Thought the GTI ClubSport was the last special edition Golf GTI VW would launch? Think again as VW has just unveiled the Golf GTI TCR which serves as the last hurrah for the Golf 7.5 model.
The new Golf GTI TCR is distinguished by the standard 18-inch Belvedere forged wheels (or 18-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels, as an alternative), black exterior mirror caps, sill extensions, front splitter, TCR roof spoiler and a diffuser at the rear. The Golf GTI TCR can be further customized with options such as a new honeycomb decor foil for the side panels, carbon door mirror caps, a black painted roof, as well as various 19-inch alloy wheels. The Golf GTI TCR features technology such as Front Assist, Active Info Display and LED headlights. Standard equipment includes a front-axle differential lock, perforated brake discs, driving profile selection.
The newcomer makes a further strong impression even before the driver settles behind the wheel, as the TCR logo is projected onto the road when the front doors are opened. The TCR comes with premium front sports seats with a new microfibre/fabric design, seat belts with red edging plus an exclusive sports steering wheel. As with the racing series, its leather is specially imprinted (perforated leather) at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions as well as with a red mark at 12 o’clock.
There are additional performance packages which include Reifnitz 19-inch rims with 235/35 R 19 tyres, the Vmax upgrade, a sports version of the rear damping system and the DCC adaptive chassis control system. Another package includes Pretoria 19-inch rims with racetrack-ready sports tyres (semi-slicks) sized 235/35 R 19. On the Vmax upgrade, the sports version of the rear damping and the DCC are included. This package also includes additional wheel locks with expanded anti-theft protection.
Powering the Golf GTI TCR is a 213 kW 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TSI engine ensuring the model sprints from 0 t0 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, while the maximum speed is 250 km/h. The Vmax can optionally be increased to 260 km/h. The 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) comes standard driving only the front wheels but then again with the limited slip diff, what you lose on take off, you gain in dynamic handling due to the lighter weight
The Golf GTI TCR is not confirmed for Mzansi with VW SA only saying, “it’s being considered”. One trust that VW Golf GTI people will go to their nearest VW dealer and cause enough noise to make VW SA seriously consider bringing it here.