The model is obviously production ready going by the “leaked” 1970’s style photo shoot “scoops” which are of the type that get dropped into the mix before a launch to pique interest, and king monkey’s spotting of a prototype car doing the RHD final testing to see how settings and build quality feel on UK roads (I’m guessing most RHD testing would have been done in South Africa which has more extremes of temperature, road surfaces and is an easier place to hide things away from public gaze).
I’m in the camp of it being held back until next year with final reveal possibly late this year.
VW have already stated they “don’t want a launch in the Xmas run up as people have other things on their mind” which is rubbish.
It’s easier to trickle a model into production at a quieter time of year in case there are problems. Smaller scale production equals easier to fix early snags before the full scale take up.
I.D is the future bread and butter and hence taking the stage in the homeland motor show.
A full scale attempt at brainwashing a reluctant public into electric cars.
The shift has already began.
The Golf can then come in with its own fanfare at another significant show, possible timed to steal attention from a rival brand major launch(?)
Speculation!