The Volkswagen Golf GTI Prices (2013)

You can now order the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI priced from £25,845 a mere £195 more than its predecessor.

As we have reported before you now have the choice of with two power outputs: the standard 220 PS GTI and the GTI Performance, a £980 option which increases power to 230 PS, adds larger brake discs and a front limited-slip differential.

Both versions are powered by a 2.0-litre (TSI) turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine which in standard version produces 220 PS, which equates to 0-62 mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph.

The GTI Performance version sees the engine’s maximum power boosted to 230 PS, with a top speed of 155 mph and 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds.

Both models deliver a maximum torque of 350 Nm and are equipped with a Stop/Start system to meet tough new emissions regulations to be introduced in 2014. With the six-speed manual gearbox, they attain the same official combined consumption of 47.1 mpg (CO2 emissions of 139 g/km), a saving of around 18% over the old model. When mated to the optional six-speed DSG gearbox, the two GTI models achieve fuel consumption figures of 44.1 mpg (equivalent to 148 g/km CO2 for the standard GTI and 149 g/km CO2 for the GTI Performance).

Although from the performance figures the GTI Performance edition may not seem worth it for the extra 10 PS, you do also gain uprated brakes and a limited-slip differential. The ventilated front brake discs increase from 312 x 25 mm to 340 x 30 mm, while the rear discs, which are 300 x 12 mm solid discs on the ‘standard’ GTI, are changed to 310 x 22 mm ventilated discs.  The front differential is a new development, dubbed VAQ, which provides more neutral and agile driving behaviour and allows higher speeds to be carried through the most demanding of bends – so perhaps for an extra £900 it is worth every penny.

The usual  GTI styling remains in place, including the characteristic red stripe across the honeycomb radiator grille but you now have bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights – red-painted brake callipers, two chrome tailpipes and sports suspension with 18-inch ‘Austin’ alloy wheels with 225/45 tyres, special side sills, a rear diffuser framing the exhaust pipe at either side, smoked LED rear lights and LED number plate illumination.

On the inside there is 2Zone climate control, sports seats with the classic tartan ‘Jacara’ cloth upholstery, a black roof lining and red ambience lighting, there is a standard touchscreen infotainment system also includes DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

Optional equipment includes 19-inch ‘Santiago’ alloy wheels, ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery, keyless entry, High Beam Assist, Lane Assist, Park Assist (parking sensors are standard), a rear view camera, ACC Adaptive Chassis Control, touchscreen satellite navigation and a Dynaudio sound pack with 10-channel amplifier and eight speakers.