Upcoming Volkswagen ID.2 to wear the Golf nameplate, GTI version likely
The upcoming Volkswagen ID.2 electric hatch will be rebranded as the Volkswagen Golf when it’s launched in 2025, say insiders working for the German auto giant.
According to Autocar, the Golf name will return on a pint-size five-seat hatch that will be marketed as the brand’s entry-level EV, which should have a price tag of around €22,500 ($A35,000).
An all-new concept car to preview the next-generation Golf – a model that was previously expected to be axed – will reportedly be unwrapped this March.
Based on the Volkswagen Group’s next-gen MEB-Plus architecture (an evolution of the current MEB platform), the new 2025 VW Golf will feature LFP (lithium-ion phosphate) batteries that up the maximum charging power of the updated VW ID.3 (pictured) from 135kW to 200kW.
Originally, it was reported that the Golf would be culled and that the famous badge would only live on with special versions of the ID.3, but that rumour has been dismissed by the VW insider, who told Autocar: “the true value of the Volkswagen Golf lies in a car the size of the ID.2”.
Back at the 2020 Munich motor show Volkswagen previewed the ID Life concept, but that production version was subsequently scrapped after a poor reception, prompting a dramatic redesign of both the exterior and interior.
It’s now said to look like more of a conventional hatchback, but it’s not known if the car to be unveiled next month will carry the ID. Golf name, or whether it will wear a placeholder badge. Delicate discussions about whether or not the final production model will use the sacred Golf name are apparently now taking place.
Set to be an indirect replacement for the Volkswagen up!, the new VW ID. Golf will be twinned with the Cupra Urban Rebel as well as replacements for the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo.
Size-wise, the ID. Golf will measure in at 4250mm, which will see it sit between the current Polo and Golf, but offer cabin space at least as on par with the bigger hatch.
From its launch in 2025, the ID. Golf will come in a single-motor front-wheel drive format, but MEB-Plus can also support all-wheel drive dual-motor powertrains that could pave the way for a high-performance GTI version, following reports the ‘GTX’ badge will be quietly dropped.
Following its unveil in March, the ID Golf will spawn a sportier version set to make its debut at the annual Worthersee GTI festival in May, or at the more recently formed VW ID. fan meet in Locarno, Switzerland in Sptember.
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Keyword: Volkswagen Golf name to live on with affordable EV