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Volkswagen GTI brand likely to return soon in India with Polo GTI or Golf GTI
Volkswagen is contemplating the reintroduction of its GTI brand in the Indian market. This move, if realized, would certainly excite automobile enthusiasts across the country.
The GTI badge conjures up images of high-performance hatchbacks, combining speed with practicality perfectly. Volkswagen previously introduced the Polo GTI to Indian shores in 2016, gaining a dedicated following and maintaining strong residual values in the used car market. With such a positive reception, it’s no surprise that Volkswagen is mulling over the prospect of relaunching the GTI series in India.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Head, Volkswagen India, expressed the company’s consideration, acknowledging the sizeable enthusiast community that holds the GTI brand in high regard. While details about which model, the Polo GTI or the larger Golf GTI, are still under evaluation, the potential reintroduction of the GTI brand has sparked anticipation among consumers.
The Polo GTI, based on the sixth-generation Polo platform introduced internationally in 2021, boasts impressive performance credentials with a 207 hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds . The Golf GTI impresses with its power of 245 hp and an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h of 6.4 seconds.
However, Volkswagen’s decision to introduce the GTI models as Completely Built Units (CBUs), subjecting them to higher import duties, could position them as niche offerings in the Indian market. Limited to approximately 200 units per batch, these GTI imports may not be available to all consumers. However, Volkswagen intends to leverage the aspirational appeal of these halo products to bolster the brand’s image in India, potentially creating sales of its more affordable models.
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential reintroduction of the GTI brand, concrete timelines remain unknown. With the focus shifting to launching the all-electric ID.4 as the only “new model” in fiscal 2024-25, the GTI’s arrival in India before April 2025 seems unlikely.
Would you buy the performance-oriented GTI hatchbacks over the German compact luxury hatchbacks/sedans? Let us know in the comments section below.
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