Summary
Few cars excite at the mention of their name but the Volkswagen Golf GTI does – launched in 1976 as the first recognised hot hatch, the eighth generation version arrived in 2019 and is still much desired by performance enthusiasts.
Today’s Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine putting out 245hp, while there is also a Clubsport model with 300hp targeting more hardcore rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R – it hits 62mph from rest in 5.6 seconds compared to the 6.4 of the standard model.
Testers rate the GTI highly – Carbuyer dubs the car “the closest thing hot hatch fans have to the Porsche 911,” and adds that it is almost a segment in its own right, prioritising an exemplary chassis over prodigious power.
Several reviews highlight the Golf GTI’s versatility – while it offers plenty of performance, it can be docile when needed, a hot hatch equally at home on the morning school run.
Minus points – precious few. The Telegraph points out that while the best-looking Mk8 Golf, the GTI does not visually impress, and the interior is unexciting, with less than user-friendly touchscreen panels.
Some reviewers add that the car has been getting steadily more expensive and can no longer claim to be an affordable hot hatch. It is also no longer a viable choice as a company car, excluded by emissions-based tax regulations.
The more potent Clubsport, meanwhile, is considered even more desirable, but too expensive for many to justify.
But these are considered minor gripes among testers who universally rate the Golf GTI and particularly its special editions – the Clubsport 45 model is according to Auto Express “one of the best cars ever to wear the GTI badge.”
As of November 2022, the Volkswagen Golf GTI holds an Expert Rating of 74% from 18 reviews, which is exactly the same score as the regular Golf range and a couple of points ahead of the flagship Golf R.
- Volkswagen Golf (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- Volkswagen Golf R (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Volkswagen ratings, reviews, news and features
Golf GTI highlights
- Iconic name
- Fine-handling chassis
- Hot hatch you can use every day
- Uprated Clubsport model highly desirable
- Strong resale value
Golf GTI lowlights
- Can’t compete with some rivals
- Exhaust note not exciting
- Interior not special
- Not as affordable as it once was
- No longer a company car option
Key specifications
Body style: Medium hatchback
Engines: petrol
Price: From £33,675 on-road
Launched: Winter 2020/21
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 2021
Score: 9 / 10
“On the surface the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 45 looks much like any other special edition model, but in reality it’s a strong and compelling way to celebrate 45 years of the Golf GTI. It might also be one of the last petrol-powered cars to wear the magic badge, so it’s a good job it’s also one of the best.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Volkswagen Golf GTI isn’t quite as thrilling to drive as a Honda Civic Type R or even a Ford Focus ST. But it has still more of the breadth of ability which, for many, defines the hot hatch genre, delivering a wider spectrum between comfort and performance-focused body control.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: Clubsport 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“More oomph and lower suspension brings Volkswagen Golf GTI closer to the reward of its best rivals.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic GTI Clubsport
Score: 8 / 10
“Clearly more hardcore than its standard sibling, but the added performance and sharper handling of the Golf GTI Clubsport don’t compromise its inherent comfort, giving it huge everyday appeal.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“The firmest, feistiest Golf GTI in a long time has plenty to excite. It knows some refinement and restraint, but possibly not enough to maintain its reputation as the most mature hot hatch on the block.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Golf GTI feels agile and willing to turn in, stays flat and nicely balanced through the bend, and gives the driver plenty of confidence to get on the power again on exit, with the electronic diff and computer systems eliminating understeer.”
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Car Keys
Score: 9 / 10
“Despite a firmer ride, the Golf GTi remains a seriously likeable hot hatch that continues to be one of the best in the business.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Favouring precision over power, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sophisticated hot hatch”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Golf GTI is a great all-rounder – fast enough to be great fun, sensible enough to drive every day comfortably. But the next Golf R will be even faster when it goes on sale later.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Clubsport 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Golf GTi Clubsport is feels genuinely fast, and its dynamics are very impressive.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The eighth-generation Golf GTI brings with it a comprehensive standard equipment package, including styling upgrades, new convenience features and the latest driver assistance systems.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Standard model
“The latest Volkswagen Golf GTI looks sportier, goes faster and feels more focused. Many will consider that an improvement, and the Golf remains a softer, more ‘everyday’ option than several cars in this class. If you can live with the frustrating tech – and you can – there’s still much to enjoy here.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Hot hatch for grown-ups is still a brilliant all-rounder”
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The Intercooler
Score: 7 / 10
“This is a subtly but significantly different GTI. It’s not a bad car by any stretch, but in trying to be more like the others it has lost something of itself. For a Golf GTI, that’s a pity.”
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The Sun
“Volkswagen Golf GTI is an all-round legend and all the car you’ll ever need.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Golf GTI is harder than ever to justify. It doesn’t quite have the edge or the pace of its rivals – though it comes close – yet it costs as much to buy. And while it’s just as practical as it always was, its infotainment system and finicky touch-sensitive controls mean it’s less user-friendly than before.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a better all-rounder than the Ford Focus ST, but the brilliant Honda Civic Type R massively outguns it for thrills and speed, yet it costs roughly the same.”
Read review
Model reviewed: GT Clubsport 45
Score: 8 / 10
“The Golf GTI Clubsport 45 strikes an instantly likeable blend of machismo and maturity. If you’re after a hot hatch that’s as chilled on the commute as it is worthy of a race circuit, this is one of the best options – especially if you add those adaptive dampers.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 82%
The Volkswagen Golf GTI shares its Euro NCAP safety rating with the mainstream Golf range, which was awarded a five-star rating back in 2019.
As a top-level model, the Golf GTI comes with lots of active safety kit as standard, including such niceties as autonomous lane guidance, rear traffic alert and intervention should the driver fall ill at the wheel.
Eco rating
As of June 2022, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. It’s unlikely to be a priority for the organisation, but if it is tested then we’ll post the results here.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail
Date: 2019
The Volkswagen Golf range, including the Golf GTI, automatically scored a ‘Poor’ security rating from Thatcham because it is susceptible to a relay attack. This is a popular form of vehicle theft where thieves intercept the signal from your car key – even if it’s inside your house – then use it to remotely open and start the car.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 433
Average repair cost: £867.92
Last updated: November 2022
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of November 2022, the Volkswagen Golf has a lower-than-average overall reliability score of 40%, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. However, this applies to all Golf models in MotorEasy’s database, so will be a combination of the current Mk8 and the previous Mk7 (pre-2020).
The average repair cost of nearly £900 is also high – and much more than the cost of a used car warranty, which is certainly worth bearing in mind.
The majority of problems with the Golf relate to the suspension, although fortunately these tend not to be too expensive with an average repair cost of about £240. Gearbox problems are very expensive, at more than £1,900, but the good news is that these are very rare.
If you’re looking at a used Volkswagen Golf, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen Golf has received
2021
- Autocar Awards – Readers’ Champion Award
2020
- Autocar ‘Britain’s Best Cars’ Awards – Best All-Rounder
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Volkswagen Golf GTI, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi RS 3 | BMW M140i | Cupra Leon | Ford Focus ST | Honda Civic Type R | Hyundai i30 N | Mercedes-AMG A 35 | Mini Countryman John Cooper Works | Renault Megane RS | Skoda Octavia vRS | Toyota GR Yaris
A wide range of performance cars stack up against the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Some are better but the VW still scores, well, because it is the Golf GTI. Prime rivals include the Ford Focus ST and Cupra Leon, while the Clubsport GTI competes against more hardcore alternatives such as the Honda Civic Type R and Hyundai i30 N.
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