Spy photographers have captured fresh images of the all-new 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI in the icy depths of the Arctic Circle.
We’ve already seen spy shots of the next-generation German hot hatch, but these pictures show the Mk8 Golf GTI almost fully undisguised, giving us a better idea of what to expect.
Visible from the images are the new GTI’s slimmer full-LED headlights and tail-lights, twin exhausts, rear spoiler and an overall body shaped a lot like the previous model – even though it’s a 90 per cent new model underpinned by a development of the VW Group’s small-car platform dubbed MQB Evo.
Despite reducing weight by up to 50kg, that will spell a stiffer body and improved chassis performance, including a quicker steering ratio that reduces the number of turns lock to lock from 2.75 to 2.1.
Although the spy shots don’t offer a glimpse of the next GTI’s new cabin, the new model – like the redesigned Volkswagen Golf Mk8 on which it’s based – will take a radical step upmarket inside.
A host of new driver aids and Volkswagen’s new MIB user interface will be standard alongside an 8.25-inch colour touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, while a 10.0-inch unit and head-up display will be optional.
Volkswagen Australia hopes to launch the new GTI here in late 2020 alongside the mainstream Golf Mk8 hatch range, which will continue with a carryover 110kW/240Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol 110TSI engine.
Similarly, it says our next Golf GTI will continue with a carryover 180kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol EA888 engine and limited-slip differential, which have been standard since the VW Golf GTI ‘7.5’.
This is despite the fact that in Europe the mainstream Golf will come standard with a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre turbo-petrol eTSI powertrain, and the entry-level 2020 Golf GTI will offer 190kW.
It’s unclear whether any Australian-spec Mk8 Golfs will come with the petrol particulate filters seen in Euro models, where up to 221kW will be offered in the Golf.
However, the latter number could (continue to) apply to the Mk8 Golf R that’s yet to be revealed and will again be offered as a wagon, which will again spawn another Golf Alltrack crossover.