Volkswagen Reports Significant Increase in GTI and R Model Sales in Australia

Volkswagen has announced a notable increase in sales of its GTI and R performance models in Australia. In 2023, the company reported a 264% increase in sales compared to the previous year, totaling 5,499 vehicles. This marks a significant uptick in demand for Volkswagen's performance-oriented models in the Australian market.

In the SUV segment, the Tiguan R and T-Roc R have been particularly popular in Australia, with the country leading global sales for these models.

The Tiguan R, a medium SUV with a 235kW turbo all-wheel drive, recorded 2,227 sales in 2023, up from 284 in 2022. Similarly, the sales of the compact SUVs, T-Roc R and T-Roc R Grid Edition, increased to 1,846 in 2023, a rise from 566 sales in the previous year.

The Golf R, Volkswagen's new-generation performance model, also saw an increase in sales. Despite initial supply issues, sales grew from 151 in 2022 to 346 in 2023. The Golf R is known for its acceleration and is now again available for order, with deliveries expected to commence from June 2024.

Sales of the Golf GTI hot hatchback nearly doubled from 370 in 2022 to 693 in 2023. The Polo GTI experienced a similar trend, with sales more than doubling from 139 in 2022 to 387 in 2023. Volkswagen's commitment to both light and small segment hot hatchbacks continues in the Australian market.

Michelle Rowney, Volkswagen’s head of product for passenger vehicles, commented on the increase in sales, noting the strong market performance of the GTI and R models in Australia. She mentioned that these models compete in various segments, including more expensive sports models.

The company began addressing the high demand for the Polo GTI, Golf GTI, Golf R, T-Roc R, and Tiguan R models in the latter half of 2023.

The Tiguan R is expected to be available for delivery in the third quarter of 2024, while the R range will expand in April with the introduction of the Touareg R performance large SUV, which has an RRP of $129,990. Since the release of its price in December, over 500 Australians have registered their interest in this performance plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).