Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR 2019 confirmed for Australia

The most hardcore Volkswagen Golf GTI ever, the 2019 VW Golf GTI TCR, is coming to Australia. 

Confirmed by the German company’s local arm as being a “limited release special model”, the new TCR (Touring Class Racing) - which debuted in thinly-veiled concept form at the Worthersee GTI event earlier this year - is set to become an instant collector’s item. 

Just how limited the car will be in Australia is unknown - “don’t think 1000”, according to VW Australia, but the company has confirmed it will be sold here as a five-door hatchback, with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch only. And that it’ll bring Golf R levels of grunt to the party, with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine churning out 213kW/370Nm.

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.

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2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.

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2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.

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2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.

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Those outputs represent a 33kW (+18 per cent) power hike over the soon-to-arrive 2019 Golf GTI model, which has 180kW. The torque figure is identical, but there’s no denying the TCR will give VW a rival to the likes of the Honda Civic Type R.

The TCR is fitted with a mechanical front differential to help deal with the physics of getting all that power to the ground through only the front wheels, and a top speed of 250km/h (or 264km/h, if you option the limiter removal) will be achievable.

Just like the concept model, the TCR is expected to feature lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes, a sharper set of styling fins around the bottom edge of the car, bigger exhaust tips, and upgraded interior trim. It’s not clear if the trippy decals will be fitted.

Are you excited about the new Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR? Tell us what you think in the comments below.