VW Golf GTI now gets Driver Assistance System, wireless charging and more - RM244,990

By Gokul, 27 March 2023

The 2023 Golf GTI also gets embroidered GTI logos on the front seats among other new features

The New Golf GTI

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today unveiled the refreshed Golf GTI equipped with IQ. Drive, an innovative Driver Assistance System (DAS). 

The interior also offers updated new features such as wireless charging and embroidered GTI logo on the driver and front passenger seats. The new Golf now comes with the recommended retail price of RM244,990.

The IQ. Drive system comprises features like Travel Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which uses radar and various sensors to detect vehicles ahead, as well as Side Assist which acts as an active blind spot monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert which warns drivers of potential danger when the reverse gear is engaged.  

The Golf GTI also comes with Front Assist which is the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) feature that uses a radar sensor integrated into the front of the vehicle to continuously monitor the distance to the vehicles ahead. In addition to detecting vehicles, the latest version of Front Assist also detects pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road.

The Lane Assist function on the other hand ensures that the driver stays in lane, using its camera-based lane-keeping assistant. If the vehicle deviates towards another lane when direction indicators are operated by the driver, the system automatically intervenes by steering back into line.  

In addition, there is also an Adaptive Lane Guidance function that keeps the car within its own lane on an ideal line learned from the driver’s driving characteristics. In addition, the Golf GTI is also now offered with a host of upgraded interior and exterior features such as new fog lights, electrically heated and adjustable folding mirrors, and an additional centre airbag, with 7 airbags in total.

The New Golf GTI interior

Other safety features include ESC (Electronic Stability Control); Post Collision Braking System that prevents a second collision; Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) to improve traction and reduce understeer; six airbags for post-collision protection and more. There is also a Front Differential Lock. 

Mechanically there are no enhancements of any sorts as power still comes courtesy of the turbocharged 2.0L TSI engine which produces 245 PS and 370 Nm of torque, which is 15 PS and 20 Nm more than the Mk7.5 Golf GTI. Sending all that power to the front wheels is a seven-speed DSG wet dual-clutch transmission, enabling the hot hatch to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

Interior highlights include a new-generation 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit with multiple colour themes and views, including a GTI-specific skin, as well as a multifunction steering wheel with haptic-touch control and heating. An advanced 10-inch Discover Media infotainment system sits at the centre of the dashboard, offering 3D inbuilt navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven high-quality speakers.

Meanwhile key features on the exterior include the honeycomb front grille, red GTI trims, 18-inch wheels, red brake callipers, as well as full LED headlights and taillights.

Offered in five colours (Kings Red, Atlantic Blue, Moonstone Grey, Deep Black, Oryx White), the new and enhanced 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI with IQ. Drive comes with three years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty, and five years roadside assistance.

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