VW design chief Klaus Zyciora unpicks new Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI never normally strays far from the regular Golf in terms of design. However, with the model now in its eighth generation, VW Group head of design Klaus Zyciora explains the differences and highlights the extras available on the GTI model.

“The new Golf GTI boasts a very low visual centre of gravity, which we achieved through the wide air intakes at the front and the striking shoulder line,” says Zyciora. “The connection between upper grille element and headlights is much more precise, elongated even into the fenders, giving the car a much more concentrated and sportier look.”

Several details make the design of the GTI stand out from the standard Golf. Each of the body panels has been redesigned specifically for the GTI model, with the goal of making it appear more aggressive. Its shape remains familiar, though the silhouette has been stretched with an extended two-tone roof spoiler that is painted in the vehicle colour at the top and glossy black at the bottom.

At the front end, the lower air intake features the detailed honeycomb pattern, which is far busier than the simplistic linear shape on the standard model, and also includes the integrated fog lamps in their X formation. There is a thin, red GTI line underlining the bonnet – a reference to the first generation GTI. This is mirrored by a narrow LED strip inside the headlights that illuminates when the daytime running lights (DLRs) are activated, or when the driver approaches with the key.

Lighting plays a key role in making the exterior appearance of the Golf GTI stand out, as it does on the inside too. The dash, door trims, storage compartments and footwells are all illuminated by ambient lighting, which has 30 configurable colours. When the doors of the car are opened, the engine start/stop button will pulse red until it is pressed.

Other details include the new sport seats with integrated head restraints, grey and black fabric cladding for several surfaces that features red seams and red stitching, and the manual version has a new gear knob that was inspired by the old golf-ball designs. There is also a new three-spoke steering wheel with a red GTI accent on the bottom spoke.

As with all GTI variants in the VW portfolio, the new Golf GTI will likely appeal to a large customer base that craves a little more fire. Zyciora hopes that the latest generation strikes a balance between the new and modern while also including enough detail that links back to Golf GTI’s of the past.

“Each member of our team is aware of the responsibility on their shoulders when developing a new Golf GTI. Evolving an icon like this is an enormous challenge, but also the most exciting thing that can happen to you as a designer,” said Zyciora. “I think that we have done a particularly good job.”