Shown in concept form at the annual Wörthersee meeting in Austria three months ago, the TCR takes its name from the popular TCR touring car championship in which it competes, and will effectively slot in below the Golf R but above the GTI Performance as the most powerful front-wheel drive Golf following the discontinuing of the normal GTI last month.

Taking inspiration from the racer, the TCR’s exterior updates consists of a new front bumper, more prominent side skirts, a new rear diffuser with integrated dual exhaust outlets, a deeper front splitter, new boot spoiler, 18-inch Belvedere alloy wheels and a choice of four colours; Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, Oryx White and the new Pure Grey.

Along with the grey, white and red hues, the TCR can be had with a contrasting black roof, while the mirrors sport a matt finish with TCR logos placed above the door sills. In addition, buyers can also opt for stainless steel sills with an integrated red element and puddle lights that project the TCR logo on the ground at night.

Inside, the production TCR follows the concept in that its gets red-and-black microfibre/fabric covered sport seats, a leather trimmed steering wheel with contrasting red stitching and 12 o’clock marking, microfibre trim on the doors and gear lever and red striped seatbelts.

Underneath the bonnet, the TCR retains the GTI’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, albeit tuned to produce 213kW/370Nm and only available with a seven-speed DSG. Equipped with an Akrapovic stainless exhaust and Volkswagen’s XDS electronic front differential, the TCR will reportedly complete the 0-100km/h sprint in around six seconds, with a top speed limited to 250km/h or 264km/h with the limiter removed.

Forming part of the Performance Package, which includes the removal of the limiter, the TCR also swaps the above mentioned 18-inch alloys for black 19-inch rollers, and further receives Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control system with four modes; Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual, a 20mm drop in ride height, adaptive dampers and perforated brakes along with uprated calipers and pads.

In the UK, the TCR is anticipated to retail for around £33 000 (R616 159), but at present, it is not expected to become available in South Africa.