3-door returns to Australia: Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Edition 1

The slow feed of information regarding the Mk7.5 Golf range continues with the announcement today of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Edition 1. It’s the first time since the Mk6 Golf that the three-door variant of the Golf has been offered for sale in Australia, and marks the first special edition of the Mk7.5 series.

Just 150 examples of the GTI Performance Edition 1 will be offered to Australian buyers, and like the former GTI Performance and GTI 40 Years, has a higher tune for its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

“The hot hatch on which all others are implicity based is the Golf GTI,” Volkswagen Group Australia Managing Director Michael Bartsch said. “This version is one for the purists.”

In Mk7.5 form, it makes 180kW/270Nm and is matched solely to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Also standard equipment is an electro-mechanical limited-slip differential to increase grip from the front wheels, as well as larger disc brakes, to increase overall performance and ability.

The GTI Performance Edition 1 also arrives with 19-inch ‘Brescia’ alloy wheels, LED headlights and tailights with scrolling indicators and the Driver Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert from the regular GTI as standard equipment.

Key GTI Performance Edition 1 additional equipment above the GTI:
– 180kW/370Nm 2.0 TSI engine with 7 speed DSG
– Front Differential Lock and larger disc brakes
– 19-inch ‘Brescia’ alloy wheels
– Honeycomb microfleece/Leatherette upholstery
– Premium LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
– Active Info Display
– Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
– Lane Assist
– Park Assist
– Dynamic Light Assist
– Blind-spot monitoring with Rear Traffic Alert
– Dark tinted rear and rear side windows
– White Silver Metallic (at the top of the page) or Dark Iron Blue Metallic paint (below)

Each Golf GTI Performance Edition 1 also comes with a merchandise pack of items from Volkswagen’s GTI Collection. Valued at $340, it consists of a sports bag, umbrella, cup, folding box and beach towel.

Full pricing and specifications for the whole Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 range – including the GTI, R and GTI Performance Edition 1 – are due to be announced next week. Check back with Chasing Cars as we bring you the latest information regarding the Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 range ahead of its local launch in July.