VW has confirmed that the new Golf GTI
will celebrated its global debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, releasing
at the same time a teaser sketch of the model’s front end styling. VW’s iconic
hot hatch will enter its eighth generation, featuring familiar design cues like
the red stripe in the radiator grille and the chequered fabric upholstery.
These will be combined with a new open front bumper and a wide honeycomb
grille, characteristic LED fog lights and an optional light bar that runs
across the width of the new Golf GTI’s face.
The exterior look of the new VW Golf GTI
will be completed by a model-specific rear bumper with an integrated diffuser,
bigger and sportier-looking alloy wheels, a roof spoiler and a pair of circular
tailpipes -just like we’ve seen on our recent spy shots.
VW stopped short of revealing any
technical details, only saying that power will come from a powerful turbo
engine driving the front wheels. We expect that the new Golf GTI will use an
updated version of the current model’s 2.0-liter TSI engine, producing 242 HP in its base form and 287 HP in the Clubsport –or TCR,
according to the leaks– variant.
A six-speed manual transmission will be offered
as standard, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic unit being an option, at
least on the base models. The 2020 Golf GTI will also use a new generation of
VW’s adaptive DCC suspension.
The new VW Golf GTI will benefit from the
same “fully digitalized” interior concept, featuring a 10.25-inch digital
instrument cluster paired to a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display and
fewer hard buttons than ever. VW’s semi-autonomous Travel Assist system will
also be present for speeds up to 210 km/h. VW will reveal the new
Golf GTI alongside the diesel-powered Golf GTD in full on March 3, at the
Geneva Motor Show.
