The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is an all-electric alternative to the Golf GTI

Volkswagen has (finally) confirmed its ID.3 hatchback will get a range-topping ‘GTX’ version to serve as the all-electric sibling to the Golf GTI. 

Pencilled in to arrive later this year, two versions will be offered from launch. Things will be headlined by the GTX ‘Performance’ - and while very few details are known at this point aside from a rear-wheel drive layout, rumours are currently swirling around a 300bhp output. That would put it on par with the Golf GTI Clubsport 45.

"Of course, an electric drive and a turbocharged petrol engine each have their unique character," said VW board member Kai Grunitz. "Yet the ID.3 GTX Performance and the Golf GTI Clubsport share the same fascinating lightness when they accelerate. With the ID.3 GTX, Volkswagen is transferring the almost 50-year tradition of its compact GT models into the world of electric mobility."

The ID.3 GTX will boast some pretty noticeable styling changes over the standard car too, including distinctive light signatures, more aggressive diffusers and model-specific 20-inch 'Skagen' alloys. Oh, you also get a healthy serving of 'the fast one' badges to go with the more sculpted bodywork. 

Equally, the interior will adopt a set of leather sports seats while decorative red stitching - a hallmark of hot VW models in the past - will run throughout the cabin. The marque’s preference for minimalism continues, though, so most of the buttons are packed onto the steering wheel, while the remaining functions can be accessed through the 5.3-inch driver’s display or 10-inch infotainment screen.

The ID.3 GTX is also expected to stray close to the £45,000 barrier when production does eventually begin - around £10,000 more than the standard car and £9,000 more than the 429bhp MG4 XPower. Which would you go for, folks?