Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Golf GTI review

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI remains an impressive hot hatch all-rounder

Overall Auto Express rating

4.5

How we review cars
Price
£30,430 - £30,430
  • Still great to drive
  • Decent efficiency
  • Easy to live with
  • Some expensive options
  • A few dubious cabin materials
  • Still some interior annoyances
Find your Volkswagen Golf
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI a good car?

Following a little blip in its forties, the VW Golf GTI has undergone a little self-improvement to become a more rounded overall prospect. The key appeal of the GTI throughout its near five-decade history is that it delivers excitement when you want it, but remains incredibly easy to live with every day. The latest Golf GTI delivers on that first front, while its mid-life refresh has ironed out some of the ergonomic irritations. The Volkswagen Golf R has even more pace, but the GTI is the driver’s choice in the Golf family.

Key specs

Fuel type

Petrol

Body style

Five-door hatchback

Powertrain

2.0-litre 4cyl turbocharged petrol, front-wheel drive

Safety

5-star Euro NCAP (2022)

Warranty

3yrs/60,000 miles

How much does the Volkswagen Golf GTI cost?

What can you say about the Volkswagen Golf GTI that hasn’t already been said before? After eight generations, the GTI remains the default choice if you’re after something quick and classy that can still take care of most families' everyday motoring needs. After all, few other hot hatches have come close to reaching even a fraction of the 2.3 million GTIs sold worldwide since the model was introduced in 1976. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

But popularity isn’t the same as ability, and the latest Golf came under criticism when it was launched. Following on from the incredibly high standards set by the 2013-2019 Volkswagen Golf Mk7, it couldn’t quite live up to the same level, but frustratingly, it was for many reasons other than the driving experience.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Like the rest of the Mk8 Golf family, the GTI was hobbled with a string of ergonomic foibles which managed to irritate enough to detract from the entire package. Fortunately, Volkswagen has responded to the feedback, and a lot of our previous misgivings have been addressed this time around.

Despite Volkswagen heading towards an electrified future, the Mk8 Golf GTI continues to use the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as its predecessor. That’s no bad thing, though, because it proved to be a pretty complete performer, but power for the latest GTI has been increased from 242bhp to 261bhp, helping to keep the Golf competitive with a slew of talented hot hatch rivals waiting in the wings.

That increase in power means that the 0-62mph time has now dipped below the six-second mark, plus there’s a more potent GTI Clubsport version above the standard car with 296bhp and 400Nm. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

But it’s the cabin where the last car was subjected to the most stick, so this is where many of the improvements have been made. The first change is right before your eyes: the return of physical buttons on the steering wheel. They take the place of the fiddly touch-sensitive controls from before, and it’s a small, but very welcome change. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s also a much larger 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with faster processing speeds and revised software to hopefully solve the buggy system of the pre-facelift model. 

The latest Golf GTI is still five-door only, but it has ditched the standard manual for a seven-speed, DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Pricing starts from just under £39,500 for the regular GTI, with the hotter GTI Clubsport coming in at just over £42,000. The latter puts it within reach of the Volkswagen Golf R, which starts at a little under £44,000.

As ever, the Golf GTI isn’t the cheapest hot hatch around, but you get a generous amount of standard equipment which means it doesn’t feel too spartan. Keyless entry, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and lane assist are all standard.

Engines, performance & drive

Just as it always has been, the Golf GTI is a well-rounded hot hatch that balances being as easy to drive during the daily grind as its regular Golf sibling, while having just the right amount of dynamic flair should the mood take you to enjoy a twisty country lane. It’s a shame there’s no longer a manual gearbox to please enthusiasts, but that does fit in with the remit of making the Golf GTI easy to drive. Read more about the Volkswagen Golf GTI's engine, performance and drive...

MPG, emissions & running costs

Another area where the Golf GTI lends itself to being an everyday performance car is with its running costs. Fuel economy is respectable as far as hot hatches go and insurance shouldn’t be as costly as rivals like the Honda Civic Type R. You may need to be careful with the options on the regular GTI in order to avoid paying a surcharge for cars costing over £40,000. Read more about the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s MPG, emissions and running costs...

