

Matt Campbell
2 Months Ago
The 213kW Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR – the fastest GTI ever – is now on sale in Australia and is the final iteration of VW's seventh-generation hatchback.
Marketplace Editor
Marketplace Editor
Is the normal Volkswagen Golf GTI too slow or not powerful enough for you? Well, VW may have an answer.
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR has finally arrived in Australia after a 12-month delay, becoming the “fastest production GTI to date” ready to take on the likes of the Ford Focus ST and Renault Megane RS.
Priced from $51,490 before on-road costs, the GTI TCR is limited to just 300 units nationally and brings more power, more performance, and more equipment than the regular Golf GTI (from $46,690).
Headlining the spec sheet is an uprated 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, tuned to deliver 213kW between 5900 and 6400rpm, and 350Nm from 1700 through 5800rpm.
That puts the GTI TCR on par with the all-wheel drive Golf R in terms of power output, though the former is front-wheel drive only, aided by a locking front differential – saving just over 60kg.
A six-speed wet-clutch DSG transmission is in charge of channeling power to the tarmac, helping the GTI TCR dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.7 seconds.
It’s worth noting the Australian-market model is slightly different mechanically compared to its European equivalent, which offers more torque (380Nm) and a seven-speed DSG, and claims to hit 100km/h in 5.6 seconds. However, the EU model features a petrol particulate filter (PPF), whereas the Oz-market version goes ‘unfiltered’.
Regardless, the TCR is well up on the standard GTI Performance’s 180kW power output, though down 20Nm (370Nm). It also improves on the GTI Performance’s benchmark sprint time by 0.6 seconds.
The Golf GTI TCR rides 5mm lower than the GTI Performance courtesy of a bespoke adaptive chassis control setup. It also features a performance front brake system with drilled rotors, more aggressive bodykit elements in gloss black, and a “freer flowing” exhaust offering a “distinctive note”.
Other features over and above the specification of the GTI Performance includes:
The only cost-option is a panoramic glass sunroof, which asks for an additional $1900.
A total of three exterior paint options will be offered – Pure White, Tornado Red, and the TCR-exclusive Pure Grey (pictured).
Regardless of finish, the TCR comes with the aforementioned gloss black roof paint and honeycomb body decals.
The Golf GTI TCR is the final iteration of the current-generation Mk7.5 Golf, with the new Mk8 Golf range scheduled to arrive in Australia during the first quarter of 2021.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our Australian launch drive review of the 2020 Golf GTI TCR this Friday.
Click on the images for the full gallery
Take advantage of Australia's BIGGEST new car website to find a great deal on a Volkswagen Golf.
James is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Before joining CarExpert.com.au in 2020, James has worked at leading auto media outlets including Carsales and CarAdvice, as well as at Pulse agency for Ford Australia's communications team. In 2019 James made Mumbrella's 'Top 20 most prolific web authors in Australia' list after publishing 1,360 articles between March 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019 for CarAdvice. James is also an Ambassador for Drive Against Depression – an Australian charity whose mission is to support mental wellness through the freedom of driving and a shared love of cars.
Matt Campbell
2 Months Ago
Andrew Maclean
2 Months Ago
Matt Campbell
2 Months Ago
Neerav Bhatt
30 Days Ago
James Wong
28 Days Ago
James Wong
27 Days Ago