The third of the four Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 models introduced by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is the facelifted Volkswagen Golf GTI. The car was introduced today along with the refreshed Golf R and Golf 1.4 TSI Sportline and R-Line models.

The variant’s EA 288 2.0 litre TSI unit puts out 230 PS at 4,700 rpm to 6,200 rpm and 350 Nm from 1,500 to 4,600 rpm, a 10 PS increase from the Mk7 and identical to the pre-facelift with a Performance Pack added on.

The mill continues to be mated to a six-speed, wet dual-clutch DSG transmission. Performance figures for the Golf GTI include a 0-100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds and a 248 km/h top speed.

Exterior changes include a new front bumper and the inclusion of Advanced Adaptive LED headlamps – which replace the bi-xenons seen previously – with dynamic light assist and dynamic cornering lights, while the rear features full LED tail lights. The latter, being standard fit on all refreshed Golf models, also comes with a dynamic turn signal function.

The local specification includes Vienna leather interior upholstery with red trimming and accents, 18-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels and 225/40 series tyres, Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC), an Air Care dual-zone climatronic system and a 1,440 x 540 pixel 12.3-inch Active Info Display virtual instrument cluster, which is configurable and offers five different views.

Other items on the list are front/rear fog lamps, keyless access start/lock, driver profile selection, cruise control and automatic headlights/wipers, along with dress up bits such as a GTI sports steering wheel with paddle-shifters, brushed stainless steel pedals, illuminated scuff plates and chrome exhaust tips.

The GTI features an 8.0-inch Discover Media infotainment system with Bluetooth, SD card, USB and AUX-in connectivity and navigation. Park assist and a rear-view camera is also fitted, as is App-Connect, the latter offering smartphone screen mirroring functionality via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink.

As it is with all the Golf models in the range, the GTI features seven airbags, ESC and the Proactive Occupant Protection System, which uses sensors to detect situations in which an accident is likely to occur and prepares the vehicle and its occupants for an impending collision.

Five exterior colours are available for the Golf GTI, and these are Deep Black, Pure White, Iridium Grey, Tornado Red and Dark Iron Blue.

The facelifted Volkswagen Golf GTI goes for RM239,990 (on-the-road without insurance) and is covered by a VPCM package that includes a five-year factory warranty with five years of free roadside assistance and three years/45,000 km free service. You can check out the full specifications of the Volkswagen Golf GTI at CarBase.my.