New 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI revealed

The 2020 VW Golf GTI hot hatch broke cover ahead of its global premiere at the 2020 Geneva motor show and is once again powered by the EA888, a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Coming to Australia in early 2021, the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI hides a range of new technology and features beneath its sleek new bodywork.

But while many things have changed, some have stayed the same, like the ultra-cool retro tartan seat upholstery.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the longest enduring hot hatches and one of the best-known, tracing its history back to 1976 when the original Golf GTI was launched.

Like the tartan seats however, power output hasn't changed. The new models return with 180kW and 370Nm, which is the same as the current Aussie Golf GTI cars produce.

The interior is where the biggest changes have taken place, with all models fitted as standard with a 10-inch infotainment system with touchscreen.

A digital instrument cluster (likely to be a larger 10-inch version for Aussie models) and a restyled dashboard offer more visual flair than the current Golf GTI.

A restyled leather sports steering wheel is added, along with a de-cluttered central control area that sees a stubby gear shifter replace the larger gear stick of current Golf GTI cars.

There's also lots of red highlights in the cabin, adding a sporty bent to proceedings.

Step outside the new car and the exterior design reflects the modern upgrades made to the interior.

It starts with the front end, which takes the Volkswagen Golf Mk8's new look and adds a more aggressive headlight array, which features a bold new LED light bar spanning the entire width of the bonnet.

Fancy new LED fog lights - five on each side - are embedded in the lower apron of the VW Golf GTI's honeycomb-patterned fascia, adding a technical look to the front end.

It's not clear whether these striking new optics will be standard or optional on Aussie Golf GTIs, but Volkswagen Australia informed carsales.com.au that vehicles sold here will be well-equipped.

The body kit extras continue with side skirts to provide a visual bridge between the lower front and rear aprons. While the rear doesn’t have the machismo of the front end, LED brake lights, a roof spoiler and signature twin exhaust outlets communicate its performance intent.

Eye-catching five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels return for active duty, as do red brake calipers, and the whole shebang is tied together with 15mm lowered suspension.

In Europe two other powertrains are offered, the VW Golf GTD (147kW/400Nm) diesel and GTE (180kW/400Nm) plug-in hybrid, both of which pump out more torque. However these two models are unlikely to come to Australia.

Which means one of Australia's perennial favourite hot hatches, the Golf GTI, stays with the tried and true powertrain already familiar to existing Golf GTI 7.5 owners.

A six-speed manual is offered in Europe but given that it hasn't been sold in Australia for some time, it's unlikely the three-pedal setup will be offered here.

If you're looking for extra herbs, leaked VW Golf documentation suggests the VW Golf GTI TCR will generate 221kW and the upcoming all-wheel drive Golf R will push 245kW.

Primed to take the fight to the likes of the Hyundai i30 N (202kW/378Nm) and upcoming Ford Focus ST (206kW/420Nm), the Golf GTI won't have bragging rights in its favour, but it will likely continue to be the sales leader thanks to it's all-round abilities and upgraded interior.

The Golf GTI will be offered with a five-year warranty when it lands in Australia early in 2021, and is expected to outpace its rivals in terms of advanced driver assistance systems, such as semi-autonomous steering, braking and acceleration.

Stay tuned for more details from the 2020 Geneva motor show in early March.