The new VW Golf GTI Performance has joined the UK
range of the Golf family, along with the addition of the new 1.5-litre TSI EVO
engine. The latter will be available in two versions: 128 hp and 148 hp, with both of them to be available with a six-speed manual or an
optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The most powerful 148 hp version is available now,
with the 128 hp to join later in the summer. The new 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine
also features VW’s Active Cylinder Management, which shuts two of the four
cylinders in the 148 hp version and all four of them in the 128 hp BlueMotion
version when the car is coasting.
VW claims a combined fuel economy of 55.4 mpg UK for
the 148 hp manual model (DSG: 56.5 mpg), with CO2 emissions rated at 116g/km
(DSG: 114g/km). 0-100 km/h comes is 8.3 seconds while the top speed is set at 215 km/h. Figures for the 128 hp version will be announced on a later date.
The new VW Golf GTI Performance is the most potent
model of the series this side of a Golf R, offering 241 hp from its
turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, an increase of 15 hp over the previous
generation model. Torque is rated at 370 Nm and is available from
just 1,600 rpm.
Both manual and DSG versions of the new Golf GTI
Performance are capable of a 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, with the top speed set at
248 km/h for the manual and 246 km/h for the DSG model.
The most powerful current Golf GTI model also comes
with larger brake discs with red calipers and an electronic front differential
while the cabin features VW’s 12.3-inch Active Info Display as standard.
