine is started. Also equipped as standard are pedal caps in brushed stainless steel and a black headliner. The interior of the new Golf GTI Clubsport differs from the 265 PS GTI in that it has premium sports seats in ArtVelours as the standard cover fabric; the door inserts are also finished in this elegant and robust material. A leather package and seat air conditioning (heating and ventilation) will be optionally available for both Golf GTI models. Genuine carbon interior trim will be available once again as an optional extra.