Ahead of their local arrival in January 2018, Volkswagen Australia have released the pricing and specifications for the new variant additions to their Golf GTI range called the Original. The car comes into the fray as permanent additions with a similar purpose to the previously announced Golf R Grid: to entice new buyers at a more accessible price point.
The GTI Original, starting at $37,490 brings the first 3-door variant of the Mark 7 to our shores (if you discount the limited run GTI Performance), and at the same time takes the entry price of the VW hot hatch down by some $4,000 if taken with the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Opt for the dual-clutch DSG, though, and that’ll tack on another $2,000 to the price tag.
There are some compromises aside from the number of doors, however, as the only exterior paint options available for the GTI Original is Pure White or Tornado Red. This is paired with 18-inch Sevilla alloys, and sports suspension, and LED headlights and fog lights. Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre EA888 turbo-petrol remains, outputting 169kW and 350Nm that are sent through to the front wheels.
Inside, there’s an 8.0-inch Discover infotainment system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and the classic Clark tartan cloth upholstery. For an additional $1,600, the Driver Assistant pack can be added, bringing more advanced features such as Adaptive Chassis Control, rear-cross traffic alert, and City Emergency Braking (AEB).
The Golf R Grid, meanwhile, is a new variant essentially shares the same playbook as the GTI Original, meaning the same no-fluff treatment applies here as well. Starting at $47,490 with a manual transmission, the Golf R’s entry price is now reduced by $5,500. Also, and unlike the GTI, the now-expanded Golf R portfolio stays 5-door only, but at least offers some extra choice as it’s also available as a (DSG-only) wagon. It is also expected to make landfall in January.
Having what is still quite a substantial gap in price over the GTI range, the Golf R Grid is still quite well equipped, with VW’s Adaptive Chassis Control, 19-inch Spielberg alloys, LED front illumination with dynamic cornering lights, keyless entry and start, and part-Alcantara seat upholstery, but loses out on such niceties as the digital Active Info Display instrument cluster. Optionally, buyers can also add in a panoramic sunroof for an extra $1,900.
The engine is untouched, producing the same elevated 213kW and 380Nm from its 2.0-litre displacement with the aid of a turbocharger. Drive, as ever with the Golf R, is sent to all four corners via the Haldex 4Motion AWD system.
- Golf GTI Original (3-Door) - Manual - $37,490
- Golf GTI Original (3-Door) - DSG - $39,490
- Golf R Grid - (5-Door Hatch) - Manual - $47,490
- Golf R Grid - (5-Door Hatch) - DSG - $49,490
- Golf R Grid - (Wagon) - DSG - $49,490
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