2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI pricing and specs detailed: Hyundai i30 N, Ford Focus ST and Renault Megane RS rival moves upmarket

Volkswagen Australia has released pricing and specification details for the new-generation Golf GTI hot hatch, which will show itself to be more upmarket than its predecessor when it officially goes on sale on Monday, May 24.

Priced from $53,100 plus on-road costs, the front-wheel-drive Mk8 Golf GTI is $5910 more expensive than the Mk7.5 version, despite using a familiar 180kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder petrol engine and seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

That said, Volkswagen Australia claims “in standard form, the GTI is the most impressively equipped sporting hatchback for any price comparable or approaching it. With options, the GTI compares to luxury-brand vehicles priced at considerably greater sums”.

For reference, two-pedal variants of the rivalling 206kW/420Nm Ford Focus ST and 221kW/420Nm Renault Megane RS Trophy cost $44,890 and $56,990 respectively, while the soon-to-be-launched 206kW/392Nm Hyundai i30 N is yet to be priced.

Standard equipment in the new Golf GTI includes three-stage electronic stability control (ESC), adaptive suspension, variable-ratio steering, a front differential lock, a sports body kit (front bumper, side skirts, roof spoiler and rear diffuser), LED headlights and foglights, 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, red brake callipers and dual chrome exhaust tailpipes.

Inside, a 10.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle-shifters, front sports seats, tartan fabric upholstery with red stitching, a black headliner and stainless-steel pedals feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with intersection assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep and steering assist (including emergency), adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, driver attention alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, rear AEB, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and exit warning.

Options-wise, the Sound and Vision package can be had for $1500, with it bundling in a 480W Harman Kardon sound system with nine speakers as well as a head-up display.

Meanwhile, the $3800 Luxury package includes a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and Vienna leather-appointed upholstery.

Paintwork choices extend to Pure White, Moonstone Grey Premium, Dolphin Grey Metallic, Atlantic Blue Metallic or Deep Black Pearl Effect, while Kings Red Premium Metallic can be had instead for an extra $300.

For reference, the new Golf GTI sprints from a standstill to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds, while its fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test is 7.0L/100km.