Golf GTI Performance – Australian pricing & specs

Volkswagen Australia has just launched the Golf GTI Performance. It’s a more highly specced model than the regular GTI and is priced from $48,490. That’s $6500 more than the cost of an entry-level GTI (with 6-speed manual). For the extra cash you get the following standard equipment:

• 169kW/350Nm engine (+7kW)
• 6-speed DSG
• 340mm/310mm ventilated brakes (front/rear)
• Front differential lock
• Bi-xenon headlights
• 19″ Santiago alloys
• Plus other cosmetic enhancement

Further information can be read below and be sure to download the press kit for more official detail on that front diff lock. Briefly, Volkswagen explains the effect of the diff lock like this:

When accelerating out of a bend, the drive torque is increased at the wheel on the outside of the bend. This produces an asymmetrical drive torque distribution that matches the dynamic wheel load distribution… This lets the driver apply much greater force to the accelerator pedal at the apex of a bend, which in turn results in significantly higher exit speeds of the Golf GTI Performance out of bends.

GTI Performance Arrives in Australia

• Golf GTI Performance launches with new front differential lock, upgraded brakes and additional standard features

Victoria, 9 April 2014. The Golf GTI lineup in Australia is now complemented by a new, heightened performance model. Adding to the seventh generation Golf GTI’s impressive list of performance and comfort-based features, the Golf GTI Performance comes standard with unique visual and technical equipment, setting it apart from the standard version.

Extended performance features. On its exterior, the Golf GTI Performance differs from the standard GTI by its GTI logo on the front brake calipers. The brake package for the GTI Performance has been upgraded along with the increased engine output (169kW), the ventilated brakes discs are 28mm larger at 340mm, while the rear discs are now also ventilated and 10mm larger at 310mm in diameter. Technical features of the Golf GTI Performance also include a newly developed front differential lock.

Front differential lock. A newly engineered electronically controlled mechanical front differential lock is being used exclusively in the Golf GTI Performance. To date, Volkswagen is the only carmaker to utilize an electronically controlled differential lock in a front-wheel drive production model. Compared to purely mechanical locks, the front differential lock integrated in the Golf GTI Performance has a variable degree of locking and comprehensive interfaces to ESP, EDL and XDL functions. This makes it possible to avoid negative effects on steering handling or steering precision that otherwise occurs with mechanical locks. As a result, the system realises the full potential and maximum performance of a differential lock with regard to vehicle dynamics, ensuring comfort is not impaired.

Additional standard features. Adding a higher level of specification above the standard Golf GTI, the GTI Performance comes exclusively with a six-speed DSG transmission, and is instantly recognizable with a range of luxury and convenience features as standard. Bi-Xenon headlights, dark tinted LED tail lights, tinted glass and 19-inch “Santiago” alloy wheels give the GTI Performance’s exterior a sporty look, while the GTI Performance’s interior receives sports seats featuring the newly designed “Clark” tartan, with the addition of race-style Alcantara trim on the head rest and side bolsters, completing the nod to over 35 years of GTI history.

The new Golf GTI Performance – Pricing*

Golf GTI Performance 6 Speed DSG – $48,490

Options
Metallic / Pearl Effect paint – $500
Vienna leather appointed upholstery – $3,150
Driver assistance package – $1,300

*Prices quoted are Manufacturer List Prices excluding dealer delivery charges, which may vary from dealer to dealer and statutory charges, which vary from state to state.

Downloads

• 2014 Golf GTI Performance – Australian press kit (790kb PDF)
• 2014 Golf GTI range – specifications (66kb PDF)