MK7 is the seventh-generation model of the Volkswagen Golf series. It was produced from 2013 to 2020. More than five variants of MK7 were launched in the market. The one that uses a direct fuel injection system is known as Grand Touring Injection or simply GTI.
GTI variant was designed to power long-distance travel without losing the performance. In this article, you will get to know a detailed answer to a commonly asked question, “How much does a MK7 GTI weigh?” Other important specs and features of GTI are also covered in this article.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk7)
Volkswagen MK7 GTI has a kerb weight of 1351 Kg. It can handle a maximum load of 469 Kg therefore the total maximum weight of the MK7 GTI is around 1820 Kg.
The weight of any vehicle is usually expressed as a kerb weight which is the weight of the car without any passenger, luggage, and optional equipment. Though, the weight of a full tank of fuel is included in the kerb weight.
The gross weight is the total weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and optional accessories. The kerb weight of the Volkswagen MK7 GTI is 1351 Kg and the gross weight is 1820 Kg.
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Dimensions and Other Important Specs of Volkswagen MK7 GTI
Volkswagen MK7 GTI has a length of 4.2 m and its wheelbase measures 2.6 m. The width and height of this model are 1.8 m and 1.4 m respectively. Whereas, the minimum turning circle or turning diameter is 10.9 m.
MK7 GTI is powered by a 2.0 L turbocharged petrol engine that is equipped with a direct fuel injection system. The standard GTI variant engine has 217 hp and the GTI (with Performance Package) is more powerful and generates 227 hp. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.5 seconds.
The maximum or top speed of MK7 GTI is 250 km/h and its weight to power ratio is 6.1 kg/hp. Its fuel tank can carry 50 liters of petrol, while the boot space is 380 liters (13.42 cubic feet). MK7 GTI has a ground clearance of 130 mm.
How Weight Will Impact the Performance of MK7 GTI?
The weight of any vehicle is a key factor behind its performance, and VW MK7 GTI is no exception. The average fuel consumption of MK7 GTI is 39.2 miles per gallon. You can have a better fuel consumption by reducing the weight of the car.
Reducing the weight of the MK7 GTI will benefit every single aspect of the car’s performance. It will improve acceleration, braking, and overall handling of the car. It will also improve the reliability of your MK7 GTI.
Speed is another factor that depends upon the vehicle’s weight. There is a famous saying by Colin Chapman (founder of the Lotus F1 team) “To add speed, add lightness”. Therefore, you should remember it as a rule of thumb that weight is inversely proportional to the car’s performance.
Which Components Weigh the Most in MK7 GTI?
The main body, chassis, engine, and transmission of MK7 GTI are the heaviest components. Their combined weight is more than 70 percent of the total weight of MK7 GTI.
As discussed earlier, MK7 GTI is powered by a 2.0 L turbocharged petrol engine that weighs around 150 Kg. The main body of the car weighs 300 to 400 Kg and the chassis has a weight of 175 Kg. Whereas, the whole transmission system of the MK7 weighs 50 to 80 Kg.
The tires, air conditioning system, battery, and interior are relatively light components of the VW MK7 GTI. Their combined weight is less than 20 percent of the car’s total weight.
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How to Optimize Weight of a Hatchback?
To optimize the weight of your car, you should remove any optional or additional equipment from it. Another option is to replace the standard equipment with a lighter one.
Firstly, you should look for any supplementary equipment that is present in your car like a refrigerator, package tray, or anything like that. Then you can move forward to replace the standard equipment with a lighter one.
To reduce some weight, you can replace the standard front seats of your hatchback with lighter bucket seats. Other options include replacing your car’s wheels, interior, radiator, power brakes, and entertainment system with lighter alternatives. You can also remove the spare tire and jack from your car but that would be a risky choice.
MK7 GTI Compared with Other Hatchbacks
For a better understanding, let’s compare Volkswagen MK7 GTI with similar vehicles available in the same category.
Golf GTI MK7 vs VW Golf GTI MK8
MK8 is the eighth-generation model of the VW Golf series and successor to the VW Golf MK7. It was recently launched in 2020 and the GTI is a high-performance variant of this series.
VW MK8 GTI is a little heavier than the MK7 GTI and can also handle more weight. It is also bigger in length and height whereas the width of both cars is the same.
The MK8 GTI is also more powerful as its engine generates 245 hp and it can go from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.2 seconds. The only downside of MK8 GTI is its higher fuel consumption.
Also read: Are Volkswagens Expensive to Fix? (The Costs)
MK7 GTI vs MK6 Golf R
MK6 is the sixth-generation model of the VW Golf series. It was produced from 2009 to 2013 and it is the most powerful variant of the sixth generation. MK6 Golf R is 100 Kg heavier than the MK7 GTI.
The maximum or gross weight of MK6 Golf R is 1935 Kg but still, it can go from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.7 seconds. MK6 Golf R is powered by a 2.0 L turbocharged petrol engine that can generate 266 hp. When it comes to dimensions and top speed, it is similar to the VW MK7 GTI.
Below is the table that compares the important features and specs of MK7 GTI, MK8 GTI, and MK6 Golf R.
| Specification | Volkswagen Golf MK7 GTI | Volkswagen Golf MK8 GTI | Volkswagen MK6 Golf R |
| Kerb Weight | 1,351 Kg | 1,388 Kg | 1,446 Kg |
| Max. Weight | 1,820 Kg | 1,950 Kg | 1,935 Kg |
| Boot Space | 380 Liter | 374 Liter | 343 Liter |
| Length | 4.27 m | 4.29 m | 4.2 m |
| Width | 1.8 m | 1.79 m | 1.79 m |
| Height | 1.44 m | 1.48 m | 1.46 m |
| Power | 217 hp | 245 hp | 266 hp |
| Acceleration (0-100 kph) | 6.5 sec | 6.2 sec | 5.7 sec |
| Max. Speed | 250 kph | 250 kph | 250 kph |
| Fuel Consumption | 39.2 mpg | 31.79 mpg | 28 mpg |
References:
en.wikipedia.org, koboguide.com, motortrend.com, auto-data.net, carfolio.com, fastestlaps.com, encycarpedia.com, ultimatespecs.com, topgear.com