Volkswagen Unveils the New Golf, Evolving into its 8th Generation: The GTI, GTD, and GTE

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen Golf GTD

Volkswagen Golf GTE

Volkswagen Unveils the New Golf, Evolving into its 8th Generation: The GTI, GTD, and GTE

Volkswagen (VW) has announced its new 8th generation Golf, featuring the GTI, GTD, and GTE models. The GTI is the gasoline model, the GTE is the hybrid model, and the GTD is the diesel model.

Text by Akira Hara

VW's Sporty Icon for the Digital Age

Debuting in 1976, the first-generation Golf GTI has evolved over 44 years as an icon of sporty, compact cars powered by gasoline engines. In 1982, the Golf GTD with a turbodiesel engine was introduced, followed by the Golf GTE with a plug-in hybrid system in 2014, expanding its range.

The new generation arrives as a Golf with three variations, three characters, and three highly efficient, clean drive systems, tailored to the needs of the digital and networked era.

The Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline turbo engine (EA888 evo4) producing a maximum output of 180 kW (240 PS) and a maximum torque of 370 Nm. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, with an optional 7-speed DSG.

The Golf GTE features a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.4-liter gasoline turbo engine (EA211 TSI) producing 110 kW (150 PS), an electric motor generating 85 kW, a 6-speed DSG transmission, and a lithium-ion battery. The system delivers a combined maximum output of 180 kW (240 PS) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm.

With a 50% increase in battery capacity to 13 kWh compared to the previous model, the electric-only range is extended to approximately 60 km, with a top speed of 130 km/h. The infotainment and navigation systems have also been adapted for the hybrid system.

The Golf GTD is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel turbo engine (EA288 evo) that produces a maximum output of 147 kW (200 PS) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. Equipped with a 7-speed DSG transmission and a clean exhaust system featuring two SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converters, it is positioned as a sports car adept at long-distance driving.

Externally, a thin line at the front of the bonnet is red for the GTI, blue for the GTE, and silver for the GTD. The LED strip for the daytime running lights illuminates in its respective color when activated or when the driver approaches with the key (optional).

The sides feature 17-inch alloy wheels and the Golf's characteristic thick C-pillars. At the rear, the respective GTI, GTE, and GTD emblems below the VW emblem, along with the GTI's dual tailpipes on both sides, the GTD's dual tailpipes on the left, and the GTE's concealed exhaust tailpipes, differentiate the models.

The interior retains traditional elements such as the three-spoke silver steering wheel, tartan-patterned sports seats, and golf ball-shaped black gear knob. However, it is modernized with a digital architecture called the "innovision Cockpit," which combines a 10.25-inch digital cockpit with a 10-inch navigation system, offering a completely new visual and functional experience.

Safety features include Travel Assist, which supports the driver up to 210 km/h, Lane Assist, integrated mobile online services like We Connect, and DCC adaptive chassis control that reacts to road and driving conditions, enhancing driving comfort.

Inquiries

Volkswagen Customer Center
Tel. 0120-993-199
https://www.volkswagen.co.jp/ja.html