Volkswagen opens Golf GTI bookings in India, launch by May-end; only 250 units in first batch

Volkswagen has started accepting bookings for the Golf GTI premium hatchback in India from May 5, with the official launch expected by the end of May 2025. The car will be brought into the country as a completely built unit (CBU), and the first batch will consist of 250 units. Deliveries are set to begin in June through select dealerships across the country.

This will be the second GTI-badged model from Volkswagen in India, following the introduction of the three-door Polo GTI in 2016. The Golf GTI is one of the brand’s most popular models globally and is being introduced in India for the first time.

Under the hood, the Golf GTI will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 265 horsepower and 370Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels.

The car is also equipped with an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock. Volkswagen claims the Golf GTI can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 5.9 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour.

On the exterior, the hatchback features 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels as standard, with an option for 19-inch wheels. The design includes sportier front and rear bumpers, dual-tone roof spoiler, GTI-specific badges, twin exhaust tips, and a five-piece lighting element integrated into the front bumper.

The LED daytime running lights extend into the grille from the headlamps. The Golf GTI will be available in four colour options: Grenadilla Black Metallic, Oryx White Premium, Moonstone Grey Black, and Kings Red Premium.

Inside, the Golf GTI shares its layout and features with the recently launched Tiguan R Line. It includes a 15-inch central infotainment touchscreen with improved graphics and a simplified menu interface. The system also comes with ChatGPT-based voice assistance.

The hatchback is equipped with a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a GTI-specific steering wheel, and sports seats with GTI branding. The interior retains the tartan-patterned upholstery found in the international version. The India-spec model is also expected to offer Matrix LED headlights at the front and 3D LED tail-lamps at the rear, similar to the international model.

The Golf GTI will go up against the likes of the Mini Cooper S in India, which offers a 204 hp turbo-petrol engine and a less practical two-door design. As a fully imported model, the Golf GTI is expected to be priced above ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom).