Volkswagen Golf GTI MK8 In-Depth Review - The Best Version Yet?

The Volkswagen Golf GTI returns and with each generation, it just becomes more polished. This MK8 model is pretty much as new as a fresh Golf GTI tends to get. It's a decent step forward - and a little of the original GTI DNA still remains.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:39 Background
03:03 Driving Experience
10:35 Design & Build
24:32 Market & Model Range
42:54 Cost of Ownership
47:35​​​ Summary

Background

Before Volkswagen dreamed up the Golf GTI, there was no such thing as a 'hot hatchback'. Now the phrase has entered everyday parlance and virtually any manufacturer that has a hatchback also has a hot one - or a warm one at the very least. It was 1976 when the original version of this car was born and since then, through seven generations and with the help of countless imitators, it has brought performance, handling and fun to the masses on an unprecedented scale. The current Golf GTI is the mark eight and by rights, it should be the best yet.

Driving Experience

The big news for enthusiasts is that this GTI now gets a bit more power. The latest 'EA888 EVO4' version of the Volkswagen Group's 2.0-litre TSI petrol turbo engine puts out 245PS with a gutsy 370Nm of torque. As usual, a 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a 7-speed DSG dual clutch paddleshift auto being optional. Select the DSG variant and 62mph from rest takes 6.2s en route to 155mph. As before, for diesel fans, Volkswagen still offers a 'GTD' version of this model which these days uses a 200PS 2.0 TDI black pump-fuelled unit.

This eighth generation Golf GTI model's handling should feel a touch sharper thanks to a tweaked version of the previous model's multi-link rear suspension and a new driving dynamics control system known as the 'Vehicle Dynamics Manager'. This set-up controls both the XDS torque vectoring system (which helps get traction down at speed through tight turns). And if you've specified the optional DCC adaptive chassis control adaptive damping system, 'Vehicle Dynamics Manager' will proactively oversee that too. With DCC, the required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four shock absorbers within fractions of a second. As usual, the DCC set-up has 'Comfort', 'Eco', 'Sport' and 'Individual' settings.

Design and Build

There's no doubt that this is a seriously good looking car these days. It sits on the same MQB platform as the last generation model but gets the lower, more menacing nose that's a feature of this eighth generation design. There's a single five-door hatch body style on offer.

Unique 17-inch Richmond alloy wheels are standard (with 18 or 19-inch rims optional). There are wider black side skirts sills - and a splitter design similar to that found on racing cars. The dominant design element of the side section is the C-pillar, which as usual with a Golf visually propels the vehicle body forwards. Full-LED tail lights feature at the rear and the GTI lettering is now positioned centrally under the Volkswagen emblem.

Inside, key detailing elements will be familiar to previous Golf GTI buyers - the golf ball-style manual gear knob, the tartan sports seats with black side bolsters, the sports steering wheel with three silver double spokes - all of this is present and correct. But this cabin's futuristic too, mainly thanks to the so-called 'Innovision Cockpit', which fuses a 10.25-inch digital instrument binnacle screen with a 10-inch centre-dash screen. Otherwise, things are much as with any other Golf, so you get great build quality, decent space for two adults on the rear bench and a class-competitive 380-litre boot.

PLAYLISTS

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[MrArchie]

My new GTI is arriving tomorrow - didn't even consider the 'competitors' because I need something that (a) my wife will be happy driving (she'd be totally pissed off if I brought home a civic type r or similar), (b) I need to chuck the dogs in the back and tootle down to the shops every day, (c) I'm 50 and don't want to look like I'm having a mid life crisis (d) I just want a 'bit' of fun now and again without going nuts. Hmmm it's maybe not the most exciting in its class but I think this is still one of the most established all-rounders that you can live with.

[rgames]

Picking mine up on Monday and can't wait! First time GTI owner but took one out for a test drive and LOVED it! Very proud to be a part of the GTI family.

[ethicalsalesman]

Just wanted to say I really appreciate how thorough you are in your reviews. It's clear to see you've done your homework. The last review I watched was by an "influencer" who spent more time talking about the bad weather than the car. Keep up the good work!

[geronimooo]

Reviews on this Channel are so good! Congrats folks, and thanks

[katiecannon]

Absolutely love my mk8. I had a really tough time deciding to give up my 7.5. But really, as you said, the 8 really does take it to the next level. I’m already half decided to trade my 8 for the 8.5 when it comes out. Then that will be the end of the GTI as we know it. Hopefully VW will do a fab job on an electric version and also decide to release it to North America. If so, that will be my last car given my age 😢

[vicentevargas]

this was a great video to watch, thank you.

[wolvoman]

3.30 A bit of a shocker seeing that truck coming the other way around the bend.

[NandoCamek]

can it have park assist allowing the car to park in a narrow garage?

[csanvi]

Exhaustive review as always. 👍
Now would any be kind to let me know which music is being played at the transition of chapters?

[husseinbashir]

Thank you for this great in depth review. How do you find the Haptic Touch buttons on the steering wheel?Many reviewers are criticizing them. are they easy to get used to ?

[tasorko]

I have one question for about glow box; is it cover carpet, also has it lock and cooling ? Thank you for answering already …

[stefanvlasceanu]

Hi!Do you think that petrol and diesel cars will disappear from their production in the future? I do not want!😭😢😓

[billx]

No its the front subframe thats got one from aluminium, not the rear

[emmanuelmatsomane]

Good performance on golf 8 pha mmmm DSG

[marcusskyfall]

All ruined by rubbish touch screen and lack of physical switchgear 🙄🤦

[col]

Fantastic, but is it all this stuff really necessary? Illuminated radiator grill but no spare wheel? When all this crap goes wrong get ready for a massive wallet flush

[steve]

Like the car, but those wheel are absolutely hideous.

[oddities-whatnot]

Same as the last one with a bit different body and dashboard. No doubt people will trade in their perfectly good two year old car for the latest design, which they will no doubt trade in again in two years or so for yet another facsimile car that does nothing different. People are such mugs.

[davidhammond]

In my opinion vw have gone too far…. I’ve said on other review sites… I’m a simple man… no knobs, no sale…. It’s a shame… I’ll be buying a good 7.5 instead.