Description

The seventh generation of the Volkswagen Golf is a C-Segment car launched at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, based on the new MQB platform. The car received a facelift in 2016 with various mechanical and visual updates.

The VW Golf VII GTI launched at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show together with the VW Golf VII GTI Performance. The car was fitted with a turbocharged petrol direct-injection 2.0 liter TSI engine (EA888), producing 220 hp (162 kw) of power and 350 Nm of torque, mated to a six speed manual or a six speed automatic dual clutch DSG transmission. The performance version came with a power boost, producing 230 hp (169 kw) while both cars featured front axle differential lock, XDS+ vehicle dynamic function, Torque vectoring, Progressive steering, DCC dynamic chassis control (“Comfort”, “Normal” and “Sport”), ESC Sport Mode, reworked and lighter MacPherson-type front suspension, larger anti-roll bar, modular performance rear suspension and lowered ride height by 15 mm. The GTI Performance came with internally ventilated disc brakes at all four wheels. Visually, the car was distinguished by a sporty bodykit that included deeper front bumper with more inlets, red strip on the grille that extends in the headlight graphics, bi-xenon headlights, LED fog lights, front splitter, side sills, large rear spoiler, rear diffuser two chrome tailpipes and special 17 inch or 18 inch alloy wheels. Inside, the car featured a customised leather sport flat-bottomed steering wheel, a golf-ball gear shift grip, GTI instruments and sport seats upholstered in Alcantara.

The VW Golf VII GTI (facelift) and the VW Golf VII GTI Performance (facelift) launched in 2017, fitted with the updated 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 230 hp (169 kw) in the GTI and  245 hp (180 kw) in the GTI Performance. The facelifted models accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 6,4 seconds and in 6,2 seconds respectively, while their top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Other updates included larger brakes and a reworked front differential and the digital. Visually, both cars received a redesigned bodykit that included restyled front and rear bumpers, new headlights, LED tailights, new rims, honeycomb grille, side skirts, larger tailpipes and roof spoiler. Inside the cars featured a digital instrument cluster and an updated Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) -with 9,2 inch screen and gesture control. Finally, the facelifted models also received various safety and driving assistant systems.

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