The first TCR-specification Volkswagen Golf GTi has arrived in Australia, as preparations continue for the inaugural TCR Australia season which will get underway in 2019.

Following the arrivals of Honda and Audi machinery already, as well as the confirmation that at least one two-car Hyundai team will take part next year, the Volkswagen is the latest car to arrive down under.

The car has arrived at the Melbourne Performance Centre, which is the official agent for the Volkswagen Group Motorsport TCR cars arriving in the country.

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“It’s great to see another car arrive in Australia,” said Australian Racing Group Director Matt Braid, the promoter of TCR in Australia. “You can feel the momentum starting to build and it’s very exciting,” said Matt Braid.

“Volkswagen Group Motorsport is very committed to TCR global, and VW brand is going to be really good for the series.

“VW doesn’t have a huge racing pedigree in Australia, however, it is such a famous brand with so much history, both on the road and race track.

“The Golf will certainly attract its own set of followers, so we’re really looking forward to seeing it on track.”

Melbourne Performance Centre Managing Director Lee Burley says that customers can now come and take a look around the new car in the flesh.

“Seeing the car in the flesh is really exciting,” said Burley. “We know what the cars are about, having had the Audi RS 3 TCR here for a while.

“We know that car well, and this is a sister car from the Volkswagen Group. It’s the same platform, it’s really just body panels and the badge on the front.

“There has been great interest since its announcement, but nothing beats having a car in the workshop that people and come and look at.

“We’re looking forward to the first customer coming along, put their hand up and take this one onto the track.”