New Golf GTI Now Available To Order Via Dedicated Website

The new Golf GTI – one of the most eagerly-awaited cars to be launched next year - can now be ordered via a dedicated new website. Volkswagen has taken the unusual step of enabling customers to place their orders for the forthcoming model months before its debut, through the website at www.newgolfgti.co.uk.

The site contains a wealth of information about the fifth generation GTI, including indicative pricing and specification details. The new model is projected to cost £19,995 on the road for the three-door, with the five-door carrying a £500 premium. All prices and specification are expected to be confirmed on 25 September, the day that the car makes its public debut at the Paris Motor Show.

Said Robert McAllister, Product Marketing Manager for the Golf: ‘We fully expect demand for the new GTI to outstrip supply in its first year of sale, such is the huge amount of interest in this model. This website will allow customers to get their order in early so that they can be among the first to have the new GTI on their driveway.’

The new Golf GTI is a highly focused hot hatchback, which harks back to the spirit of the ground-breaking Mk I model of 1976. This means an exterior appearance that is very distinct from other Golfs, with a full length honeycomb grille, eye-catching 17" alloy wheels (18" versions of the same design are available as an option), roof spoiler and GTI badges that emulate those used on the very first generation.

But it’s not all about the looks. A turbocharged 200 PS 2.0-litre FSI petrol engine is available from launch, providing energetic performance with flexible torque delivery. Using the new Golf’s sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, the new GTI looks set to deliver a driving experience that will appeal to serious enthusiasts. A six-speed manual transmission is provided as standard, while Volkswagen’s pioneering DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) will also be available.

The website enables customers to specify their GTI through a simple step-by-step configurator, choosing, for example, colours, options and upholstery. At the end of the process, the customer is given a Unique Reference Number (URN). The customer then needs to save their order, print it off and take it to their nearest Volkswagen retailer, where the order is placed fully. A dedicated GTI helpline on 0800 052 0484 is available to help customers with any questions regarding the car or the ordering process.

The new Golf GTI is set to arrive in UK showrooms in January 2005.