In a surprising move, Volkswagen has chosen to grace the upcoming ID.2 small hatchback with the revered GTI badge, rather than its premium ID.3 hatchback, marking a bold step into the world of electric performance vehicles. The ID.GTI concept made its debut at the Munich motor show, and it’s generating quite a buzz among South African car enthusiasts.
The decision to apply the iconic GTI badge to an electric vehicle is significant. The ID.2, built on the “MEB Small” platform, draws inspiration from the classic Giugiaro-penned Golf 1. This move is not just about embracing the future of electric mobility but also a homage to the rich heritage of the GTI brand. Classic GTI cues are peppered throughout the concept, keeping the spirit of the original GTI alive.
The ID.GTI concept is no slouch when it comes to performance. It’s slightly larger than the current-gen Polo GTI, measuring at 4,104 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,499 mm in height. It’s a front-wheel-drive vehicle, expected to be equipped with a 168-kW motor and a 56 kWh battery. This setup is anticipated to deliver a 0-100 kph sprint in just 6.9 seconds, putting it in direct competition with models like the Mini Cooper Electric and Abarth 500e.
It’s important to note that the production version of the ID.GTI concept won’t be revealed until 2026. By that time, we can expect powertrain specifications and battery capacity to receive further enhancements, aligning with the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology.
The ID.GTI concept is a showstopper in terms of design. With a stance that sits 15 mm lower to the ground than the standard ID.2, it exudes a sporty and aggressive appearance. Notable features include 8-spoke, 2-tone 20-inch wheels and sporty bumpers. The front bumper boasts air curtains, vertical LED DRLs, a honeycomb-pattern black mesh air scoop, and a pair of eye-catching red tow hooks.
The vehicle’s lighting elements are equally impressive, featuring IQ Light Matrix LED headlamps, an illuminated VW badge at the front, and bespoke 3D tail-light graphics. Black shading on the lower edges of the doors and tailgate, along with black wheel-arch cladding and side sills adorned with embossed GTI logos, complete the striking look.
While we have design sketches to rely on for a glimpse of the interior, Volkswagen has incorporated original GTI-inspired cues into the cabin. These include a 3-spoke steering wheel with a 12 o’clock marker, striped “Jack-e” seat upholstery, and ornate red accents on the dashboard, door trims, and center console. The front seats’ backrests appear to have portrait panels with pulsing LED surrounds, although it’s uncertain if these will make it to the production version.
The ID.GTI concept features a 10.9-inch digital instrument cluster that can be configured to resemble the gauge cluster of the iconic Golf 1 GTI. It also boasts a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a head-up display that projects information onto the entire windscreen.
Despite its sporty appearance, the ID.GTI concept doesn’t compromise on practicality. It offers a surprisingly spacious interior for a small hatchback, with a 490-litre load bay that expands to 1,330 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, there’s a 50-litre lockable stowage compartment beneath the rear seat.
While the roadgoing version of the ID.GTI concept, potentially named the ID.2 GTI, is still a few years away from hitting South African shores, Volkswagen South Africa is gearing up to introduce the ID.4 all-electric compact crossover to the market. It’s an exciting time for electric mobility enthusiasts in South Africa as Volkswagen accelerates its electrification efforts.
This website uses cookies.
