FOLLOWING 37 years of “unprecedented global success,” the seventh generation Golf GTI will soon arrive to Volkswagen dealers across Saudi Arabia. The “legendary compact sports car” is powered by a turbocharged petrol, direct-injection engine (TSI) with 162 kW/220 HP coming as standard and accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 244 km/h.

“Defined by a fundamental standard for dynamic performance that is more precise than any other compact car, the Golf GTI, which is produced at the German Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, has sold nearly 1.9 million models to date worldwide, making it the most successful model of its type in the world. Its popularity has been matched across the Middle East with a legion of fans already lined up to test the latest addition,” the company stated.

“As a classic with cult status, the Golf GTI systematically combines sportiness and driving fun with the strengths of the Golf into a unique concept of compact sport sedans,” the company added. The 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox helps to reach DIN fuel consumption value of 6.01/100 km; meaning that the new Golf GTI offers an 18 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model.

The new Golf GTI is sportier than ever and has been one of the most eagerly anticipated new models for 2014. The Golf GTI has long been a favourite among automotive enthusiasts across the Middle East and last year accounted for 60 percent of all Golf model sales in the GCC.