Golf GTI TCR: more power, more noise, more speed

The GTI TCR pulls its name from the TCR racing series where the race car Golf TCR has proved so formidable. While the two cars share a name do not misinterpret the GTI TCR as a stripped out, track-only toy. Instead, the GTI TCR is a response to the GTI’s opposition. 

Honda’s FK2 Civic Type R, now superseded by the FK8, exploded onto the scene a few years ago with more power than the GTI and a deeply engaging chassis. At the same time, Ford’s Focus RS was revealed to the world with more power and performance still, not to mention all-wheel drive. Then, more recently, Hyundai launched the i30N, a pleasant surprise from Hyundai and a car that very much started to step on the Golf GTI’s toes, with a similar level performance but for several thousand pounds less. Something had to be done, a final show of force from VW before the Mk 8 appears later this year.

The TCR has the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as the GTI Performance but more power, with 286bhp rather than 241bhp. For reference, the all-wheel-drive ‘super-Golf’, the Golf R, has 296bhp. Torque remains the same at 273lb ft, but even so the 0-62mph time tumbles from 6.2 seconds to 5.6 seconds. If you’re entirely uninterested in speed limits the TCR will top out at 155mph, but “Vmax can optionally be increased” to 161mph for a fee, says VW.

Away from the engine, the bodywork has been treated to a few subtle tweaks, there are 18-inch wheels or optional, exclusive 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, the whole car has been lowered by 20mm, the brakes have been upgraded, there’s the limited-slip differential from the GTI Performance, and adaptive dampers are fitted as standard. There’s also a new stainless-steel exhaust or an optional Akrapovič system for those who like a little extra volume.

Climb inside and you’ll notice a new seat fabric, new seatbelts and a new steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker.

One disappointment is that the TCR is only available with VW’s seven-speed double-clutch gearbox; the DSG is a fine box, but the option of a six-speed manual would have been very welcome indeed.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but given that the GTI Performance is priced from £31,620 expect to pay something around £34,000 for the TCR. The burning question is whether or not the TCR will be as good to drive as the limited-edition Clubsport S launched in 2017. Given the fact the Clubsport S had even more power and VW’s engineers ruled out a double-clutch gearbox because it would bring a 20kg weight penalty, there’s every chance it won’t be.