A new Golf is massive news for Volkswagen, and there’s one due late next year. The Mk 8 will be the most advanced and efficient Golf so far, but despite being packed with electric and hybrid technology, the newcomer still promises plenty in the way of excitement.
But efficiency doesn’t mean a lack of excitement, and already information is starting to seep out about the next generation Golf GTI – the iconic performance hero of the Golf line-up.
New Golf GTI performance
According to insiders, the new GTI will have a power output of up to 325bhp in the ClubSport model. That’s a whole 37bhp more than the 288bhp produced by the current GTI ClubSport model, and is indicative of a bright future for the legendary hot hatch. Even the entry-level car is expected to generate around 260bhp, while an optional ‘Performance Pack’ version with around 300bhp is also being mooted.
It will get a further boost thanks to a mild hybrid system, similar to the KERS system used in Formula One cars, where energy produced during braking and cornering is fed back into a 48-volt battery, which in turn gives the car an additional boost under hard acceleration, as well as providing environmental benefits when it takes over at low speeds and in traffic.
A new evolution of Volkswagen’s super-quick DSG transmission is also expected, with 10 forward speeds operated in fully-auto or paddle mode. A manual model will still be on offer for traditionalists.
It is expected to come with a number of driving modes, including standard, sport and track, the latter of which will disable some of the autonomous driving aids and is for track day use only.
New Golf GTI styling
The next generation GTI won’t be that different to the current car in terms of size, as manufacturers seek to keep weights and emissions down. It is also based on an evolution of the existing Golf’s MQB platform, so the dimensions are also dictated by the body engineering.
Volkswagen has already hinted at the next GTI’s key styling points with the Golf Design Vision Concept, revealed last year at the Worthesee Tuning Show, with its huge air scoops, diffuser and outrageous alloys.
The new model will have some very distinctive styling cues drawn from the concept, including wider front wings than the standard car, fatter arches and bigger wheels – up to 21-inches are expected. The trademark red-rimmed GTI grille will also have a mesh insert, while wider tailpipes, a roof spoiler, side skirts and a distinctive front splitter will also mark out the newcomer’s styling.
The rest of the styling will be fairly mainstream, using some of the LED lighting signatures and blocky, angular design seen on recent new models such as the new generation Tiguan, Polo and T-ROC.
New Golf GTI Interior
The next GTI will carry over a number of traditional themes that define the model, such as its tartan-patterned seats, golf ball gear knob and red piping, which hark back to the very first GTI from 1976.
In addition, though, it will be brimming with tech. Expect a digital, adaptable instrument display based on the technology used for sister brand Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’, a number of semi-autonomous driver aids such as remote self-parking, traffic assist and other LIDAR self-drive systems, along with class-leading infotainment.
New Golf GTI pricing and on-sale date
The Mk8 Golf GTI is expected to make its debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn of next year. It will then arrive in showrooms from early 2020.
The current model is priced from £26-£32,000, and prices of the new Golf GTI are expected to increase by about 10-15 per cent. Expect the entry level car to be around £28,500, rising to £36,000 for the ClubSport.
