2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI set to pack 224kW: report

THE NEXT generation of the original hot hatch – the Golf GTI – could have enough power to surpass the current Golf R

The eighth-generation Golf is expected to be revealed later this year, with German publication Auto Bild reporting that the next-gen front-drive performance Golf could have upwards of 224kW in certain trims.

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That’s a significant step up from the current GTI’s 180kW, and more than the existing all-paw Golf R’s 213kW. The increase in power will be one of the most significant step changes in the GTI’s history, and channeling all that grunt exclusively through the front wheels will prove a challenge for VW engineers.

The report doesn’t mention torque figures, though it is safe to assume this will take a similar leap forward over the MY19 GTI’s 370Nm, with the final figure possibly over 400Nm.

Auto Bild suggested the 224kW tune would not be the outputs of the standard GTI, with that figure being produced as part of an optional performance pack. However, they report the base model will still produce a healthy 182kW.

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Speaking to Wheels, Volkswagen Australia general manager for communications Paul Pottinger said Australians can expect the eighth-gen GTI to arrive Down Under in the second half of 2020.

In the meantime a bevy of more powerful seventh-gen GTI’s are on their way to our shores “before the end of the year”.

The Golf GTI TCR sends 213kW and 370Nm to its front treads, with around 400 examples being made available to Aussie buyers.

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“It is the most powerful mass produced GTI yet,” Pottinger told Wheels.

With a focus on driving enthusiasts, the Golf GTI TCR special edition has a locking differential on the front axle, and is capable of a 264km/h top speed when fitted with an optional sports pack, which adds a sports chassis and adaptive suspension. The limited-run model is only available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

If the rumoured 224kW output for the eight-generation GTI comes to fruition, Pottinger is confident it’s something local buyers will be eager to add to their driveways.

“The great majority of Golf sales in Australia are for cars over $30,000, with many of those being our GTI and R performance variants.”