Volkswagen Golf GTI Launched In India At ₹53 Lakh

Volkswagen India has officially launched the Golf GTI in our country at ₹53 lakh (ex-showroom, India) in a single, fully loaded variant. Arriving as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), the Golf GTI marks the return of the iconic badge for a niche but growing base of performance car enthusiasts. 

Also Read: Volkswagen Golf GTI Track Drive Review: Bogie or Birdie?

Visually, the Golf GTI retains its signature styling cues that have defined the nameplate for decades. A honeycomb grille, red accents, and GTI badging set the tone at the front, complemented by five-segment LED lighting elements and an illuminated Volkswagen emblem. The hatchback’s proportions—measuring nearly 4.3 metres in length—place it in the same footprint as a compact SUV like the Volkswagen Taigun, though the GTI stands distinctly lower and sportier in its stance. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof-mounted spoiler, LED tail lights, dual exhaust tips, and a shark fin antenna round out the exterior updates.

The cabin is an exercise in combining tradition with technology. Retro-inspired tartan seat upholstery and red interior accents pay homage to earlier GTIs, while a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system introduces the latest from Volkswagen’s tech portfolio. Notably, the system features ChatGPT-enabled voice assistance, a first for Volkswagen in India. Also present are a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, powered and ventilated front seats, multi-zone climate control, and configurable ambient lighting.

Powering the Golf GTI is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 261 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission, the GTI sends power to the front wheels and claims a 0–100 kmph time of 5.9 seconds. Dynamic performance is aided by progressive steering and an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock—components designed to enhance handling characteristics under high-performance driving conditions.

Safety has not been overlooked. The GTI comes equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a 360-degree camera system, and an electronic parking brake. These systems work in tandem to offer both daily usability and track-capable reassurance. There is also Level 2 ADAS now on offer with the Golf GTI. 

While the initial allocation has already sold out, Volkswagen has yet to confirm the timeline or availability of future batches. The Golf GTI enters a segment currently populated by the MINI Cooper S and is likely to compete with the upcoming Skoda Octavia RS.