The world fully expected the all-new seventh generation Golf to be the star of the Volkswagen stand in Paris. It appears the guys from Wolfsburg had other ideas as they rolled out a decidedly production ready 'concept' of the next GTI.
Exterior
As is the way with GTI models, changes are subtle but noticeable; the trademark honeycomb grille with accompanying red pinstripe makes an appearance (the latter stretching into the headlights) as too do twin chrome exhaust pipes poking out from under the rear diffuser. Sitting 15mm lower than the standard car the GTI 'concept' rolls on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
The interior of the concept carries on from that of the current GTI with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, tartan seats and the classic 'golf ball' gear knob. New chronograph-style dials also feature.
Mechanicals
This is where the concept begins to show its true colours; never before have we seen a concept car with an optional power pack. In standard guise the GTI's 2.0-litre turbocharged EA888 engine (the same as is in the new Audi S3) produces 220hp and 350Nm of torque making for a 0-100km/h time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 246km/h.
The optional 'performance pack' brings with in an additional 10hp (for a total of 230hp) and cuts the sprint time down to 6.5 seconds while raising the top speed to 250km/h. The performance pack also adds larger front brake discs and a differential lock to help reduce understeer.
Both models are equipped with stop-start as standard that, with the six-speed manual gearbox, results in 47.1mpg - an 18 per cent improvement over the current GTI. A six-speed DSG gearbox is available as an option for both power levels.
Anything else?
The new Golf GTI is set to go on sale in mainland Europe in early 2013 with Ireland to follow in the summer.