Volkswagen GTI brand likely to comeback soon in India with Polo GTI or Golf GTI
Volkswagen is contemplating the reintroduction of its GTI brand to the Indian market. This move, if materialised, would certainly excite automobile enthusiasts across the country.
The GTI emblem evokes images of high performance hot hatchbacks, blending speed with practicality seamlessly. Volkswagen previously introduced the Polo GTI to Indian shores in 2016, garnering a devoted following and retaining 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 of Volkswagen India, expressed the company’s consideration, acknowledging the sizeable enthusiast community that holds the GTI brand in high regard. While specifics regarding which model, whether the Polo GTI or the larger Golf GTI, are still under evaluation, the potential reintroduction of the GTI brand has stirred 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 0-100 km/hr in 6.5 seconds. The Golf GTI packs a punch with its 245 HP output and a claimed 0-100 km/hr acceleration time of 6.4 seconds.
However, Volkswagen’s decision to bring in the GTI models as Completely Built-Up Units (CBUs), subjecting them to higher import duties, may position them as niche offerings in the Indian market. Limited to approximately 200 units per batch, these GTI imports may not be within reach for all consumers. Nevertheless, Volkswagen aims to leverage the aspirational appeal of these halo products to bolster the brand’s image in India, potentially creating sales of its more accessible models.
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential reintroduction of the GTI brand, concrete timelines remain unknown. With the focus shifting towards the launch of the all-electric ID.4 as the sole ‘new model’ in the fiscal year 2024-25, the arrival of the GTI in India before April 2025 seems unlikely.
Would you buy the performance oriented GTI hatchbacks over German luxury hatchbacks/compact sedans? Let us know in the comments section below.
