Volkswagen Phl launches Golf GTI performance car

MANILA, Philippines - Volkswagen Philippines has launched the Golf GTI performance car, as part of its aim to grow its sales here.

Volkswagen Philippines president and chief executive officer John Philip Orbeta said during the launch, the Golf GTI sports car is targeted for those looking for a performance car.

He said the Golf GTI “is the perfect car for Filipinos who seek function, performance and excitement. The Golf GTI is indeed a sportscar with true style and performance.”

The Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0 turbocharged stratified injection engine with maximum output of 220 Ps at 4,500 to 6,200 rpm (revolutions per minute) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm (Newton meter) at 1,500 to 4,400 rpm; a six-speed dual shift gear transmission; and sports suspension.

It is priced at P2.290 million and available in five colors: Oryx White Pearl, Tornado Red, Night Blue, Limestone Grey, and Deep Black Pearl.

Volkswagen Philippines’ new offering is expected to support the firm’s plan to sell more vehicles this year.

“We (sold) 600 (units) last year. We’re hoping to at least triple that this year,” Orbeta said.

Aside from the Golf GTI and the Polo hatchback which was launched earlier this month, the company is set to roll out other vehicles this year such as the high-end Touareg, the Passat B8, automatic versions of the Jetta and the regular Golf.

Other Volkswagen vehicles being sold here at present are the Beetle, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan, Touareg and Polo Sedan.

While the company aims to grow its total sales here this year, it is not opening new showrooms as the present outlets are seen enough to cater to its customers.

“We’re confident existing capacity can handle that,” Orbeta said.

The firm currently has facilities in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, Alabang in Muntinlupa City, Greenfield in Mandaluyong City and in Cebu.