Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance on sale now from $48,490

The Volkswagen Golf GTI line-up in Australia has been joined by the Golf GTI Performance. Sporting an extra 7kW of power, the GTI Performance can be distinguished from the standard GTI by its GTI logo on the front brake calipers.

The brake package for the car has also been upgraded, with 340mm (28mm larger) ventilated front discs and 310mm (10mm larger) rear discs, which are also ventilated.

The big news is, of course, the GTI Performance’s electronically controlled mechanical front differential lock – a first on the Golf GTI and a front-wheel drive production model.

Compared to purely mechanical locks, the GTI Performance’s electronically controlled differential has a variable degree of locking and is comprehensively interfaced to the car’s ESP, EDL and XDL functions.

Priced from $48,490 – $4,000 more than the standard Golf GTI with DSG – the GTI Performance adds a higher level of standard specification. The car is mated exclusively with a six-speed DSG transmission and comes standard with bi-xenon headlights, dark tinted LED taillights, tinted glass and 19-inch “Santiago” alloy wheels.

Inside, the sports seats features newly designed “Clark” tartan along with race-style Alcantara trim on the head rest and side bolsters.