Volkswagen to limit GTI models to Golf, Polo and Up

Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess has quelled speculation that the brand’s range of GTI-badged cars is set to grow, including an SUV model in the immediate future, stating that the Golf GTI, recently revealed Up GTI and next Polo GTI have completed the range.

2017 Volkswagen Polo officially revealed

“I think with the three [GTI models] we have now, we are set,” Diess said. “GTI for us is ‘the’ hot hatch: a sporty car, classless, with potential for everyday use and accessible for many. It should be this car – a hot hatch.”

This approach to the GTI badge does leave scope for an GTI ID electric car, although Diess said that including a performance model was not the idea behind the forthcoming all-electric hatchback. Instead, Diess hinted that Volkswagen could grow its range of sporty hybrid models, badged with the GTE moniker.

“With any model line-ups you have electrification coming. There is broader possibility for GTE than GTI,” he explained.

When asked whether a Polo GTE was on the cards, Diess said that it wouldn’t be viable in the immediate future due to price and positioning in the market, but suggested other models could be integrated sooner.

Volkswagen also looks poised to expand its range-topping R brand, with Diess hinting again at the possibility of a performance T-Roc model. When asked what a hot SUV would be called, he said “We have another sub-brand R which we are considering [for such a model].”

We've driven the Volkswagen Up GTI prototype here

2018 Volkswagen Up GTI makes public debut at Worthersee