Volkswagen reveals the ID. GTI Concept

While VW has yet to reveal figures, it does confirm that – in true hot hatch tradition – the GTI concept will be front-wheel drive with power sent through an electronically controlled differential. 

The torque characteristics of electric motors mean the GTI will provide instant thrust off the line, with power easily modulated to provide different driving characteristics via an "experience control" (or drive select) in the cabin. It'll also adjust the car's differential, steering, sound generation, suspension and – encouragingly – the virtual shifts of its single-speed electric gearbox. The 'I' in GTI, which now stands for Intelligence, signifies all this cleverness. 

How much power? Volkswagen hasn't confirmed, but the 204PS (150kW) motor from the ID.3 seems obvious, giving the ID. 2 similar performance to the same-size (but petrol-powered) Polo GTI. 

If the above sounds encouraging, there's even more good in the looks department. The show car stays true to the original GTI recipe with a sporty body kit, red highlights, and 20-inch diamond-cut alloys we'd happily sell an arm for wrapped with 245/35 Pirellis. To this, VW then sprinkles modern touches like its ID.Light at the front and '3D' LED rear light clusters.

And it's the same melding of old and new on the inside. You'll find a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, playful touches like a Pause and Play brake and accelerator pedal and a drive selector with golf ball dimples inspired by the gear knob in the original GTI. A modern interpretation called Jack-e replaces the famous Jacky tartan seats from old GTIs. 

The 10.9-inch digital instrument binnacle has various displays inspired by the dashboards and past models, while the augmented head-up display can, among other things, coach you around race circuits to get the best out of the VW's performance.

A 12.9-inch centre screen backs up the HUG and digi' dash. It controls most of the car's functions; below it, you'll find physical (and illuminated) buttons to control the ventilation system. Numerous USB-C plays and a pair of wireless charges should fulfil all of your charging needs. 

In true VW GTI style, the company has focussed on making its first hot hatch EV as usable as possible, so you get five doors, and there should be space for four tall adults. The 490-litre boot is significant for a car this size, and you'll find another 50 litres of storage under the back seat. The back seats also fold 60:40, freeing up a 1,330-litre maximum boot capacity. 

Thomas Schäfer, VW CEO, said the ID. GTI will offer "the perfect combination of driving pleasure and everyday usability – that is what the three letters GTI have meant for decades. With the ID. GTI Concept: We are transporting the GTI DNA into the electric age. 

"It remains sporty, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible, but now has a new interpretation for tomorrow's world: electric, fully connected and extremely emotive. Here, driving pleasure and sustainability are a perfect match."

"This means GTI has a future – for our brand and for the fans. Production has already been decided as part of our electric offensive. A Volkswagen sports car for the electric age that is suitable for everyday driving: 100 per cent electric – 100 per cent emotion."