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Volkswagen Golf GTI

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Expert Rating

Volkswagen Golf GTI

(2020 – present)

    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.

    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


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car Keys

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Evo

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    Honest John

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    Motoring Research

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    Parkers

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    The Intercooler

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    The Sun

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    The Telegraph

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    What Car?

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    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

    Thatcham Research 600x300

    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

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    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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    The Volkswagen Golf GTI remains a highly desirable yet versatile hot hatch. However it relies on its badge to beat more potent rivals. Volkswagen Golf GTI