After the unveiling of its design concept in Paris, the Volkswagen Mk7 GTI will make its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show next week.

For the first time in the history of the compact sports car icon, a special GTI Performance will be offered, answering rumours around the web. In this version, the engine's maximum power is boosted to 230bhp. Both GTI versions develop a maximum torque of 350Nm.

The standard GTI, with 220bhp, finishes the century sprint in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 246km/h while the GTI Performance goes from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h.

Both GTI versions are equipped with a Stop-Start system with a six-speed DSG gearbox, and they consume 6.4L/100km and 6.5L/100km with CO2 emissions of 148g/km and 150g/km respectively.

The sporty character of the Golf GTI is reflected in its traditional red-painted brake callipers, two chrome tailpipes and a sport suspension. The exterior of the compact sports car also scores with 17-inch 'Brooklyn' GTI rims, special side sills, a diffuser and smoked LED rear lights.

Visual highlights in the interior are top sport seats in tartan pattern, a black roofliner and red ambience lighting. Sporty GTI features such as a sport steering wheel, GTI gear shift grip and instrument cluster, special trim strips and stainless steel pedals and foot support will also be offered.

The car will be launched in Singapore in the second half of this year.