AUTONEWS

GOLF GTI WILL DISAPPEAR THE EUROPEAN MARKET

Starting in early September, the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) emissions test cycle will be replaced by the more demanding WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) which will be legally required for all new car registrations from its implementation . This change is hindering the operations of the Volkswagen Group, faced with the application of the new cycle, the German manufacturer reduced the power of the SEAT León Cupra and Golf R in 10 hp, and now announces that it will withdraw the Golf GTI from the European market, passing only to make the GTI Performance version available.Eventually, a series production version of the Golf GTI TCR prototype will join the Golf GTI Performance. Regarding the GTI base, it is unlikely that the current generation of the sport hatchback will be reintroduced into the Volkswagen catalog because the new generation Golf VIII will be launched in the first half of 2019. As the Golf VII generation is in the final phase of its production cycle , it would not make much sense to invest in the adaptation of Golf GTI to the WLTP cycle to just market the model for a few months.The Skoda Octavia RS may also be at risk of being eliminated from the catalog as it is equipped with the same engine as the Golf GTI. Other brands are being affected by the introduction of the new test cycle. As an example, Peugeot has already announced that it will stop production of the 308 GTI between the end of this month and the beginning of October, Audi discontinued production of the SQ5, Porsche had to cancel custom orders and BMW also did not escape from this July, the M3 will no longer be available in Europe and according to information provided by the BMWBLOG website, European consumers will not be able to purchase the 7 Series petrol models for approximately 1 year.