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The Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR is a final farewell to the seventh-generation performance hatchback and just twenty examples are set to come to Ireland. It includes some unique aerodynamic bodywork that draws inspiration from the motorsport Golf TCR that it gets its name from.
Prices for the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR will start at €47,495 for either the three- or five-door model. Power comes from an uprated version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with an output of 290hp. That's sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and differential lock. Volkswagen claims that the Golf GTI TCR will cover 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
Differentiating it from the 245hp GTI Performance are 18-inch 'Belvedere' forged wheels (18-inch 'Milton Keynes' alloy wheels are alternatively available), black door mirror caps, black sill extensions, an extended front splitter, TCR roof spoiler and a rear diffuser that features exhausts at either side. There is also a TCR LED puddle light when the front doors are opened. Other standard equipment includes LED headlights, the digital Active Info Display and Front Assist.
The GTI TCR also gets drilled front disc brakes, bespoke sports seats that feature a TCR-specific fabric design, red detailing on the seat belts and a steering wheel that gets perforated leather at the three- and nine o'clock positions and a red band at twelve o'clock.
The car's top speed it limited to 250km/h, but buyers can optionally pay to have this limit raised to 260km/h as part of an upgrade package that adds 19-inch 'Reifnitz' alloy wheels in a matt black finish, adaptive chassis control (DCC) and a further reduction in ride height of 5mm over the regular GTI. Both the front and rear shock absorbers also receive a retune. This upgrade pack costs €2,895.
A second upgrade package is aimed at those keener on taking their car to the track. It gets the same performance features, but adds 19-inch 'Pretoria' alloy wheels in gloss black, shod in semi-slick tyres - at a cost of €3,895.
There are five exterior colours to choose from: Pure Grey, Pure White and Tornado Red are a no-cost option, while Deep Black Pearl is €675, and Oryx White is €1,189.
Other optional features include the honeycomb decals (€750), carbon fibre look door mirror caps (€696), a black painted roof (with the grey, white or red paint) costs €718, the panoramic sunroof costs €1,300, Adaptive Chassis Control costs €1,077 and Vienna leather upholstered sports seats are €2,033. Each car will be built to order, with deliveries beginning in March 2019.