Kochi, June – Volkswagen India has set the stage for one of the most spectacular performance‑car delivery events in recent memory. EVM Volkswagen, a prominent dealer in Kerala, orchestrated a grand ceremony at the Ramada Resort, handing over 25 Volkswagen Golf GTI units to enthusiasts in a single day—arguably the largest-ever concentrated delivery for a CBU (Completely Built Unit) performance hatchback in the country .
Highlights of the Event
- Generous Allocation: The Golf GTI arrived in India as part of a limited first batch of 150 units, all pre‑booked shortly after its announcement in early May.
- Star-Studded Delivery: Among the recipients was actor Fahadh Faasil, who selected the sleek Grenadilla Black Metallic finish; the event also counted actor-politician Madhav Suresh (son of Suresh Gopi) and entrepreneur Sabu Johny among its prominent customers.
- Color Preferences: A striking majority chose darker shades—primarily Grenadilla Black—though Moonstone Grey, Kings Red, and Oryx White were also spotted during the handover
The Performance Hatchback Roars
- Powertrain & Performance: Under the hood sits a 2.0‑litre TSI turbocharged engine delivering 265 PS and 370 Nm, paired with a 7‑speed DSG gearbox and limited-slip front‑axle differential. Volkswagen claims a rapid 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 5.9 seconds, with an electronically capped top speed of 250 km/h.
- Feature-Rich Package: The GTI doesn’t skimp on amenities — the list includes a 12.9″ touchscreen, HUD, wireless smartphone integration, ventilated seats, ADAS safety features, 18″ alloy wheels, and a robust 7‑airbag suite.
Why Kerala?
Kerala has emerged as a hotbed for premium performance-hatch adoption, with some 50 of the 150 units allocated to Kerala buyers alone . Volkswagen India has acknowledged this regional enthusiasm, underscoring the state’s strong affinity for the Golf legions.
Pricing & Next Steps
- Ex‑Showroom Price: The GTI is priced at ₹52.99 lakh (ex-showroom), making it Volkswagen’s most expensive offering in India.
- What’s Next: With the first batch sold, VW India has confirmed plans for another 100 units, though future pricing might see an uptick from the introductory ₹53 lakh .
Bottom Line
The Kerala delivery event not only attests to Volkswagen’s growing confidence in India’s premium performance segment but also highlights the Golf GTI’s cultural cache in regional markets. In an era where luxury SUVs dominate, a traditional hot hatch making waves with such volume is a refreshing twist—proof that driving enthusiasts still cherish raw, unfiltered motoring thrills.
Source: worldautoforum.com
