New Volkswagen ID. GTI Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

The Volkswagen Golf GTI wasn’t the first hot hatch but it arguably set the template for a whole genre. Based on the regular Golf and developed in-house by a small team of enthusiasts, that original GTI combined sharp handling with just enough performance to be fun, all topped off with some signature design flourishes like chequered cloth upholstery, a golf-ball shaped gear shifter and red pin striping on the outside.
Nearly 50 years on the ID. GTI Concept is trying the same trick, reimagining the hot hatch for the electric age with a spiced-up version of VW’s pending ID. 2all, the affordable electric supermini it’s hoped will make EVs more accessible than ever. Here’s what we know so far. • The ID. 2all on which this GTI Concept is based is the entry level to VW’s ID-branded electric range • Like the combustion engined Golfs and Polos it replaces it’s a classic, front-wheel drive hatchback with the emphasis on affordability and practicality • Volkswagen hasn’t shared any performance figures yet, but expect a decent boost over the regular ID. 2all’s 226 horsepower • While technically still a concept VW’s boss has committed to building the GTI as a full production model • Cost and other information will follow in due course

Where the rest of the ID family have adopted a more futuristic look the ID. 2all and this GTI version use a more conventional, hatchback format carried straight over from the Golfs and Polos we already know and love. Just electric. Which is fine, and the ID. 2all has responded well to the GTI makeover, which VW’s designer said was always part of the plan. So, there are 20-inch wheels pushed into the far corners of the body for a sporty stance, red trim around the ‘radiator grille’ like GTIs of old and some pretty aggressive looking aero features. If it follows the pattern of its predecessors expect a base GTI for starters, with the potential for limited editions and faster versions to follow.

Like the ID. 2all on which it is based the GTI Concept interior is based around a large central touch-screen, though VW has obviously been listening to criticisms of other cars in the ID range and is at pains to point out physical controls for basics like ventilation and infotainment volume sit beneath. They’re even backlit so you can use them at night, answering a very specific criticism of cars like the ID.3, whose touch-sensitive controls are tricky to use in the dark. Unique to the GTI and celebrating the classic gearshifter design of the original Golf GTI is a golf ball inspired controller for the driver modes, which can adjust parameters like steering, throttle response and even – apparently – simulated gear shifts to make it feel like a traditional combustion powered hot hatch. In tech terms VW says there’s also an expanded head-up display (or HUD) projecting information across the entire windscreen. If you’re on a track day this can include videogame inspired features like a track map, lap times and your ‘race position’ in relation to other cars.

No word yet on power outputs, but given the regular ID. 2all has 226 horsepower already you’d expect a bit more than that, the GTI Concept’s motor driving the front wheels in the traditional hot hatch style. You may have to accept a bit of a trade-off against the ID. 2all’s range (reckoned to be nearly 280 miles) for the extra performance but that will depend on the battery size.

No news yet, but you can expect it will cost a chunk more than VW’s hoped-for 25,000 euros starting price for the ID. 2all. Officially still a concept we may have to wait a while yet before the GTI is officially on sale.

Based on versions of the same electric platform, batteries and motors, VW’s ID family already includes the ID.3 hatchback, ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs and the ID. Buzz MPV, along with related products from Cupra, Audi and Skoda. While the ID. 2all on which the GTI Concept is based guns for affordability VW is also going the other way with the more premium ID.7.

While the Cupra Born was arguably the first hot hatch built on this ID platform this is the first to carry the esteemed GTI badge, and like its Golf GTI predecessor has the potential to define its segment. It’s already got some competition in the shape of the Abarth 500e and the pending Mini Cooper Electric but this is all good news for fans of affordable performance cars looking for a way to go electric.