The Volkswagen GTI has been a common favorite amongst drivers across the world for decades now. It’s compact, quick, powerful, and easily upgraded. The new upcoming version of the GTI will debut at Geneva International Motor Show with a big surprise: two power options.
Hidden beneath the hood of the new 2014 Volkswagen GTI with the standard power option is a turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. That’s 20 horsepower more than the previous GTI. The more powerful option includes a performance pack that adds an extra 10 horsepower to the standard, boosting it to 230 horsepower. In addition, the performance pack adds bigger brakes and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential.
Given the two power options, you’d think there might be a slight difference in fuel economy. However, there is not; both the 220 horsepower and the 230 horsepower models can achieve 39 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission. That’s an 18 percent improvement from the previous GTIs. When equipped with the optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, however, the fuel economy drops to 36.8 MPG with the 220 hp engine and to 36.2 mph with the 230 hp engine.
Aesthetically, the new GTI is a beauty, following in the steps of all its previous models. Its brake calipers are painted red, and it has twin chrome tailpipes emerging from the rear. Also, the lowered suspension and the new side skirts really add to the aggressive, sporty nature of the car, as do the 17-inch Brooklyn GTI wheels.
The first things you’ll notice when you look in the interior of the new GTI are the sport seats and the red ambient lighting. As you sit down, you’ll notice the (optional) sport steering wheel and the GTI shifter knob grip. Move your feet out of the way and you’ll notice the stainless-steel pedals. All these interior features give off a sense sportiness and urgency to start driving.
The standard features of the new GTI include a progressive steering system, automatic climate control, park assist, and a touchscreen display with an infotainment system. The body colors are limited to Tornado Red, Black, and Pure White. The new 2014 Volkswagen GTI will go on sale in May in Germany for 28,350 euros, and it will likely arrive in the U.S. soon after that.
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