Interior, design & technology

It’s a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” with regards to the exterior styling of the latest Golf GTI. Subtle tweaks have been made, with the biggest being the matrix LED headlights that provide better illumination at night and a larger GTI badge on the front doors. More has been done to address early criticisms of its interior, with physical buttons returning to the steering wheel, and a much-improved infotainment system. Read more about the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s interior, design and technology...

Boot space, comfort & practicality

The revised Golf GTI doesn’t gain any more interior space over its direct predecessor, but it continues to be a comfortable hot hatch in which to tackle both a Sunday morning B road blast, and the daily grind of motorways and commuting. As is expected of a practical family car, there’s plenty of space for four adults, although if you want the ultimate in hot hatch practicality, you need to look towards the Skoda Octavia vRS. Read more about the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s boot space, comfort and practicality...

Reliability & safety

The latest Golf isn’t a favourite amongst owners according to the latest Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, coming in last place in the best cars to own category and the brand finishing near the bottom of the manufacturer table. On a more positive note, the Golf and its GTI variant still has a top-notch safety rating according to Euro NCAP, and there’s plenty of standard safety technology to help keep you out of trouble. Read more about the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s reliability and safety...

Volkswagen Golf GTI alternatives

Despite a number of hot hatches disappearing from price lists, you can still find a respectable representation of fast metal that doesn’t compromise on practicality. There’s the closely related Cupra Leon, the well-priced Ford Focus ST, or the riotous Toyota GR Yaris - although that latter rival isn’t anywhere near as practical as the Golf GTI.

The more potent GTI Clubsport fits more in line with quicker hot hatches like the Audi S3 QuattroBMW M135i xDrive, and Mercedes AMG A 35 4Matic. The Clubsport is cheaper than the Honda Civic Type R, although perhaps not quite as exciting. For those wanting even more power, there’s also the 328bhp, four-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf R, although it comes at a premium over the GTI Clubsport.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £30,430

Most Economical

  • Name
    2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £30,430

Fastest

  • Name
    2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £30,430
Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

New Cupra Leon 2024 facelift review: fun hatch gets sharper looks
New 2024 Cupra Leon - front tracking

New Cupra Leon 2024 facelift review: fun hatch gets sharper looks

Road tests
21 Jun 2024
New Cupra Born VZ 2024 review: a great stride for the EV hot hatch genre
New Cupra Born VZ - front

New Cupra Born VZ 2024 review: a great stride for the EV hot hatch genre

Road tests
17 May 2024

More on Golf GTI Hatchback

BMW 128ti vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: understated hot hatches have plenty of used appeal
BMW 128ti vs Volkswagen Golf GTI

BMW 128ti vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: understated hot hatches have plenty of used appeal

The BMW 128ti and Volkswagen Golf GTI are great-performing, eminently practical hot hatches, but which is the best used buy
Car group tests
18 Nov 2024
Best fun cars: The most entertaining picks from £3,000 to brand new
Best fun cars - header image

Best fun cars: The most entertaining picks from £3,000 to brand new

These fun cars can put a smile on your face, as well as get you from A to B
Best cars & vans
31 Oct 2024
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2024 review: FWD hot hatch fun
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2024 review: FWD hot hatch fun

The hottest front-wheel-drive Golf has sharpened up its act in facelifted Mk8.5 form, and it was pretty sharp to begin with
Road tests
15 Oct 2024
Car Deal of the Day: refreshed Volkswagen Golf GTI is a bargain at this price!
New Volkswagen Golf GTI - front static

Car Deal of the Day: refreshed Volkswagen Golf GTI is a bargain at this price!

