When Volkswagen introduced the first Golf GTI in Europe in 1976, it was more about practicality than performance. Today, VW has shown off its first electric GTI, bridging old and new.

This modern marvel, the ID. Polo GTI, is smaller than its current Golf counterpart but packs a punch with 222 hp. Its 52 kWh battery gives it an impressive range of 380 km on a single charge and can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes.

While the new GTI might not be as nimble or light as its predecessors, the power-to-weight ratio still ensures it can hit 62 mph in less than seven seconds. It’s a reminder that even the most iconic of vehicles must adapt to the electric age.

The shift from petrol to electricity is happening across all walks of automotive life, and for Volkswagen, this is not just about changing powertrains but also about honouring its legacy with a nod to the future.