MAKING ITS inaugural public appearance alongside the new R32 at the recent Frankfurt Show was the new Golf GT, but Volkswagen Driver was privileged to have had a closer look at the new model several weeks earlier. A select group of motoring journalists from all over the world were invited to the Ehra Lessien test track facility near Wolfsburg on August 30 for a technical briefing and test drive of the new model, and f was one of only two British journalists in attendance. Although strict security at the time prohibited taking our own photographs, the visit gave us a special insight into this exciting new model. The new Golf GT will fit into the lineup between the 2.0-litre FSI and TDI models and the new GTI, its unders'tatec appearance belying the fact that under the bonnet sits some powerful new engineering. The diesel-engined model is predictable enough; powered by a 170 PS version of the 2.0-litre 16-valve TDI engine, but it is the petrol engine which is most exciting. From a displacement of only 1.4 litres it also develops 170 PS at 6000 rpm, and peak torque of 240 Nm [177 lb.ft.) between 1750 and 4500, producing performance not far short of the new GTI, along with an average fuel consumption figure of 39.2 mpg!
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