The godfather of hot hatchbacks is now in its eighth generation, known as the Golf GTI Mark 8 (Mk8). It retains the same formula as before, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powering the front wheels.

How fast is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8?

The EA888 engine, now in its fourth generation, produces 245 PS/370 Nm and will almost certainly be paired to the 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DSG) when it arrives in Malaysia.

While official figures have yet to be disclosed, the previous Golf GTI Mk7 Performance Pack with identical power output does 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, which should be in the ballpark of the new Golf GTI Mk8.

What’s new inside the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8?

There is a new multifunction leather sports steering wheel with touch controls and red highlights on the centre spoke.

Like the regular Golf Mk8, the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is merged with 10-inch infotainment display, Volkswagen calls it the Innovision Cockpit.

The mini electric shaver looking thing on the centre console is the gear lever, now shift-by-wire.

New tech in the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8?

Standard equipment include Lane Assist lane keeping system, Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, and XDS electronic differential lock.

There is a new driving dynamics control system called the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, it controls both the XDS function and dampers.

What differentiates the 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk8 on the outside?

In GTI tradition, red highlights are sprinkled throughout the exterior. There is a red trim that runs across from the edges of the headlamps, which are LEDs as standard.

Underneath it on the front bumper, there is a five-piece LED daytime running lights each side on the honeycomb mesh.

To the sides, GTI badges are placed on the front fenders and there are new GTI-specific wheels.

And over to the rear, a diffuser and dual exhaust tips completes the GTI treatment.