Volkswagen releases final details on the Mk7 Golf GTI

Volkswagen has confirmed several new details about the Mk7 GTI, which it first revealed in concept form at last September’s Paris Motor Show.

They’ve confirmed a retail price of €28,350 in Germany, which amounts to €1,350 more than the outgoing Mk6 GTI, but have yet to confirm pricing or specification levels here in the UK.

The GTI’s fuel consumption figure has been adjusted slightly from the concept model, but still represents an excellent 47.0 mpg with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km. That’s an 18 per cent improvement over its predecessor and close to what we used to regard as being frugal for a diesel powered car.

As announced previously, the new GTI is available in standard and ‘GTI Performance’ variants, with power rising from 217bhp to 227bhp and both models developing a maximum torque of 258lbs-ft (350 Nm).

The standard GTI accelerates to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 152 mph while the ‘GTI Performance’ version reaches 155 mph and needs just 6.4 seconds for the zero to 62 mph sprint .

With the optional six-speed DSG gearbox, the two GTI models achieve fuel consumption figures of 44.1 mpg 43.5 mpg respectively, with emissions of 148 and 149 g/km CO2.

Built on the latest VAG MQB architecture, the new GTI weighs just 1,351 kg (unladen) which equates to 42kg less than the Mk6 GTI.

Two new wheel designs are being offered; 17-inch ‘Brooklyn’ alloy wheels with 225/45 size tyres or 18-inch ‘Austin’ alloys, which will be standard in the UK. UK cars will also include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Sales in the UK begin on 26 March, or 5 March if you’re in Germany.