After making its first public debut in concept form at the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen has officially unveiled the production version of its new generation Golf GTI MkVI flagship.
Building upon the dynamics and driver involvement which defined the spirit of its predecessors, the new model is faster, sharper and more powerful than any standard GTI before it.
At its core is an advanced new 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 154kW and peak torque of 279Nm from just 1700 r/min, linked to either a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox.
This allows the new Golf GTI to sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds while returning impressive fuel economy of just 6.1 litres per 100km and emissions of only 170 g/km of CO2.
Despite its slightly higher output compared to its predecessor, the new GTI is assured maximum traction with the addition of a new XDS electronically controlled differential as standard.
This is coupled with new springs and dampers unique to the GTI which also lowers the ride height by 22mm at the front and 15mm at the rear, as well as strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension joined by new anti-roll bars to provide sharper responses.
Volkswagen’s Adaptive Chassis Control system (ACC) is also offered for the first time on the GTI, incorporating pneumatically controlled damper units which allow the driver to choose from normal, comfort or sport modes.
As with previous generations, the flagship GTI variant boasts an aggressive new look, with a new front bumper which integrates a deep honeycomb airdam flanked by vertical foglights, a rear diffuser and an all-new exhaust system with dual outlets.
A subtle rear wing, smoked rear lenses and red brake calipers surrounded by 17-inch ‘Monza’ alloy wheels tie the look of the exterior together.
The interior features leather sports seats with red stitching, along with a flat-bottomed GTI multifunction steering wheel and 2Zone electronic climate control.
The new GTI boasts class-leading levels of safety and achieved a 6 star Euro NCAP rating. Standard safety equipment includes ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), seven airbags and for the first time, a knee airbag.
Despite the R32 no longer forming part of the new generation Golf line-up, the new GTI may not be able to claim the flagship title for much longer with an even more potent GTI-R model rumoured to be in development.
Adapted from CarAdvice
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March 31st, 2009 at 10:24 am
If looks could kill
March 31st, 2009 at 10:34 am
I agree, although I think VW could have been a bit more creative and come up with a new set of alloy wheels. I’m sure we’ll see a new set of wheels on the upcoming R20T or GTI-R, which ever they decide to call it.
April 7th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Hi there
When will it be laubnched in South Africa and what is the price range we are looking at?
April 7th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
The new Golf 6 will be launched to the SA media later this month and on sale soon. I imagine the GTI will be available as well, or atleast follow shortly thereafter. Incidentally, the first delivery of Scirocco’s has already been made to our showrooms, so if you only need 2-doors then it may be an alternative to the GTI.
April 14th, 2009 at 5:38 am
I need some info,I am deciding between the golf 6 and the Audi A3 sportback 2L Turbo or the diesel.But I cant make my mind up.I heard that the new GTI will be priced around R320 000.Is that true?
Is the new GTI worth the money?
Thanks
April 14th, 2009 at 10:11 am
When are gonna rock the mzansi road with the new G6, please advice and the price as well…. Sharp
April 14th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hi Charlie
Expect the new Golf 6 to be launched here in SA at the latest by the end of next month. No word on pricing yet.
April 14th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Hi Shaun
Tough decision. It’s largely down to personal preference and it depends on whether you need sportiness over practicality. I’ve also heard of the R320 000 figure, but no confirmation yet. Enjoy your shopping experience and let us know your decision.
April 16th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I don’t know if it’s only me but from behind, that new Golf just looks like a shrunk Touareg. But I must say, even so, it still has that GTI flare.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:27 am
Are they really going to keep the same wheels?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:29 am
Whats the point of the looks?
VWSA will have to first fix their customer relations.
Take a look at hellopeter.com and you will see that their aftersales service appears pathetic.
The G6 is now available in S.A
VWSA has numerous outstanding complaints on their previous models that needs to be made good and with the launch of the Golf 6,The concern motorists should have is whether VWSA is going to provide customer satisfaction.
