Volkswagen is working on a number of upgrades that will make performance variants of the eighth-generation Golf the best ever.



German publication Autobild reports that new Golf GTI and Golf R models will launch for the 2019 model year and that the GTI will benefit from a significant bump in power. In fact, it is reported that the entry-level 2.0-liter turbo’d four of the GTI will get an additional 40 hp, bringing its total up to 250 hp, right in line with the 252 hp Ford Focus ST.

As for the new VW Golf R, it will closely target the Ford Focus RS with an additional 45 hp ensuring it is even quicker than the reigning king of the hot hatch market.

Alongside the horsepower gains, it is suggested that the Golf R will shed between 35 and 70 kg and should have a much more aerodynamic body.

Looking beyond these performance models, the entire Golf range will receive an overhauled interior dominated by a fully-digital gauge cluster and a large central infotainment screen, not dissimilar to what you find on the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

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