VW introduces GTI ‘sustainable sports car’ in PH

By Tessa R. Salazar March 04,2015
VOLKSWAGEN Philippines chief operating adviser Klaus Schadewald and president John Philip Orbeta launch the new Golf GTI.

Volkswagen Philippines chief operating adviser Klaus Schadewald and president John Philip Orbeta launch the new Golf GTI.

MANILA, Philippines–Two years ago, this author conducted an informal survey among car enthusiasts asking them the dream cars they’d like to see rolling on Philippine roads.

Not a few mentioned the Volkswagen Golf GTI in their wish list, explaining that the hatchback stood as the benchmark for its class, and the only automobile that has been a consistent World Car of the Year winner or finalist for each of its generations.

Last year, in a similar survey, the Golf GTI came up in the equation once more.

This year, it’s time to check that item off the wish list. The Golf GTI is here, in the flesh.

As the sun set on Feb. 26, Volkswagen Philippines’ launch of the Golf GTI at the VW Bonifacio Global City showroom was in full swing, a portion of 28th Street fenced off from the rush-hour traffic to accommodate onsite test drives for invited guests and members of the motoring media.

John Philip Orbeta, VW Philippines president and CEO, dubbed the Golf GTI as the “sustainable sports car.”

“Now on its 7th generation, the GTI is the ultimate sportsman within the VW sports car family. It combines technological leadership and uncompromised performance, making it a sustainable sports car,” he said.

DURING the launch, on the streets of Bonifacio Global City, with Orbeta and Schadewald are Marianna Beatriz Zobel de Ayala and Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala.

During the launch, on the streets of Bonifacio Global City, with Orbeta and Schadewald are Marianna Beatriz Zobel de Ayala and Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala.

Orbeta further pointed out the Golf GTI as “the perfect car for Filipinos who seek function, performance and excitement,” and “a sports car with true style and performance.”

He also gushed over its being a consistent award-winner. “The Golf, produced in Germany since 1974 and marketed across seven generations, has been the recipient of several awards globally, which include the 2013 European Car of the Year for the second time, 2013 World Car of the Year, and 2013-2014 Car of the Year Japan.” It received its first recognition as European Car of the Year in 1992.

Orbeta went back further in history: “The Volkswagen Grand Tourer Injection, known as the GTI, was introduced in 1976 in the first generation Golf. With its unmatched success, it popularized the GTI name and made it synonymous with the Golf GTI brand.”

During the 1960s and 1970s, Volkswagen was hard-pressed to find a successor to the enormously popular Beetle. According to the Design Museum, winning over new customers for newer, more conventional designs was proving harder than expected.

The new Golf (initially sold as the Rabbit in the United States) was the complete antithesis of the Beetle. Design Museum added: “The Golf was a hit from the outset, becoming VW’s most important single product and the linchpin of its rise to become Europe’s No. 1 carmaker.”

ULTRAMODERN cabin with original plaid-inlaid pattern, on sport seat

Ultramodern cabin with original plaid-inlaid pattern, on sport seat

Volkswagen Philippines has high expectations of the Golf GTI generating an instant following here, taking note of the fact that it launched this iconic hatch a mere 10 days after the Feb. 16 launch of the Polo Hatchback.

The Golf GTI is equipped with a 2-liter turbocharged stratified injection (TSI) engine with maximum output of  216.99 horsepower at 4,500-6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 350 Newton-meter at 1,500-4,400 revolutions per minute; a six-speed dual-shift gear transmission; and sports suspension.

The Golf GTI comes with the GTI exterior styling package of 18-inch Austin alloy wheels, bumpers, grille, tail lamps, spoiler, and dual tailpipes; bi-xenon headlamps with daytime running lights; and dynamic headlamp control.

Inside, it is also stocked with GTI premium sport seats with “Clark” material; GTI steering wheel with paddle shifts; GTI shift knob, stainless steel pedals, scuff plates, and trim; keyless-go entry/exit with push start; interior ambient lighting; and a climatronic two-zone air-conditioning system.

The Golf GTI is priced at P2.29 million, and available in five colors: oryx white pearl, tornado red, night blue, limestone grey and deep black pearl.

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