The next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI for MY 2022

Volkswagen is going through a renaissance just as it did several decades ago. Then, VW was phasing out the Beetle and replacing it with the Golf family of cars. Now, evidently, over the course of the next few years, VW is phasing out the Golf line-up and replacing it with the ID.3 EV. Yup. VW is going electric in a big way. Why you ask? Consumers are turning to EVs for efficiency and clean air/climate change reasons. The electrics will also allow VW to meet the tough EU emissions standards. In the US, the Golf line-up will consist of the GTI and the R models. If you want something cheaper and more basic, VW has a Jetta with your name on it. So until the ID.3 EV makes it across the pond, you can have the updated GTI which features a new look, more power, and more standard tech. Horsepower will jump to close to 250hp. The suspension is freshened to maintain the GTI's cred as a well-balanced handler that is the perfect balance between comfort and all-out performance. New tech includes the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an updated Front Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and pedestrian monitoring, Climatronic, and much more as either optional or standard equipment. And yes, plaid upholstery is still available. More info is outlined in the press release after the jump even though it is Euro-centric at this time. US specifications will be announced closer to the new GTI's intro next year as a 2022 model. VW is having problems with the technology suite on the ID.3 so even though they have begun production of the compact (ish) EV, don't expect to see them in the US for the foreseeable future. In fact, the ID.4 CUV will be the first new EV from Volkswagen in the US. So what do we have to look forward to for now? A good-looking, well-balanced, good-sized performance car that is the answer to many prayers and dreams. I wonder it there'ii be an ID.3 GTI? Stay tuned...

Source: Pictures and press release provided by Volkswagen. More after the "Read more" jump

Revealed: The next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI, with new style and more power

The hot hatch lives on.

For more than four decades, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been the standard for affordable, European-designed performance hatchbacks. Over seven generations, more than 380,000 Americans have taken home a GTI, enjoying the mix of driving enjoyment and everyday utility that few competitors even approach.

Now, Volkswagen unveiled the eighth-generation GTI, with more power and more technology than its predecessor that’s relevant to drivers worldwide. Don’t worry: there’s still a stick shift, a functional hatch and all the other features that make the GTI so flexible – all demonstrating a commitment by the driving enthusiasts at Volkswagen to keep building cars other drivers can enjoy.

The new Golf GTI arrives with a power boost. In European trim, the GTI makes 241 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, generated by an upgraded version of the 2-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. That power hits the road through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic transmission.

The style of the eighth-generation GTI takes on a sharper, sleeker edge than its predecessor. Built off an updated version of the MQB chassis, the new GTI maintains the comfortable yet compact dimensions of the current GTI. The new look includes a more dramatic light signature with standard LED headlamps featuring a red and while illuminated strip across the grille, and optional fog lights integrated into the air intake in an “X” layout. New standard LED taillights, a more pronounced spoiler and the classic C-pillar shape of the Golf complete the look.

For improved handing, the GTI updates its suspension geometry but maintains the key basics, such as an independent, multilink rear suspension. The brakes and wheels have also been updated, with new designs up to an optional 19-inch wheel.

The most dramatic changes to the GTI come from new technology. Start with the driver, who will control the road with the standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, available with an optional heads-up display. The in-dash entertainment and control center now lives behind an updated touchscreen of up to 10 inches diagonally, with fully automatic Climatronic climate control below. The background lighting in the dash and passenger compartment can be customized in up to 30 colors. The updated Car-Net1 with available in-car WiFi2 and compatible wireless cellphone charging also now come standard.

Beyond the interior technology, the GTI now comes with an updated Front Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and pedestrian monitoring as standard, along with a long list of available tech including Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Assist.3

And yes, there’s still a golf-ball shifter on the manual and a plaid design for the cloth seats – albeit in a new checked design called Scalepaper.

Expect the new GTI to come to America sometime in the second half of 2021, as a model-year 2022 vehicle.