KUALA LUMPUR - Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today launched the all-new Golf GTI at the Sepang International Circuit.
Fondly known as the king of hatchbacks, the GTI has stood for sporty driving pleasure since it was first launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1975. It has and continuously define what a compact sports vehicle should be.
Now, the all-new GTI delivers even more powerful performance that takes driving to the next level by making it the ultimate everyday sports vehicle. It is powered by a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine coupled with 7-speed wet clutch DSG to produce 245PS and 370Nm of torque - promising a thrilling and memorable ride for the ones behind the wheel.
What is unique to the GTI is the Vehicle Dynamics Manager system, which allows further driving personalisation including various pre-determined modes as well as individualised settings to choose from. Fuel consumption is at approximately 7l/100km.
The interior of the GTI is progressive, innovative, and intuitive. Its front sport seats are furnished with red trims and an active climate feature to suit either hot or cold weather. The driver seat comes with power-adjustable memory feature and lumbar support too. All the seats are decked out in Vienna leather for deluxe comfort.
Locally assembled at Pekan, this is a historical milestone as it is the first time that the GTI is assembled outside of Germany and China.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, expressed his excitement at introducing the eighth generation GTI. "The GTI is certainly the most iconic three letters in the automotive industry. It has amassed loyal fans globally, and more so in Malaysia where we have a very passionate fanbase. We are proud that we are now rolling it out from our Pekan plant - a historical milestone, really. The new GTI is full of innovation, and we are sure that it too will set new standards and thrill our customers."
VPCM supports with aftersales care through three years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty, and five years roadside assistance.
Bookings and test drive arrangements can be made at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, Volkswagen eShowroom is always accessible: https://eshowroom.volkswagen.com.my/.
KEY USPS
Design
The GTI is immediately recognisable with its signature honeycomb front grille and red GTI trims. It sports 18" Richmond alloy wheels with red brake callipers, and full LED headlamps and taillights.
Driver's Workspace
The Driver's Workspace, an entirely digitalised interior landscape, provides seamless connectivity and convenience.
It welcomes a new-generation 10.25" Digital Cockpit with multiple colour themes and views, including a GTI-specific skin, as well as a multifunction steering wheel with haptic-touch control and heating. An advanced 10" Discover Media infotainment system sits at the centre of the dashboard, offering 3D inbuilt navigation, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven high-quality speakers.
Intuitive operation of the vehicle is supported by an intelligent voice control system, easily activated by saying "Hello Volkswagen" or by pressing the voice button on the steering wheel, it reacts to intuitive voice commands such as "I'm cold" and it will increase the temperature.
Voice recognition and voice quality (for phone calls) are seamless, as they can locate the person who is speaking (driver or front passenger) and respond accordingly, for example by identifying which interior zone's temperature needs adjusting.
Comfort and convenience
Expect a visual treat in every ride as the ambient lighting can be linked to driving modes. There are up to 30 colours to choose from, in addition to five pre-set colour modes (Infinity, Eternity, Desire, Euphoria, Vitality), and individualised settings.
A pleasant and comfortable interior environment is further ensured with the 3-zone Climatronic air con. Adjust the temperature with the touch slider or simply through voice control. There are two main modes for the air con - Smart Climate and Classic Climate, and each comes with various helpful functions. The 3-zone Climatronic air con is equipped with Air Care to filter out pollen, spores, and particulates to keep the air clean.
Space and Convenience
Space remains a priority in this iconic hatchback as it offers plenty of room for all the family in the interior, whereas its 374-litre of luggage compartment can fit large pieces of sports and recreational equipment.
Another smart feature of the vehicle is that it gives quick entry access by automatically unlocking the doors when vehicle key is within the detection zone. The GTI also comes with Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator to warn when there is loss of tyre pressure.
Safety
The all-new Golf is built for safety as the frame is constructed using a combination of high-quality steel that is extensively engineered to provide maximum occupant protection in the event of an accident
Other key safety features include ESC (Electronic Stability Control); Post Collision Braking System that prevents a second collision; Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) that improves traction and reduce understeer; six airbags for post-collision protection and more.
Colours
It is available in five colours: Kings Red and Atlantic Blue in metallic finishing; Moonstone Grey for non-metallic option; as well as Deep Black and Oryx White with pearl effect at no additional charges
Price
The all-new Golf GTI is valued at the recommended retail price of
RM211,689.54 with the current sales tax exemption, and comes with three years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty, and five years roadside assistance.