It’s been a few weeks since the Golf Mk6 was unveiled, but we’ve finally got to hear about the most anticipated model of the range, the 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The new pictures, released by Volkswagen, show a ‘GTI Concept’ that will appear at the Paris Motor Show, but its a safe bet that the production version of the car will be practically identical to what you see here.
As with the standard model, the move from the Mk5 GTI to the Mk6 GTI is more evolution than revolution. The Mk6 follows the example of the previous GTI, with subtle alterations to the standard car that make it seem more muscular and purposeful without shouting too loudly about its potential.
There are no bodykits and enormous spoilers here, just subtly flared rear and front bumpers and the same 18-inch alloys as on the Mk5 GTI. The changes at the front, with a wide one piece grill with fog lights set at each end, make the car seem wider and lower on the road, even though there are no physical changes to the overall dimensions.
At the rear of the car there is a diffuser sporting two separate exhausts, one at each corner, rather than the twin exhaust of the old model. This has a similar visual effect as at the front, with the impression that the car is wider and lower than it actually is.
Under the bonnet you’ll find a 2.0-litre turbo FSI unit, as before, but power is up by 10bhp (to 207bhp) thanks to a new induction system. Emissions are down too, by 11g/km, meaning the Mk6 Golf GTI will be cheaper to tax than the outgoing model (from next year it will cost £210 in group I as opposed to £270 for the old model in group J).
The GTI will feature a new electronic limited-slip diff, called XDS, which should help to improve traction. In addition to that there will also be the adaptive chassis control system (ACC) as seen on the Scirocco, which allows the driver to switch between normal, comfort and sport settings. The gearbox options are the same with either a six-speed manual or six-speed semi-automatic DSG, but the new seven-speed DSG won’t be available.
Prices are expected to remain about the same as the outging model, so expect the 2009 Golf GTI to be priced close to £21,000 when it hits showrooms next spring.
