The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI has finally arrived. The legendary hot hatch, which was set to make its public debut at the disrupted 2020 Geneva Motor Show, receives a sizeable performance boost over its predecessor, along with the latest interior tech and a suite of semi-autonomous driver assistance features.
What’s new on the 2020 Golf GTI?
First of all, let’s start with the looks. The new GTI is based on the Mk8 Golf and therefore shares a fair amount of its styling with the standard model. Tweaks include a honeycomb-patterned air intake at the bottom in the front bumper, with integrated LED fog lights, plus a small boot spoiler at the rear and a dual-exit exhaust system.
It’s business as usual on the inside, with the GTI carrying over the new Golf’s 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 8.25-inch (also available in 10-inch form) infotainment system that sits in the centre of the dashboard. There are, however, a few elements that distinguish the hot version from the regular model, including a flat-bottomed steering wheel and red checked sports seats.
Squeeze the accelerator and you’ll should notice a considerable shove from 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. It’s the same motor that can be found in the old GTI, though power has been increased from 216bhp to a 242bhp, while torque jumps from 350Nm to 370Nm.
You’ll be able to choose between a six-speed manual, which has been newly developed for the Mk8 GT, or a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox that uses a new shift-by-wire system, both of which send power to the front axle.
We’ll get more information on pricing and a release date later this year.
And what about the GTD?
The diesel-engined looks almost identical to the standard GTI, which is ideal for those looking for sporty looks with a more frugal engine. The only differentiator here is that the GTD gets a silver stripe between the headlights, while the petrol-engined GTI gets VW’s signature red stripe.
But the big difference between the two can be found under the bonnet. The GTD comes with a newly-developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, packing 197bhp and 400Nm of torque. It’s only available with a seven-speed DSG ‘box, which offers a slight improvement in acceleration.
Is there a GTE hybrid variant too?
Yes, VW will also offer a hybrid GTE model alongside the GTI and GTD when sales open later this year. Again, there’s little to tell the GTE apart from its non-electrified siblings, other than a hidden exhaust pipe at the back of the car and a blue stripe in place of the red and silver highlights on the GTI and GTD respectively.
Under the bonnet, there’s a 1.4-litre petrolengine that’s mated to a hybrid electric motor. Together, the hybrid powertrain is able to match the GTI on power and the GTD on torque. It’ll also do 37 miles on electric power alone courtesy of a 13kWh battery pack.
All models come with a new suite of semi-autonomous driver assistance features, too. These include lane keep assistance, autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring tech – all bundled in as standard. Travel assist is also available as an optional extra, taking over steering, throttle and brake inputs at speeds of up to 130mph.
Keyword: Volkswagen Golf GTI, GTD and GTE 2020: design, interior tech and engine specs