After Sales Service Satisfaction is what motorists want, more than good looks and styling.
May 15th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
it looks like golf 5. i expect more from this car but it dosent impress..
May 18th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Not bad but not so impressive. Wait for the new standart astra that will way look better than this. Not to mention an opc model rumoured at 198KW as a 4wd.
May 20th, 2009 at 10:41 am
dont you think they are moving backwards when they got rid of the sexy grill and went back to putting hard metal where the number plates sit
May 21st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I agree with nathi, the grill gave it a much attractive look. Anyway other than that the whip still got something to give.
May 23rd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
ohh! no I am not hapy abt de design I will stay on my R32 GOLF still kick ass ?
May 31st, 2009 at 10:29 pm
R 32 STILLS DOES IT FOR ME, im not impressed g6, but il wait for the sport
June 15th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
hi, i am a big fan of volkwagen cars and i think g6 is the bomb!!!!
June 15th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
but i still love g5 gti and i personally think it outways the g6.
June 19th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Wow, what a ride. I like it but wish the front were design differently. to me the Golf 5 GTI front is spoty that the GOLF 6 GTI
Bheky
June 29th, 2009 at 11:03 am
The new golf 6-GTI is a machine. The car is totally of high class, which leaves the audi A3 behind by to stars ( if you have seen the model live).This is one of the best VW creation. this car is technologically advanced with great peformance on the road, infact you will wish to take it to the racing track. The interior is the killer with some chrome plated components .The exterior excites me a lot with the new still and look. The new G6-GTI is deffinately a thumbs up for me.Not to mantion the POWER.
July 28th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
To be honest, I was expecting something more of Golf 6 GTi. I feel that VW should have reached something like 199kw or more… so that Golf 6 R32 can be way over 250kw of power, I actually was dessappointed as well about the exterior of the car. Golf 5 GTi is still beautiful than Golf 6 GTi.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I have a G5 GTI and recentley baught the G6 GTI as well. The G5 looks better from outside, but the G6’s interior is fantastic. The technology in the car is awsome and handling in the G6 is mindblowing. I still love the G5 GTI but the G6 kicks more butt than the G5 in all areas anyday!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:25 pm
this time vw have hit me where it hurts, believe me u guys g6 gti is a bomb
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
I bow down! new rims cud have helped!!!!
October 5th, 2009 at 9:19 am
i am a big fan of golf gti its the boom if i am to die tomorrow i wont mind coz i have lived my dream driving the care was the best dream ever so you roock gti and to all the gti fans your the best
October 16th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
im sticking with my chipped golf 5 gti, its better looking and even faster to, VW should have given this car more kw and a diferent rim…
October 29th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
the best and awesome,wish 2 drive 1 soon even if it could be just for a minute.the interior is 2 good.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Both Golf6 golf 5 ZYABABA
January 28th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I recently purchased a Brand New Golf 6 GTI from a VW dealer, and on the 3rd day started experiencing some problems.
The vehicle was taken into a local dealership, and the problem only diagnosed after 5 days of stripping half the vehicle and working on this brand new vehicle.
The vehicle required new parts from Germany, and it has now gone almost 3 weeks that I am unable to use my vehicle, and the parts are only scheduled to arrive in SA by mid-Feb.
Volkswagen SA refuses to entertain any of my grievances stating that have to follow procedure and there is nothing they can do to assist besides wait for the part. They are not even prepared to loan me a vehicle and claim that it’s the responsibility of the dealer to assist. The local dealers have limited resources, and are thus only able to give me a bottom of the range vehicle last week. This is unacceptable given that the vehicle I bought was a top of the range vehicle.
VWSA’s service and attitude stinks, and they have no respect for customers and I think to not believe in customer satisfactions.
This is definitely the last time I will buy a VW product, and I will definitely sell this vehicle when it finally repaired.
VW MK6 GTI is horrible, and is VWSA’s service