If You Purchase Sufficient ID.2 GTIs, VW May Also Develop a Sporty ID.1 | Carscoops

      A performance variant of the fully electric city car is set to succeed the ceased production of the VW Up! GTI.

      VW may consider developing a GTI version of the forthcoming ID.1 if there is adequate demand.

      This electric vehicle could feature a more robust motor alongside design and chassis enhancements. One of the challenges is the potential overlap with the slightly larger VW ID.2 GTI.

      Volkswagen has confirmed that a fully electric ID.2 GTI is anticipated next year, yet it appears that an even smaller hot hatch may be in progress. A Volkswagen board member has indicated that the ID.1 GTI could become a reality if customer demand is strong enough.

      While the ID.2 GTI will take over the role of the soon-to-be retired Polo GTI, the potential ID.1 GTI could replace the Up! GTI. This smallest addition to the GTI range is expected to be the most cost-effective, making the excitement of hot hatches accessible to a broader audience.

      When queried by Autocar about the ID.1 GTI's prospects, Volkswagen's Brand Board Member for Technical Development, Kai Grunitz, stated: “It could happen because we’re utilizing modules from the MEB platform. But it depends on various factors, including customer reactions to this vehicle.”

      Grunitz also pointed out the possible overlap with the slightly larger ID.2 GTI, which is set to debut in 2026: “We also have the ID.Every1 and ID.2all, which will feature GTI variants. Including everything in the ID.1 could render certain features in the ID.2 unnecessary. The ID.2 is bigger, offering more functions and added value, similar to the Up! and the Polo. So we will see.”

      It seems that the sales success of the upcoming ID.2 GTI may influence the decision to produce the ID.1 GTI, as VW explores the performance EV market. Given the stringent emission regulations that have significantly raised research and development costs for internal combustion engine hot hatches, electric alternatives appear to be the only viable route in this segment.

      VW Has All The Right Ingredients For A Small GTI

      The ID.1 and ID.2 will share the same MEB Entry architecture, featuring a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup. In the ID.Every1 Concept, the powertrain delivers 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW), while the ID.2all Concept is equipped with a more powerful motor yielding 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS). The latter seems ideal for a small and agile ID.1 GTI, turning it into a pocket rocket.

      In addition to the extra power, VW engineers could implement a limited-slip differential, a firmer suspension, and upgraded brakes, improving the small EV's handling capabilities.

      Naturally, a performance-oriented ID.1 would also see a sporty redesign. Our exclusive rendering takes inspiration from the ID.GTI concept, transforming the city car into a hot hatch. Modifications could encompass a new set of alloy wheels, sportier front and rear bumpers, more pronounced side skirts, a rear spoiler, and GTI badges.

      With the launch of the VW ID.1 anticipated for 2027, the GTI version would likely be at least two or three years away. It is hoped that customers will embrace this new phase of performance, encouraging automakers to invest in sporty variants of their city car and supermini models.