Electricity and diesel want fun too.
A Golf GTI was once the only way to get a Volkswagen hot-hatchback. The eighth-generation model will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. This is not the only option. We don’t mean other VW models such as the Polo and Up. Or more serious offerings like the golf R. Two GTI-infused siblings are launching with the new GTI, the plug-in hybrid GTE or the diesel-powered GTD.
These offerings are worthy of GTI association? Both models have the GTI look with their updated front fascias and LED strip in the grille. The GTD has fender badges similar to the GTI and a special rear fascia that features dual exhaust tips at the left corner. In the name of cleaner airflow the hybrid eliminates all side badges. It shares the standard Golf’s rear fascia, with fake trapezoid exhaust cutouts in the corners.
Both models also share the GTI’s interior design, but with their own tweaks. This includes a digital cockpit featuring a 10-inch infotainment screen, checkered seat pattern, and a leather-wrapped multifunction sport steering wheel. Each model is unique in its badge and interior trim color. The GTI cockpit has red accents. However, the GTE hybrid will have more blue and the GTD diesel will have more silver.
The GTE and GTD have upgraded suspension components, in line with GTI. The Vehicle Dynamics Manager, a new control system that works in conjunction with the adaptive chassis control, adjusts damping on the fly to improve handling and ride comfort. This is useful for all situations including stop-and-go commutes or racing. There are four modes that can be selected by the driver, with Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport being the most popular. The driver can customize different parameters with the Individual setting.
The GTD isn’t as powerful as the GTI in terms of power. The turbodiesel 2.0-liter engine produces 197 horsepower (147 kW) but the torque department is more powerful than the gasoline-only model with 295 lbft (400 Nm). The diesel is also equipped with a seven speed DSG transmission to assist in shifting. GTE plug-in hybrid features a turbocharged, 1.4-liter engine that produces 147 horsepower (110 megawatts), and one 114-hp electric motor (85 kW). They are combined to produce 241 horsepower (180kW) and equal torque to the GTI at 295 pound feet (400 Newton-meters). The GTE can also be operated at electric-only speeds of up to 81 MPH (130 km/h) because it is a plug-in hybrid. The only transmission available is a six-speed DSG.
These specs only apply to European models. The GTE and GTD will not be available to U.S. customers. We don’t have any performance data from VW, so we can’t compare these GTI-alternatives to the legendary sibling. Pricing is also not available. We hope to see both models in European dealers before the end of 2011.