Volkswagen has released the first pictures of the production-ready version of its Golf GTI, ahead of its public debut at the Paris Motor Show on 23rd September. Its striking appearance has remained true to the concept GTI, which was shown at the Frankfurt Show last year, with an overtly sporty look reminiscent of the legendary 1976 Mk I version.

The GTI is now more clearly distinct from other models in the Golf range than ever before. A prominent black honeycomb grille with red frame; serif-style ‘GTI’ badging; bold 17" alloy wheels (18" versions of the same design will be an option); red brake callipers; deep air dam; twin exhaust pipes; and rear roof spoiler are visual highlights. The GTI look continues with black widened sill panels; high-gloss covered B-pillar; blue heat-reflective windows and tinted headlight housings. As previously, the GTI will be available as either a three- or a five-door hatchback.

Inside, the GTI theme is reinforced. The seats are designed especially for this model, with extra side bolstering and a sporty appearance, topped off by the GTI logo embroidered into the head restraints. A three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with aluminium trim states the car’s capabilities to the driver, and are complemented by the aluminium gearstick, trim inserts and pedals.

Powering the new Golf GTI is a sophisticated turbocharged 2.0-litre FSI direct injection petrol engine with 200 PS. The car delivers a 0 to 100 kmh time of 7.2 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 235 kmh (where permitted). Maximum torque of 207 lbs ft is produced on a ‘flat curve’ from 1,800 and 5,000 rpm, promising flexible and accessible performance. Volkswagen’s innovative DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) will be available from launch as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual transmission.

The new GTI is due to go on sale in Germany during the northern autumn, with Australian sales beginning mid-2005.