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Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: It’s got sporting spirit
Volkswagen has been making Golf cars for 50 years. The GTI hatchback is finally in India. But it’s not exactly the People’s Car
A Volkswagen range without a Golf is like idli without sambar. It’s been the staple model of the German automaker’s line-up for 50 years and is possibly the brand’s most iconic model since the Beetle. The Golf lives up to the Volkswagen name: People’s Car. More than 35 million Golfs have been sold worldwide—except in India. Until now.
Why didn’t VW bring its most celebrated model to India before? Because there’s no market for large hatchbacks here. At best, it would be a niche segment. And that’s exactly where VW is slotting the Golf, not as a mass-market car but one for enthusiasts, by bringing it in only in the revered GTI avatar.
The VW Golf GTI is the benchmark for performance hatchbacks globally. It’s the quintessential do-it-all family car that transforms into a proper little sports car when the roads demand it. India receives the updated Mk8.5 GTI, powered by Volkswagen’s tried-and-tested 2.0-litre EA888 turbocharged engine, now boasting a robust 265hp and 370Nm of torque.
There is no manual gearbox option, a bittersweet loss for purists. Instead, the Mk8.5 GTI channels its power through a slick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) gearbox. This combination propels the GTI from 0 to 100kph in 5.9 seconds and takes it on to a top speed of an indicated 267kph.
And the only road (or track) that allows you to do that is at NATRAX’s high-speed track in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. This state-of-the-art facility allowed the Golf GTI to unleash its full potential and merrily sit at its top speed all day. The GTI really comes into its own on a twisty road.
Step inside, and the GTI immediately signals its sporty intentions. The bolstered sports seats, though not leather, feature premium Alcantara inserts, GTI stitching in the headrests, and the signature tartan plaid fabric—a nod to its rich heritage. Red accents and stitching are peppered throughout the cabin, along with a sportier grip on the steering wheel.
Volkswagen’s “all-digital” approach continues with a 12.9-inch central infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, both configurable with GTI-specific graphics and ambient lighting that can be set to 30 colours.
Practicality remains a strong suit for the Golf GTI, making it a surprisingly viable option for everyday use. As a five-door hatchback, it offers good oddment storage, decent rear-seat room for adults, and a boot capacity of 380 litres. Its 4.3-metre length and 2.6-metre wheelbase are comparable to popular SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, making it surprisingly spacious and versatile for city commutes and weekend getaways.
Priced at an ex-showroom tag of ₹ 53 lakh, the GTI positions itself as the highest-priced VW model on sale in the country. The GTI is undeniably overpriced for what you get, and VW has wisely limited the sale to batches of 150 units, putting it in a tiny niche of people who are not driven by rational decisions but want a car with a special heritage, unadulterated driving pleasure, and the ability to seamlessly slip into daily life.
From HT Brunch, June 07, 2025
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