VW Golf Design Vision GTI - One Of The Fastest Hatchbacks Ever

Wild concept debuts new twin-turbo V6 that’s set to power future fast VWs

Volkswagen built the Design Vision GTI concept to wow fans at May’s Wörthersee tuning festival in Austria, and it has the firepower and looks to embarrass even the most focused supercars. We drove it two days after it made its US debut at last month’s LA Motor Show.

Volkswagen built the Design Vision GTI concept to wow fans at May’s Wörthersee tuning festival in Austria, and it has the firepower and looks to embarrass even the most focused supercars.

The Design Vision takes cues from GTIs past and present, but exaggerates them for maximum impact. Its wheels are further apart than the current GTI’s – by 56mm at the front and 64mm at the rear. Plus, there are intricate side vents, a big rear spoiler and diffuser.

But the biggest change is under the bonnet. A twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 delivers 496bhp to all four wheels via a six-speed DSG box to give 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds – faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S – and a 186 mph top speed.

Alcantara and carbon-effect trim give the interior a dramatic feel.

Push the starter button on the slim Alcantara steering wheels, and the engine thunders into life. Under throttle, it sends a spine-tingling noise into the cabin, with crackles on every downshift. Grip in impressive and there’s plenty of bite from the carbon-ceramic brakes. There are Street, Sport and Track driving modes, with each changing engine mapping and damper settings – although we only got to try Track mode.

Occasional creaks from the interior trim and stones pinging off the wide arches are the only clues that we’re driving a concept. The steering is strangely light and we weren’t allowed to make any sharp turns – but even this brief drive was enough to showcase the drivetrain’s promise.

Inside, it’s more Lamborghini than VW, with carbon-effect trim and simple grey Alcantara. Recaro seats and four-point harnesses continue the race theme. A carbon-effect cross beam takes the place of the rear seats, plus there’s a pair of matching helmets.

With 496bhp going to all four wheels, GTI has thrilling performance.

Verdict

Often, driving a concept car reveals glaring dynamic flaws, but the VW Design Vision GTI sounds – and goes – just as fast as it looks. The 3.0-litre V6 delivers astonishing performance and noise, and it will be used to power a range of future VW production cars. But none is likely to look quite as good as this spectacular – and priceless – GTI concept.