Volkswagen India confirms a second batch of the Golf GTI after the first 150 units sold out. Priced at ₹53 lakh, the fully-loaded hatchback returns in 2025. Find all the specs, features, and booking details here.
Volkswagen India recently launched the highly-anticipated Golf GTI, a performance-centric premium hatchback, priced at ₹53 lakh (ex-showroom). The model is available in a single, fully-loaded variant, offering enthusiasts all premium features bundled in one package.
The Golf GTI made its debut in India earlier this week through the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route, limited to just 150 units in its initial release. Volkswagen has confirmed that all units from the first batch have already been pre-booked, indicating robust demand from Indian performance car buyers.
“Volkswagen confirms a second batch of 100 units will arrive in the coming months.”
While the company hasn't specified an exact date, it's expected that the second batch will arrive by early 2025, with pre-bookings starting towards the end of this year.
2.0-litre TSI Petrol Engine
265bhp and 370Nm torque output
7-speed DCT Automatic Transmission
0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds
Top Speed: 267 km/h
This combination makes the Golf GTI one of the quickest hatchbacks currently available in the Indian market.
Back in 2016, Volkswagen had launched the Polo GTI at a price of ₹25.65 lakh (ex-showroom), but the model struggled in terms of market reception. The poor sales prompted heavy discounting to clear unsold units. In contrast, the Golf GTI has turned the tables by recording full pre-bookings even at a significantly higher price point.
This signals a growing demand for performance hatchbacks in India's premium car segment and shows how consumer preferences have evolved over the years.
Volkswagen, meaning "People's Car" in German, is a multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. Its history is deeply intertwined with pivotal moments in German and world history, from its controversial origins to its global dominance and recent challenges.
The "People's Car" Concept (1930s): The idea for a "people's car" – an affordable, simple, and mass-produced vehicle for the German populace – originated in the early 1930s.
Adolf Hitler's Commission (1933): Adolf Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany, commissioned Ferdinand Porsche to design such a vehicle. The car was envisioned to accommodate two adults and three children, be fuel-efficient, and capable of high speeds on Germany's new autobahn network.
Founding of Volkswagen (1937): Volkswagen (Volkswagenwerk GmbH) was formally established on May 28, 1937, by the German Labour Front (Deutsche Arbeitsfront), a Nazi organization. The main plant was built in what would become Wolfsburg.
The "KdF-Wagen" (Strength Through Joy Car): The car developed was initially called the "KdF-Wagen," a propaganda project. It was later known as the Volkswagen Type 1, or more famously, the Beetle.
Wartime Production: With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, mass production of the civilian KdF-Wagen was halted. The factory was converted to produce military vehicles, such as the Kübelwagen and Schwimmwagen, and other armaments, heavily utilizing forced labor from concentration camps. Volkswagen has acknowledged its use of 15,000 forced laborers during the war.
British Occupation (1945): After the war, the factory was captured by the American military and then handed over to the British Military Government. Major Ivan Hirst of the British Army played a crucial role in restarting production of the Beetle, seeing its potential for post-war transportation needs.
Return to German Control (1949): The company was returned to German control in 1949.
Heinrich Nordhoff's Leadership (1948-1968): Under the leadership of Heinrich Nordhoff, Volkswagen flourished. He focused on mass production and export of the Beetle, which became a symbol of Germany's economic miracle and reliability.
Global Phenomenon: The Beetle became one of the best-selling cars in history, exported to over 150 countries. Its distinctive shape, affordability, and robust air-cooled engine made it an iconic vehicle worldwide.
Diversification of Models: While the Beetle remained central, Volkswagen also introduced other successful models like the Type 2 (Transporter/Bus) in 1950.
Acquisitions: In 1965, Volkswagen acquired Auto Union, which led to the re-establishment of the Audi brand.
New Generation of Cars: In the 1970s, Volkswagen introduced a new generation of water-cooled, front-wheel-drive vehicles to modernize its lineup and compete with Japanese manufacturers. This included:
Passat (1973)
Scirocco (1974)
Golf (1974): The Golf (known as Rabbit in some markets) became the successor to the Beetle in many ways, eventually surpassing it in sales and becoming one of the world's most successful hatchbacks.
Polo (1975)
Global Manufacturing: Volkswagen expanded its production facilities globally, including in the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and China, establishing itself as a major international player.
Acquisition of SEAT (1986) and Skoda (1991): Volkswagen continued its brand portfolio expansion by acquiring Spanish brand SEAT and Czech brand Skoda, solidifying its position in the European market.
Luxury Brand Acquisitions: Volkswagen continued its aggressive acquisition strategy, bringing prestigious brands into its portfolio, including:
Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini (1998)
Emissions Scandal ("Dieselgate") (2015): In September 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Notice of Violation to Volkswagen, alleging that the company had installed "defeat devices" in its diesel vehicles (models 2009-2015) that allowed them to cheat on emissions tests. These vehicles emitted nitrogen oxides (NOx) at levels up to 40 times higher than permitted in real-world driving. The scandal led to:
Billions of dollars in fines, compensation, and recalls (over $33 billion globally).
Significant damage to Volkswagen's reputation.
Legal proceedings and convictions for several former Volkswagen managers.
A major push towards electric vehicles as a strategic response.
Shift to Electric Vehicles (EVs): In the wake of Dieselgate and global environmental concerns, Volkswagen committed heavily to electric mobility.
MEB Platform: Developed the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform to underpin a wide range of EV models.
ID. Family: Launched its "ID." family of electric vehicles (e.g., ID.3, ID.4, ID. Buzz) as a cornerstone of its electrification strategy, aiming for a significant share of the EV market.
Battery Gigafactories: Investing in battery production and gigafactories to secure its EV supply chain.
Software Development: Recognizing the increasing importance of software in modern vehicles, Volkswagen has invested heavily in its own software development capabilities.
Future Vision: Volkswagen aims to be a leading provider of sustainable mobility, focusing on electrification, digitalization, and autonomous driving. It's investing significantly in new technologies and production methods to achieve these goals.
Volkswagen's history is a complex narrative of innovation, growth, and resilience, marked by both monumental successes and significant crises. It remains one of the world's largest automotive groups, constantly adapting to technological shifts and evolving consumer demands.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI's overwhelming response in India marks a notable shift in consumer interest toward performance-oriented premium hatchbacks. Priced at ₹53 lakh and packed with high-performance features, the GTI has resonated well with driving enthusiasts despite its steep price tag.
The complete booking of the initial 150 units reflects growing confidence in the Volkswagen brand and in the country’s evolving taste for global automotive experiences. The confirmation of a second batch of 100 units arriving in early 2025 indicates
Volkswagen’s intent to meet this demand head-on. Compared to the lukewarm reception of the Polo GTI in 2016, this launch has exceeded expectations and could influence future CBU offerings from the brand. With impressive performance metrics, a fully-loaded feature list, and increasing demand, the Golf GTI is carving out a new segment of buyers in the Indian auto market—one that appreciates performance, exclusivity, and heritage.