2014 VW Golf GTI Performance | new car sales price

Volkswagen has added a new Performance grade to its Australian Golf GTI lineup, positioned between the existing Golf GTI and the new Golf R performance flagship.

Other markets get the 'Performance Pack' as an option for the regular GTI, but is being offered as a standalone GTI Performance grade for Australia. At $48,490, the GTI Performance asks a $4,000 premium over a DSG-equipped regular GTI, but adds an assortment of goodies that should easily justify its price.

Available with the six-speed DSG dual clutch auto only, the GTI's direct and port injected EA888 2.0-litre turbo gains 7kW to 169kW, while torque remains at 350Nm. Claimed acceleration drops just 0.1s over the regular DSG to 6.4 seconds, and Alice Springs residents may appreciate a 2km/h top speed boost to 248km/h.

Combined fuel consumption is unchanged from the regular DSG-equipped GTI, with an official figure of 6.6L/100km. Building on the regular GTI's already impressive brake package are 28mm larger front rotors -now 340mm- while the rears grow 10mm to 310mm and are now ventilated.

The GTI Performance's headline act is the addition of a new electronically controlled mechanical differential lock, stepping up from the brake-actuated electronic diff lock on the standard GTI. Unlike regular mechanical limited slip diffs, the GTI Performance's electronic control offers more finite control over the driven wheels, locking only when drive to both wheels is needed, and with torque vectoring capability to send 100 percent of drive to one wheel.

The GTI Performance diff integrates with the existing electronic traction aids and stability control, and is set to greatly help acceleration out of corners by reducing acceleration-induced understeer and integrating with yaw sensors to also counter oversteer. Visually, the GTI Performance gains unique 19 inch Santiago alloy wheels -up from the 18 inch Austin design fitted to the regular GTI -  but the lower profile tyres are no wider at 225mm.

It also scores the GTI 'lipstick' integrating Bi-Xenon headlights as standard, tinted LED taillights, tinted windows and GTI logos on red front brake calipers. On the inside, the Golf GTI Performance scores Alcantara bolsters and headrests to the Clark tartan cloth seats, and Vienna leather remains optional.

Watch the desktop version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance video review here.

This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance list price - $48,490