This marks our inaugural glimpse of the Golf in its GTI variant, even though we've previously encountered the revamped hatchback. This knowledge lets us identify concealed features, especially on the front end. The existing GTI boasts sharp, angular features regarding the vents and lower grille, and the black masking at the corners might suggest a similar design. However, the corner vents have a slight drop and then rise at an angle, reminiscent of the present Golf R. The GTI adopts a bolder design, and we anticipate the X-shaped LED corner lights to reappear, despite their obscured appearance here.
Despite the intense illumination on this predominantly white car, it's challenging to determine if any masking obscures details between the grille and the updated headlights. Intriguingly, VW doesn't conceal the modifications to the GTI's headlights, which will be marginally more compact in the upcoming version. When set against the refreshed front end, the headlight alterations are barely noticeable.
Further optical illusions are present at the rear, especially regarding the taillights. A discerning observer may detect irregularities in the red lensing. These aren't imperfections – they're stickers replicating taillights. What captures attention is that these decals don't conceal a different shape, but rather a new internal LED design within the present lens.
Although we've yet to get a comprehensive view of the revamped Golf's interior, we're certain changes are on the horizon. Expected updates include an expanded central touchscreen. VW has acknowledged that the touch-based controls launched with the Golf 8 weren't successful. Anticipate a shift towards more traditional controls when the updated model is introduced.
As for its debut, when can we expect it? As of now, there's no 2024 model-year listing for the Golf GTI on VW's official site, suggesting this could potentially be the 2024 model in question. This hints at an unveiling either later this year or in the early stages of 2024.
Source: Motor1