For more than three decades, the GTI acronym has incarnated sport hatchbacks. The seventh generation of the Golf VII announces a return of the iconic sports car to its roots: lightness.

For the first time, the Golf GTI will be available in twi engine version. The base 2.0 TSI engine puts out a healthy 220 hp from 4,500 to 6,200 rpm, with 350 Nm peak torque from 1,500 to 4,400 rpm. A Performance version is also offered, with 230 hp and same torque on tap. The 0-100 km/h acceleration is claimed at  6.5s and top speed is 246 km/h for the standard version. The Performance version achieves 6.4s and 250 km/h.

Both come with a Stop-Start system as standard equipment to improve gas mileage and reduce CO2 emissions. VW claims 6.0 L/100 km (CO2: 139 g/km) with the manual 6 gear transmission (18% less than the Golf 6 GTI). With the 6 gear DSG twin clutch available as an option, fuel consumption is 6.4, respectively 6.5 L/100 (148 and 150 g/km of CO2). The Golf 7 GTI benefits from the weight savings of the platformn, with DIN weight at 1276 kg according to the spec sheet.

Original equipment includes 17 inch “Brooklyn” rims fitted with 225/45 tires, specific side sills, a diffuser, smoked LED rear lights as well as LED illumination for the license plate. The new Golf VII GTI will be available for order from March 5th for a bae price of 28350 euros in Germany. [2013-02-27 11:38 update] Pricing in Switzerland is announced at 7000 CHF above a Golf 1.4 TSI Highline, or approximately 41’600 CHF.

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