All-New Volkswagen Golf GTI Is Coming For Ford Focus ST, Renault Megane RS

The world of compact hot hatchbacks is about to become more competitive once Volkswagen launches the new generation Golf GTI.

Currently in development, it has been rendered in production attire by XTomi and AksyonovNikita, with a sportier body kit than the regular Golf Mk8 that was only recently unveiled.

The GTI is defined by the restyled front and rear bumpers, a large diffuser that incorporates dual exhaust pipes, a roof-mounted spoiler and a few red accents, including the one in the grille that joins the headlights together. One of the rendering artists has went for a red paint finish, contrasted by black accents on the roof and side mirrors, as well as oversized wheels, whereas the other one chose a dark look and smaller rims.

Also Read: We Compare The 2020 VW Golf Mk8 To The Outgoing Golf Mk7

On the inside, the new Golf GTI will get front sports seats with the typical tartan upholstery, alongside other trim upgrades. Elsewhere, it will carry over the same interior layout and the technology features of the top-of-the-line Mk8, such as the head-up display, digital instrument cluster and new infotainment system.

In terms of power, Volkswagen has already confirmed that the GTI, as well as the sportier GTI TCR and four-wheel drive Golf R, will be powered by a 2.0-liter, TSI four-cylinder turbocharged engine, each in a different state of tune. The exact output of the company’s challenger to the likes of the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30 N and Renault Megane RS is unknown. Nonetheless, it should be more powerful than the current iteration, which packs 245 PS (241 hp / 180 kW) in Performance Edition spec and does the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.2 seconds.

VW has yet to provide an exact unveiling date, but we expect it to make its debut sometime next year.