2021 VW Golf GTI Mk8 review – is 245hp enough for a hot hatch?

The new Mk8 VW Golf GTI is here, and it's more high tech than ever. But it's still only packing 245hp from its 2.0-litre engine – is that enough for a hot hatch? And is £35,000 too much money for a sub-300hp hatchback anyway? Join me as I attempt to find out if it's the best GTI ever, and if it deserves its steady Eddy reputation...

[smilepermile]

Love the cyncial dry humour in your videos. Keep up the great work 😂

[Straker]

Just acquired a new GTi last week and am getting acquainted nicely. Like the auto box too, first time for me, as was always a 'manual man' until now!

[piersgooderham]

First timer to this channel, really refreshing delivery without the bs that many reviewers employ. Merry Christmas!

[swanny]

Just found the channel after watching the GR Yaris review, then the Guilia QV and this one. Enjoyable and amusing content Tim, keep it coming 👍🏻

[bhill]

First time here love the tone and style of this review. GTI... I still like it! 🇨🇦

[NicholasSadlier]

Isn't it weird how VW still have to hold on to their tartan seats and yet feel obliged to replace a proper gearstick with a light switch and do away with buttons?? Buttons were invented for a reason - they're easy to use!! THANK YOU for reviewing the car in base spec form - that's the way it should always be!! I will never understand fake engine sounds... in anything other than a toy car. My 'say something nice'.... great review and fantastically delivered!!

[loganpadayachee]

This vehicle even makes premium SUV's green with envy. I own one so I know😂

[faisalleeds]

Looks better than the standard MK8, starting to come around to the looks. The Clubsport will be the pick of the bunch, although the R also seems to have improved and is pushing more towards the Merc and BMW rivals.
MK7 GTI Clubsport is still my favourite Golf.

[paullacey]

Dunno if the touchscreens are the way forward, but I like the car.Of course fancier wheels are extra....Does grow on you tho'

[swanblake]

Well done review. MK8 GTI is Windows 2000. Awful to use in motion and a step backwards. The worse ergonomics.

[danw]

I've been watching your videos for sometime now Tim, but can we have some longer video's please, I want to know everything about the car your reviewing from -

What's it like to fill up at the petrol station.
How much does it cost for a full service.
What's it like to park in a small parking space.
What does the interior look like at night.
Switch the lights and indicators on so we can see what they look like.

I'm not Jonny 5 but I need more input more information...
By the way I love adore the Alfa Romeo quodrifoglio, what a beautiful Looking forward to your next

[DanielDrives]

Great car, but I do think I’d save £10k and go for a Mk7.5 GTI instead...

[reds]

touch screen menus. How on earth did this get approved?! Horrific

[kristya]

Good review. This is my first viewing of this channel and I'm enjoying the unrefined, rather WAYNE'S WORLD quality. It's charming. I'll be back.

[dwchester]

I like touch screens if done right. That one isn't and has a horrible latency between you touching it and something happening. It really annoyed me just watching it! The fake buttons are just horrendous but then they have to go and add the fake exhaust noise just to put the topping on the "WTF" of it all. All of those things together would probably make me want to drive it into a tree as soon as possible. :-)

[captainamericamarvel]

I not into the car, but into your deep voice! Men you should sing.

[CathodeRayNipplez]

wish there was a 2 door. We're so spoilt these days, wasn't very long ago everyone was saying 200hp was too much for a FWD. Now we're questioning 245 in a base shopping trolley 😯

[bhill]

Oh and compared to the Mazda 3 GT turbo? ?

[DontPanicDear]

I’ve always liked the Golf GTI, but the unfotainment annoyed me even when YOU were fumbling with it 🤔
Not we have to also look down to use the steering wheels ‘Buttons’ too Grrr! 🧐

When I buy an expensive thing, I like it if it mostly seems like cleverer people than me, have had a hand in the design.
If this is going to be a thing, it needs to be a way bigger screen, or have some sort of wrist support.

Why don’t they just go the whole hog and put wipers, indicators and cruise control, three layers into the screen menu options too 😂
This just seems like customer repellent to me!
Tier4 grumpy VAG ‘tainment rant over 🙄

Good to hear they’ve managed the dynamic settings nicely for road use.
I do really like the modern peak torque delivery around 1500rpm. It makes anything feel much faster than the numbers suggest and great for daily use. That section of the A29 is amazing!

TRDS is by far the best Dorking based automotive YouTube channel 👊🏻

[CathodeRayNipplez]

Why so expensive? Here in rip off Au the MY20 Mk7.5 GTI (242hp) is £28, 000. The TCR (285Hp) is £30, 000...