VOLKSWAGEN is to introduce the 2.0-litre 115bhp engine found in the new Beetle to the Golf GTI in a bid to increase refinement and fuel consumption and provide more torque at low engine speeds. The new engine will replace the 125bhp 1.8 unit, but on-the-road prices of the three- and five-door GTI models remain unchanged at £15,955 and £16,575 respectively.

High torque at low engine speeds makes for flexible performance and better fuel consumption, with the 2.0-litre engine offering economy of 35.8mpg compared with 34mpg from the outgoing engine, while maximum torque is unchanged at 125lb-ft but is developed at 2,400rpm instead of 4,200rpm. Specification remains unchanged and with the GTI 1.8 accounting for about 20% of total Golf sales Volkswagen expects the engine move to increase them.