Volkswagen Australia have announced that the 2019 Golf GTI will come as standard with additional performance with the previous base hot hatch powertrain spec being dropped from the local line-up. As such, all GTIs will be endowed with the Performance Edition’s increased output.
Where previously the Mk7.5 Golf GTI sported 169kW from its 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol, VW’s decision to equalise the range with more powerful tune from the GTI Performance Edition means that even the least expensive variant will boast 180kW and 370Nm.
Pricing and equipment are still being finalised, according to the brand’s local arm, with the current outgoing spec of Golf GTI’s still being on sale with sharper driveaway pricing before the updated version arrives closer to October 2018, at which point all 3-door body styles of the hot hatch will be phased out as well.
Like before, though the MY2019 Golf GTIs will have their engines mated to a‘wet’ dual-clutch DSG transmission, but now has 7 forward ratios instead of 6, and reach the driven front wheels via an electro-mechanical locking front differential. Unfortunately, it looks like the updated model will not be offered with a manual. As some consolation, VW has also confirmed the addition of ventilated front and rear disc brake package from the Golf R.
Ben Wilks, Volkswagen Australia General Manager of Marketing, said: "Volkswagen has the unique ability to adapt and upgrade in this way, as opposed to carmakers that seek to emulate the GTI paradigm," he said.
"Change brought about by the advent of Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in Europe is one of the major challenges confronting European brands in this market, but we were able to take advantage of this situation to improve the best-selling car of its type.
"Such has been the demand for Performance Editions that making its specification standard is a logical progression, especially in terms of DSG, a transmission others are either trying to copy or cannot. This GTI embodies what customers want.”
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