2009 VW Golf GTI to Debut at Paris

The sixth generation of Volkswagen's iconic Golf GTI will be making its first public appearance at next month's Paris Motor Show, and will pave the way for two other high-performance variants of the evergreen hatchback.

The 2009 Golf GTI will go on sale some time in the first half of next year, with prices expected to hover around the $46,200 AUD mark. Power will be appreciably higher than the outgoing model, with the Mk VI boasting 155kW from its turbocharged I4. Performance, however, is equal to that of the current model, with the 0-100kph sprint being dispatched in 7.2 seconds. Top speed is a handy 239kph.

While the R32 has been dropped from the 2009 Golf lineup, the R lineage will continue with an all-wheel-drive version of the Golf picking up the baton. Power will be provided by a 198kW variant of the GTI's turbocharged 2-litre four-pot, and performance should be even better than that of the R32. Expect to see it hit the stands in November 2009, but don't count on the R32's beautiful exhaust note to survive the transformation.

Last but not least is the Golf GTD - a performance diesel version of the Golf that pumps out some 125kW (and an unknown quantity of torque) from its common-rail diesel four. Not an overwhelming amount of power, yes, but it should be more than sufficient for those seeking a few guilt-free thrills. The Golf GTD is expected to enter production in April 2009, with a retail price of around $47,700 AUD.

[Automotive News - subscription required]