Our Day of the Day for 30 August is on the segment-defining Golf GTI hot hatch
News
30 Aug 2024
New Volkswagen Golf R and Golf GTI Clubsport hit showrooms this week
Golf GTI Clubsport - front tracking

New Volkswagen Golf R and Golf GTI Clubsport hit showrooms this week

The new VW Golf R is among the most powerful Volkswagens ever produced, and there’s still an estate version
News
6 Aug 2024
Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2024
Best hot hatchbacks - header image

Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2024

The very best hot hatchbacks offer giant-killing performance and an engaging drive, all wrapped up in a family-friendly package
Best cars & vans
23 Jul 2024
New Volkswagen Golf GTI gets cheaper, plug-in hybrid Golf GTE gets 82-mile electric range
New Volkswagen Golf GTI front 3/4

New Volkswagen Golf GTI gets cheaper, plug-in hybrid Golf GTE gets 82-mile electric range

The facelifted Golf GTI goes on sale on 20 June, while plug-in hybrid versions of VW’s family hatchback are available from 27 June
News
18 Jun 2024
New 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport revealed on eve of 50th anniversary
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front

New 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport revealed on eve of 50th anniversary

Volkswagen’s hottest front-wheel drive Golf gets an update, but no more power
News
31 May 2024
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport hot hatch reveal just days away
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport prototype

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport hot hatch reveal just days away

The updated GTI Clubsport be unveiled at the Nürburgring 24 Hours as part of 50th anniversary for the VW Golf
News
24 May 2024
Best cheap hot hatchbacks
Best cheap hot hatches - four way header image

Best cheap hot hatchbacks

Need an affordable car which delivers on both power and practicality? These cheap hot hatches fit the bill
Best cars & vans
2 Apr 2024
New Volkswagen Golf GTI facelift is hotter than ever with 261bhp
Volkswagen Golf GTI facelift - front studio

New Volkswagen Golf GTI facelift is hotter than ever with 261bhp

In a bid to trump rivals in the hot hatch market, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been given more power to go with its new look
News
23 Jan 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 ready to ring the changes
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI testing at the Nurburgring - front action

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 ready to ring the changes

VW is hoping to claw back ground against hot hatch rivals with a new and improved Mk8.5 GTI
News
10 Oct 2023
Ford Focus ST Edition vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: 2021 group test review
Ford Focus ST vs Volkswagen Golf GTI

Ford Focus ST Edition vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: 2021 group test review

The Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI have been close rivals over multiple generations, can we separate the latest iterations?
Car group tests
27 Nov 2021
History of the Volkswagen Golf GTI: all eight hot hatch generations driven
Volkswagen Golf GTI - group

History of the Volkswagen Golf GTI: all eight hot hatch generations driven

How has the Volkswagen Golf GTI evolved over 45 years? We test every generation of the legendary hot hatch to find out
Features
15 Oct 2021
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 2021 review
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 - front

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 2021 review

The new special edition Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 is one of the best cars ever to wear the GTI badge
Road tests
23 Jun 2021
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport vs Cupra Leon 300
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport vs Cupra Leon 300

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport vs Cupra Leon 300

The capable Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport goes up against its new Cupra Leon 300 sibling in this hot hatch battle
Car group tests
12 Jun 2021
New Volkswagen Golf GTI manual 2021 review
Volkswagen Golf GTI manual - front

New Volkswagen Golf GTI manual 2021 review

The manual hot hatch is the entry point into the Volkswagen Golf GTI range
Road tests
21 May 2021
Icon Review: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 (1976 - 1983)
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1

Icon Review: Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 (1976 - 1983)

In the first instalment of our Icon Review series, we drive the hot hatch that started it all - the Mk1 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Road tests
30 Apr 2021
New 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 on sale now
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45

New 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 on sale now

Volkswagen’s commemorative 45th anniversary edition of the Golf GTI is priced from £39,980
News
30 Apr 2021
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport vs Volkswagen Golf R
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport vs Volkswagen Golf R - front

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport vs Volkswagen Golf R

We bring the fastest versions of the Volkswagen Golf Mk8 together to find the best performance variant
Car group tests
17 Mar 2021
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport hits the road from £37,315

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport hits the road from £37,315

The 296bhp front-driven Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport hot hatch is the fastest accelerating Golf GTI ever, and laps the Nürburgring 13 seconds faster …
News
3 Dec 2020
New 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI priced from £33,460

New 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI priced from £33,460

Eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI available with manual and automatic gearboxes, with sales for the Ford Focus ST rival now underway
News
24 Sep 2020
New Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 review

New Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 review

We sample the eighth generation Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch on British roads
Road tests
11 Sep 2020