Skip advert
Advertisement

Updated: VW Golf GTI revealed at the Paris motor show

Volkswagen has revealed the next-generation Mk7 Golf GTI.

> More Paris motor show news here

Volkswagen’s new Golf GTI has been shown for the first time at the Paris motor show. The new GTI, based on the same MQB platform as the Audi A3, will be offered with the option of two power outputs: the standard 217bhp and an upgraded 227bhp.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The extra 10bhp is courtesy of a new Performance Pack. It’s not just a re-map though, the upgrade also includes larger front brake discs, and a form of limited slip differential up front – said to reduce understeer. evo has been told that the difference between a stadnard car and one fitted with the Performance Pack is around 12 seconds at the Nurburging Nordschliefe, and also that UK buyers will probably only have to find about £900 extra for it. As such, it looks set to become a popular option.

New for this generation of GTI is a variable ratio steering system, which firms up at higher speeds, allowing for more direct steering that is easier to live with at parking speeds. The variable ratio should compensate for the inherent twitchy nature of quick steering racks at higher speeds.

Styling is evolutionary, and the new-look car features many of the trademark GTI features. The new model is set to go on sale in 2013 along side the standard car.

One bit of surprising news is the fact that the forthcoming Golf R isn't confirmed for the UK yet. Apparently we didn't like the last one enough, and VW is considering whether it's worth creating a right-hand drive version.

> More Paris motor show news here

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volkswagen Golf 2024 review – still the benchmark hatchback?
Mk8 Volkswagen Golf
Reviews

Volkswagen Golf 2024 review – still the benchmark hatchback?

The Mk8 Golf has some frustrating ergonomic flaws, but it remains a great all-rounder in all its guises
17 Jan 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024