Following 37 years of unprecedented global success, the seventh generation Golf GTI has arrived in Oman with Wattayah Motors. The legendary compact sports car is powered by a turbocharged petrol, direct-injection engine (TSI) with 162 kW / 220 HP coming as standard and accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 244 km/h.
Wattayah Motors, the official dealers of Volkswagen in the Sultanate, launched the seventh generation of the Golf GTI at the Oman Automobile Association, where fans in Oman were given the exclusive opportunity to test drive the all new car for the first time.
Defined by a fundamental standard for dynamic performance that is more precise
than any other compact car, the Golf GTI, which is produced at the German Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, has sold nearly 1.9 million models to date worldwide, making it the most successful model of its type in the world. It’s popularity has been matched across the Middle East with a legion of fans already lined up to test the latest addition.
Hemant Bhat, General Manager at Wattayah Motors was delighted to announce the availability of the Golf GTI in Oman; he commented, “The new Golf GTI is sportier than ever and has been one of the most eagerly anticipated new models for 2013. The Golf GTI has long been a favourite amongst automotive enthusiasts across the Middle East and last year accounted for 60% of all Golf model sales in the AGCC.”
He also mentioned, “This Golf GTI represents pure dynamics with all of the everyday utility qualities of the Golf, the seventh generation of which was voted “World Car of the Year”. We would like to thank Oman Automobile Association for giving us the opportunity to host this event - there could be no better fitting venue. Golf GTI fans in the Sultanate have every reason to be excited for this driving experience and can now get in touch with us at the Wattayah Motors showroom.”
As a classic with cult status, the Golf GTI systematically combines sportiness and driving fun with the strengths of the Golf into a unique concept of compact sport sedans. The 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox helps to reach DIN fuel consumption value of 6.01/100 km; meaning that the new Golf GTI offers an 18% improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model.
100% more power. The engine of the first Golf GTI produced exactly 81 kW / 110 HP. Now, the seventh generation Golf GTI sends 162 kW / 220 HP to the front wheels - which is exactly double the power of the first Golf GTI.
2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine. The turbocharged engine of the Golf GTI is from the third generation of the EA888 engine series and has a completely newly developed cylinder head. A unique feature in this power class is the water-cooled exhaust gas circulation loop to the turbocharger that is fully integrated in the cylinder head. This type of exhaust gas cooling makes a crucial contribution towards improving fuel consumption at full load in the new Golf GTI.
In addition, the 1,984 cc TSI features variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment and the valve lift on the exhaust side is adjustable over two stages. This enables optimal control of the charge exchange process for better performance, fuel economy and low emissions.
42 kg lower weight. The sports car, like the base model, is based on the new modular transverse matrix (MQB), and similar to the base model, the weight of the GTI was also reduced compared to the previous model - from 1,393 kg to 1,351 kg (42 kg savings).
350 NM torque. The car’s aerodynamics were also improved with its drag (cD x A) reduced from 0.73 m2 in the already very good previous model, to 0.70 m2. The substantially higher torque of 350 Nm (instead of the 280 Nm of the previous model) also made it possible to reduce the gear ratios for lower engine speeds, adapting them to the engine’s lower rev levels.
Last but not least, internal engine modifications were made including a new and innovative thermal management system which also contributes towards the noted 18% improvement in fuel economy in the 2.0-litre TSI.
10 km/h faster. The low fuel consumption and emission values of the Golf GTI contrast with the car’s simply dominating driving performance data. The 220 HP Golf GTI accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 244 km/h. Based on its handling properties, the new Golf GTI is impressively penetrating the market segment of high-class and considerably more expensive sports cars more than ever before.
GTI exterior. Of course, the new Golf GTI is distinguished from other cars in the model series by numerous additional features and classic GTI insignia. On the exterior, they include the red painted brake callipers, smoked LED rear lights in a custom design as well as chrome tailpipes on the left and right.
The production colours Red (”Tornado Red”) and “Black” as well as “Pure White” have been typical for the Golf GTI since its early days. Also standard on-board the most powerful, fastest and most fuel-efficient Golf GTI ever, are the newly designed 18-inch “Austin” alloy wheels.
GTI interior. The typical GTI insignia are indispensable in the interior as well. The seat covers in the legendary tartan pattern, known as “Jacky” in the previous model, was redesigned and is now known as “Clark”. The fabric design of the sport seats offer exceptionally good ergonomic properties. In addition, the seats and door trim panels can also be ordered with “Vienna” leather upholstery.
The GTI instrument cluster makes a strong statement with a colour display and unique instrument graphics. The GTI-specific look in the interior is rounded out by such features as an independent leather sport steering wheel (with multifunction keys), red ambience lighting (in front, in the trim strips of the doors and the stainless steel door sill guards) and pedals made of brushed stainless steel.
High-tech GTI. The seventh generation of the sporty icon is the first Golf GTI to launch with standard technology highlights such as progressive steering, the Driver Alert System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and the further advanced XDS+ vehicle dynamics function.