The Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR arrives in Spain with its 290 CV and a starting price of 43,600 euros

The Volkswagen Golf GTi, a name that honours a long lineage of sporty compacts that have made a before and after in automotive history. This success is still reflected in its seventh generation, which has adopted several variants that squeeze every last drop of sportiness contained in the GTi badge. This is demonstrated by the TCR, that is, the most powerful Golf GTi to date, which has now made its debut in Spain, a market where it will be available from 43,600 euros and which will share a production line with the other versions of the German compact.

However, Volkswagen has wanted to establish a clear difference between the TCR and the other GTi models, since the former borrows the DNA of competition vehicles. This is reflected not only in its name, but also in its performance and styling, two areas that have been treated with great care and attention by the engineering team in Wolfsburg.

A styling unique to TCR vehicles

At first glance we find a series of details that make important differences between this Golf TCR and a conventional GTi. In this way, Volkswagen has managed to apply a much spicier look to the most radical version of its compact, something reflected in various aspects that enhance its styling.

A more prominent and sharper front end, a more exuberant spoiler and a more aggressive diffuser capable of housing a double exhaust outlet are some of the enchantments featured on the new Golf GTi TCR. At the same time, we find 18-inch Belvedere alloy wheels designed to enhance the side profile of the German compact, and a roof specific to the TCR.

The interior of this very special Golf has also been modified to match its more aggressive exterior. To this end, the designers at Volkswagen have included specially designed seats trimmed in microfibre, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a red marker at twelve o’clock and seatbelts with contrasting stitching in the same shade to emphasise the sportiness that the GTi TCR exudes.

290 CV for the most radical GTi

Volkswagen has ensured that its road car, inspired by competition TCRs, has performance befitting that name. To achieve this goal, the German manufacturer has used the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers the other GTi models, but with a series of upgrades to extract more power.

With this premise, the engineers at Volkswagen have managed to extract 290 CV, a figure that allows its quintessential compact to reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. However, this performance comes with a degree of exclusivity, reflected in the 43,600 euros the new Golf GTi TCR costs and in the 290 units that will be produced.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €