The wait for the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI is over as the German market launch of the hot hatch will begin in a few days with the rest of Europe following just after Easter at the end of April. North America and Asia will follow in late summer. As you can see in our mega gallery after the jump, nothing has changed compared to the 2008 Paris Show's so-called concept Golf GTI. The new model is powered by a new 2.0-liter TSI engine producing 210-horsepower at 5,300 - 6,200 rpm and 280Nm of torque between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm.
Even though its performance and displacement data might suggest that VW revised the GTI V's 200HP engine, according to the German firm, this 2.0 TSI is actually a new powerplant of the "EA888" generation of engines whose technical origins were in the 230-PS version.
The TSI used in the sixth GTI is a product of the second development stage of these engines and compared to the first "EA888" development stage, this engine has new components such as modified pistons and piston rings, a regulated oil pump, a new vacuum pump, a new high-pressure fuel pump and a new mass airflow sensor.
Like the previous model, the new GTI will be equipped with a standard six-speed manual gearbox and an optional 6-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG). According to VW's forecasts, about 30 percent of all GTI drivers will order the sporty Golf with DSG.
With the manual gearbox, the car completes its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.9 seconds (same for DSG), while it handles a 1,000 meter sprint from a standstill in 27.3 seconds.. In fifth gear, the GTI accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in 7.5 seconds (9.5 seconds with sixth gear). The GTI's top speed is 240 km/h or 149mph (DSG: 238km/h or 148mph).
In terms of fuel consumption, the GTI consumes on the combined European cycle an average of 7,3 lt /100km (32.2mpg) with the manual gearbox and 7.4 lt /100km (31.8mpg) with the DSG.
As with the previous generation Golf GTIs, the new model will be available in three-door and five-door hatchback variants.
