Volkswagen Golf GTI Set to Enter India in 2025

Looks like Volkswagen is all set to bring in the globally popular Golf GTI to India to entice rich car enthusiasts. Since it will be brought as a CBU import in only one variant, expect it to be priced north of Rs 40 lacs (ex-showroom). For people not in the know, the Volkswagen Polo GTI was also launched in India a few years ago at a price tag of around Rs 30 lacs.

Performance Highlights of the Golf GTI

What makes the VW Golf GTI a really special car is its 2.0-litre TSI engine that helps it belt out an impressive 265 bhp and 370 Nm. Paired with a 7-speed DSG, this hot hatch can sprint to 100 kmph in just 5.9 seconds. The claimed top speed is 250 kmph — electronically limited, of course.

Enhanced Driving Dynamics

It’s about 0.4 seconds faster in 0-100 kmph than the pre-facelift model. Besides the engine, the progressive steering setup, adaptive suspension, and electronically controlled front-axle diff lock make the hot hatch all the more involved to drive.

Sporty Design Upgrades

Just so you know, the model that we are going to get in India is the facelifted version that was rolled out in April 2024. Since it’s only a facelift, you won’t see any changes in terms of dimensions. However, it gets enough sporty elements, including 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, contrasting red trims here and there, red brake callipers, a sportier front bumper with big air intakes, twin exhaust pipes on the revised rear bumper, and a dual-tone spoiler. It also gets Matrix-styled LED headlamps and 3D-like tail lamps, helping the owners choose welcome and goodbye graphics from the available options.

Interior Features and Tech Updates

The 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system has also been revised to integrate ChatGPT. Besides the identical tartan leather seat upholstery, the instrument cluster also gets GTI graphics.

Price and Market Positioning

As mentioned earlier, expect the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI to come at an extremely expensive price tag of over Rs 40 lacs. And it’s all understandable considering the extremely high import duties levied on 100% of imports. There isn’t a direct rival to the hot hatch, though the Hyundai i30 N is a direct rival in global markets. But sadly, Hyundai has no plans to bring its flagship hot hatch to India. So the only competition here would be the Mini Cooper S, which also has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Since Volkswagen isn’t participating in the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, expect it to launch in the second half of 2025. Stay tuned to CarLelo for more updates on upcoming new cars.

Also Read: Top Car Brands At Auto Expo 2025