Volkswagen Golf GTI is marking its entry into the performance car arena in India. With an introductory price of ₹53 lakh, it goes against some rivals. In the marketplace, the Golf GTI goes head-to-head with the likes of the Mini Cooper S and the considerably pricier Mercedes-AMG A 45 S. Here’s a brief look at how these performance machines stack up against each other.
This launch introduces the second GTI model to the Indian market, following the Polo GTI’s debut back in 2016. With the Golf GTI, Volkswagen aims to solidify its presence within the country’s competitive performance car segment. Under the hood of the Golf GTI is a robust 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers a peak output of 260 bhp and a torque of 370 Nm, allowing the hatchback to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, with a top speed capped at 250 km/h.
The Mini Cooper S, which comes in various packs—Classic, Favoured, and JCW—is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This setup produces 201 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, paired with an automatic gearbox. On the high-performance side, the Mercedes-Benz AMG A 45 S boasts an impressive 2.0-litre engine that cranks out a staggering 415.71 bhp and 500 Nm of torque, reaching a top speed of 270 km/h.
The sporty hatchback has already sold out the first batch of 150 units. In response to the overwhelming demand, the brand is considering bringing in an additional 100 units in the next round, with deliveries expected to commence early next year. With the Golf GTI making waves in this high-octane segment, it’s clear that Volkswagen is serious about capturing the attention of driving enthusiasts in India but not without stiff competition awaiting it. The Mini will win the annual sales numbers contest as it is sold as an everyday production car despite it being a CBU like the GTi.
**Price Comparison:**
– **Volkswagen Golf GTI**: ₹53 lakh (ex-showroom)
– **Mini Cooper S**: Priced between ₹44.90 lakh and ₹55.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
– **Mercedes-AMG A 45 S**: The most premium option here at ₹94.80 lakh (ex-showroom)
