Volkswagen Golf GTI - Boot space, comfort & practicality

The Volkswagen Golf GTI offers an appealing blend of performance and practicality - all wrapped up in a sophisticated package. Three-door models are no longer available, which will please those you’ll ask to travel in the rear seats, while overall cabin space is a little bigger than in the previous model. Unlike the quicker Volkswagen Golf R, you can’t get either the GTI or GTI Clubsport in a more practical estate car bodystyle.

The GTI includes plenty of useful touches that make driving, either on a busy urban route or a faster motorway journey, a little easier. Front and rear parking sensors are standard, along with automatic headlights and wipers, while on-board tech includes integrated sat-nav, adaptive cruise control and a host of driver assistance safety features.

Dimensions and size

The Mk8 Golf GTI measures 4287mm in length, 1,789mm wide, and 1,471mm in height. In comparison, the Ford Focus ST leaves a larger footprint, being 4,388mm in length, 1,825mm wide and 1,459mm in height.

How practical is the Volkswagen Golf?

Seats & space in the front

Much like the regular Golf, the Golf GTI has a great driving position that’s a pleasant place to sit even on longer journeys, but the standard front sports seats trimmed in the iconic Tornado Red cloth get big side bolsters for more support during cornering. There’s a wide amount of adjustment in both the front seat and the steering wheel, making it easy for most people to get comfortable. If you want electric front seats with driver’s side memory, you can get that as part of the Vienna leather option for a pricey £2,000.

There’s a large glovebox and sizable front door bins that are capable of handling a big water bottle. The latter is also carpeted to prevent items from rattling around while you’re driving. A wireless charging spot for your phone is provided as standard, and it’s angled forward to stop your phone from sliding out.

Seats & space in the back

As far as space in the back goes, the Golf GTI provides the same amount of space in the back as the regular Golf, complete with small storage pockets on the back of the front seats for placing small items, such as a smartphone. 

It is possible to squeeze three people in the back of the Golf GTI, although a Ford Focus ST would be a little better in this regard thanks to a wider and flatter centre seat, and a smaller central tunnel that allows for more foot space. If you’re after even more rear leg room and extra space in general, the Skoda Octavia vRS might be a better option.

For anyone transporting children in car seats, a pair of ISOFIX child seat mounting points are provided on the outer positions of the rear bench seat, and there’s even one for the front passenger seat. The hooks in the back are hidden behind some easily removable plastic tabs.

Boot space 

The GTI has a 374-litre boot which offers reasonable load space, but is outshone by both the 378-litre capacity Focus ST and 420-litre Honda Civic Type R. If you’ve decided on a hot hatch but don’t want to compromise on practicality, then the 600-litre boot of the Octavia vRS should provide all the space you need.

Towing

Surprisingly, the Golf GTI is rated to tow a maximum of 1,600kg, and a towbar can be fitted for just shy of £800.