Volkswagen Golf GTI Makes Its India Debut

Mumbai- Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited., an automotive manufacturing, has officially announced the arrival of the iconic Golf GTI Mk 8.5. Indian customers can pre-book the Golf GTI starting May 5, 2025, with limited availability. The car will be imported as a Fully Built Unit (FBU), providing a performance-focused driving experience.

With a legacy rooted in motorsport and decades of enthusiast acclaim, the Golf GTI combines a timeless design with cutting-edge engineering. It’s more than just a car it’s a symbol of driving passion, blending everyday usability with track-inspired performance.

Powering the GTI is a 2.0L TSI turbocharged petrol engine that churns out 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The hatch rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, offering drivers instant thrills at the push of a pedal. Thanks to its progressive steering, independent suspension, and light kerb weight of 1,454 kg, the GTI is as agile in corners as it is fast in a straight line.

The interior is packed with advanced technology and premium touches. A large 32.8 cm touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital 26.04 cm instrument cluster, wireless charging, and App-Connect (wired and wireless) keep you connected on the go. Voice commands via IDA Voice Control add a futuristic edge to the driving experience.

Design-wise, the GTI stands out with signature red GTI accents, X-shaped fog lamps, 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, and twin chrome exhausts. The illuminated Volkswagen logo and exterior ambient lighting with wake-up and goodbye effects add to the car’s visual drama.

Inside, features like Scalepaper Plaid sport seats, 30-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters create a cabin that feels both sporty and refined. Despite its performance focus, the GTI doesn’t compromise on comfort, offering a three-zone Climatronic AC, rear AC vents, and progressive steering for effortless handling.

Safety is another strong suit of the Golf GTI. It comes equipped with seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, XDS electronic differential lock, Front Assist with emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist monitoring, and a rear-view camera with Park Distance Control, ensuring all-around protection.

Mr. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said, "The Golf GTI is revered as one of the most iconic cars globally, and we are truly proud to offer customers in India the opportunity to own a piece of Volkswagen’s performance legacy. It’s a car that blends everyday usability with turbocharged driving experience - perfect for discerning enthusiasts who appreciate precision engineering designed to deliver thrilling performance. It’s an embodiment of German Engineering at its finest".

With limited availability and a powerful mix of performance, tech, safety, and style, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 8.5 is all set to become a future classic in the Indian market and a dream come true for those who love to drive.