The seventh generation Volkswagen Golf GTI has been initially previewed by a very cool Golf VII GTI Concept unveiled in 2012 at the Paris Auto Show, but now is time to finally see the production version at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The seventh generation Golf GTI brings some major updates for the model: next to exterior and interior updates, the new GTI is being offered for the first time in two different power levels: a standard GTI and a Performance version that increases the final output by 10 horsepower. Also, despite being more powerful than the previous generation, the new GTI is also more fuel efficient: an improvement of about 18%.

On the German market the seventh generation Golf GTI will be priced at 28,350 euro - about $37,00 at the current exchange rates.

UPDATE 02/27/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs. Hit the jump to read more about the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI.

2013 Volkswagen Golf VII GTI

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Volkswagen Golf VII GTI
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 230
  • Torque: 270
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The production version remains pretty much identical to the concept we saw in Paris, meaning that on the exterior we will see the same honeycomb grille with a red line striking through it, all-new Bi-Xenon headlamps and a stylish front lip that boasts louvered vents on each side.

The new GTI version also offers special side sills, a diffuser and smoked LED taillights (including LED license plate illumination), plus two chrome tailpipes for the sporty exhaust system.

Customers will have the possibility to choose from three standard body colors: "Tornado Red", "Black" and "Pure White."

Interior

The interior also delivers a sportier feeling, thanks to the addition of new sport seats wrapped in tartan pattern, a black headliner and red ambiance lighting.

Just like any other GTI, the new generation is offered with a sport steering wheel, GTI gear shift grip and instrument cluster, special trim strips, and stainless steel pedals and foot support.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the new Golf GTI houses a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine offered in two power levels. In the standard version, it delivers a total of 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the Performance version is increased by 10 horsepower to a total of 230 horsepower. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional dual-clutch six-speed automatic.

The standard version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 152 mph, while the Performance version is a little bit faster: 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

Despite being more powerful than the model it replaces, the new GTI is about 18 percent more fuel efficient. This improvement has been possible by the addition of a new stop-start system. With the manual gearbox, the GTI will deliver a fuel consumption of 6 liters/100 km (39.2 mpg) and with the optional 6-speed DSG, 6.4 for the standard version and 6.5 liters/100 km (36.1 mpg) for the Performance version.

Engine

2.0-liter turbocharged petrol direct-injection

Power

169 kW / 230 horsepower from 4,700 to 6,200 rpm

Torque

350 Nm / 258 pound-feet from 1,500 to 4,600 rpm

0 to 60 mph

6.4 seconds

Top speed

155 mph


Suspensions and brakes

The sporty character of the new GTI is further accentuated by the addition of new sport suspension and a set of 17-inch "Brooklyn" GTI wheels wrapped in 225/45 tires.

The model is also equipped with a high-performance brake system that features ventilated discs and traditional red-painted calipers.

Prices

In the German market, the seventh-generation Golf GTI will be priced at €28,350 (about $37,000 at the current exchange rates).

Competition

When it comes to competition, the list is pretty much the same, except that, just like with the GTI, its competitors got better.

Ford Focus ST

The new Focus ST is one of the models that made a sensation on the market. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. As you can see, it has about 20 more horsepower than the GTI, but when it comes to look, we prefer the GTI.

Mazdaspeed3

We have to admit, Mazdaspeed3 is on the top of our list, but we would really like seeing an update in the near future. It uses a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This model is also more powerful than the GTI, but we are bored by its look. We will need to wait and see what the new generation will bring.

Conclusion

Volkswagen surprised us with the new-generation Golf GTI, but not with the car's look. We are talking, of course, about the two different engine levels, but we are more than sure than 99 percent of the customers will go for the Performance version.