A mere three months after the introduction of the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf, the brand has pulled the covers off the latest iteration of their more powerful and sportier Golf – the 2021 GTI.
Exterior design
The design of the new and sporty Golf features the unmistakable large one-piece lower air intake grille in a honeycomb pattern. It features the fog lights integrated into the air intake grille in an X-shape.
Towards the top of the bonnet, a narrow red line spans the center. When paired with the low positioned LED headlights and when the daytime running lights are active, the LED strip in the headlight mirrors the red line. This continuously illuminated LED strip on the radiator grille creates an entirely new and unmistakable headlight design of the GTI.
A view of the GTI’s side profile and the model signet in the script is visible on the side of the front wing panel. This section also features the eye-catching 17-inch Richmond alloy wheels, unique to the GTI and inside, red brake calipers. The side sills in black are more extensive and come together to form the front spoiler and rear diffuser. Before heading towards the back design, the C-pillar is one that is a characteristic element of all versions of the Golf – the design visually propels the vehicle body forwards.
Commanding the GTI’s rear end is the LED tail lights, centrally placed GTI script under the Volkswagen (VW) emblem, sporty diffuser and two tailpipes, one on each end.
Refined interior
The cabin welcomes the passengers to a GTI flavored Golf. Details include the sports steering wheel with three silver double spokes and recessed emblem, the gear knob in the shape of a black golf ball (manual transmission) and, GTI sport seats in a new tartan design called Scalepaper with black side bolsters.
The driver has full operations to the Innovision cockpit – a 10.25-inch digital instrument and a 10-inch navigation system. The interior lighting, including the dash panel, door trims and, storage compartments, is embedded as part of the displays, offering a spectrum of 30 configurable colors. Essential equipment with every GTI includes a multifunction steering wheel, single-zone automatic climate control, the press and drive comfort start system, Bluetooth and two USB-C ports.
Basic equipment
In general, every new Golf is fitted with assist systems including the lane assist (lane keeping) system, front assist autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, XDS electronic differential lock and Car2X (local communication with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure).
Engine and power
The GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs 242 hp and 370 Nm of torque; this is an increase of 15 hp and 20 Nm in comparison to the current facelifted seventh-generation GTI. It will be mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Driving dynamics
Thanks to the intelligent Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking account of various elements including steering, braking and acceleration maneuvers. When using the driver profile mode, the reduction in body motion can be changed as desired. The required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four shock absorbers within fractions of a second.
Consequently, DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and ensures ideal driving dynamics in combination with the driving dynamics manager. In the latest DCC generation, the vehicle setup can be extended in Individual mode to go beyond the existing range of the fixed Comfort, Eco and Sport modes. The driver can accurately set and store their driving profile using a digital slider. Beyond the Comfort setting, the body is “decoupled” from the road surface as much as possible, thus boosting driving comfort. Beyond the Sport setting, there is an extended setting range with maximum damping for minimized body movements and straightforward handling for that unadulterated GTI feeling.
Read below for more stories!
If you have not noticed, Volkswagen has updated its brand design and logo! Find out more here!
Brush up on your VW Golf GTI history and watch our tribute video celebrating 40 years of the Golf GTI!
You can now get a certified Volkswagen Das WeltAuto car in Malaysia! Click here to find out more!
Want to sell your car with a service that is professional, convenient and fast? Choose Carsome!
