2021 VW Golf GTI Escapes Studio, Gets Photographed And Filmed On Road And Track

Volkswagen may be betting big money on its all-electric future but the truth is many years will pass until ID-badged EVs will replace ICE models as the carmaker’s main source of revenue.

So while VW has been showing the world countless concept vehicles from the ID family over the past years, the company’s bread-and-butter consists of models like the Golf and the ever-expanding lineup of crossovers and SUVs.

VW may publicly say that the launch of the ID.3 is the main event this year but, in reality, the rollout of the all-new VW Golf Mk8 across Europe is what matters the most. And the new Golf family has just grown bigger with the online unveiling of the hotter Golf GTI, Golf GTD and Golf GTE variants.

Watch: Seeing The New 2021 VW Golf GTI, GTD And GTE On Video Doesn’t Make Them Any Less Bland

We’ve already covered the essentials about these models but given that VW has released new photos and videos of the Golf GTI Mk8 we thought we’d give the hot hatch a second look – especially since these are the first new images and videos shot outside the studio.

As you can see, VW insists on showing us the 2021 VW Golf GTI in the same Kings Red Metallic paint, arguably because it suits the hot hatch best. As always, the Golf GTI adopts a restrained design compared to other competitors but that’s just fine for the model’s customer base.

Key exterior details that differentiate it from the regular Golf include a gaping lower grille that occupies most of the sporty front bumper and incorporates a honeycomb mesh and optional X-shaped LED fog lights, a sharper-looking rear bumper with two round exhaust pipes on each side, a bigger roof spoiler, black side skirts and dedicated alloys.

As with previous Golf GTIs, the ride height is lower (by 0.6 inches / 15 mm) compared to the standard Golf, which combined with the stiffer adaptive suspension should provide improved cornering abilities and a much more involving driving experience.

Inside, the new VW Golf GTI gains a new sports steering wheel with touch controls and three silver double spokes, a classic golf ball shifter knob in combination with the manual transmission and the signature tartan sports seats. Everything else is just like in the regular Golf, including the configurable 10.25 digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system.

The only specs VW has released so far include the 2.0-liter TSI’s power output of 245 PS (242 HP) and peak torque of 370 Nm (273 lb-ft). The turbo-four unit is mated as standard to a 6-speed manual gearbox, with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) available as an option.