Iconic VW Golf GTI gets new electric makeover

Volkswagen’s Golf GTI has been a motoring icon for decades.

But inevitably in the electric era, there is going to be an electric take on it. And that’s just what has happened in the shape of the new ID.3 GTX.

The automaker says we have a treat in store with the EV’s “superior power delivery”.

That’s electric vehicles for you – all the power and torque is there from take-off, unlike a fossil-fuelled car which has to wind up to reach its maximum power.

We’ll wait to see how the new car’s ability translates into driving compared with that of the Golf GTI Clubsport 4 but it sounds enticing.

And, in its own way, it marks another big step in automobile development, because the auto giant is transferring the near 50year tradition of its compact GT models into the world of electric mobility. That’s real, profound change.

The new ID.3 GTX was unveiled this week alongside the ID.7 GTX Tourer, which makes its debut as being the most powerful model in the product line to date.

This large estate will be a real blockbuster.

To set the ID.3 GTX apart from others in the line-up, it gets a number of exterior styling additions.

There are different bumpers, and an independent black air intake. Also new are the 20in Skagen alloys, and premium sports seats (in fabric and leatherette) come as standard.

The more powerful ID.3 GTX Performance comes with DCC adaptive chassis control.

The new models are due in Ireland in the second half of the year.

We will find out the price and spec for both models nearer the launch date.