Volkswagen has revealed the new Golf GTI Mark 8 which will be unveiled to the public next month at the Geneva Motor Show which runs from March 7-17. The 2021 Golf GTI is powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged and direct injection 4 cylinder EA888 evo4 engine. Power is rated at 245 hp with maximum torque of 273 lb-ft. Music to the ears of driving enthusiasts is confirmation that the new GTI will come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission (MQ350). A 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DQ381 DSG) is available as an option. Top speed is 210 km/h.

17 inch Richmond aluminum-alloy wheels, unique to the GTI, are standard. Optional 18 inch and 19 inch rims will be available. The brake calipers are painted red with GTI badging. The body features wider side skirts sills in black, race-car-style splitter, and a roof-line extended rear spoiler. Interior styling includes a sport steering wheel features three silver double spokes and recessed Wolfsburg emblem, the classic golf ball shifter knob and tartan GTI sport seats.

A new driving dynamics control system known as the Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) is used for the first time. The system controls the Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) function and the lateral functionality of the Dynamic Chassis Control system (DCC) adaptive damping system, which is optional on the European car. The DCC driving modes include Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual. The GTI has a 0.6-inch lower sport suspension than a standard Golf.

The interior is newly designed and engineered, and is fully digitalized and networked. The Innovision Cockpit extends upwards upon opening the doors of the Golf GTI. It is a combination of the top-of-the-range version of the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and the 10-inch navigation system. The blend of the two screens creates a new digital architecture.

Standard equipment on all Mark 8 Golf’s include Lane Assist, Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), the XDS electronic differential lock and Car2X (local communication with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure) and stainless-steel pedal covers. Additional standard equipment includes We Connect and We Connect Plus online services, multifunction steering wheel, single-zone automatic climate control (Climatronic), the Press & Drive comfort start system, LED headlights, LED taillights, LED daytime running lights, LED reading lights and two USB-C ports.

For 44 years Volkswagen has been reinventing and refining the hot hatch segment. The first Golf GTI Mark 1 started it all in 1976. Pricing and availability details of the new 2021 Golf GTI have not been confirmed.