The new Golf 8.5 represents a bit of backpedalling on the part of Volkswagen. The 8.0 was the first VW to have a cabin that relied almost solely on haptic-touch controls; no physical buttons (followed closely by its electric ID models).
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI: Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol 4-cylinder Power: 195kW/370Nm Gearbox: 7-speed automated dual-clutch, FWD 0-100km/h: 5.9sec Consumption: 8.0l/100km (3P-WLTP) Price $67,990.
Huge backlash from customers and… here we have the updated Golf, which has introduced more control options and gone back to physical buttons on the steering wheel.
If there’s any model that can get away with looking back a bit, it’s Golf. VW’s small-car icon celebrates its 50th year in 2024 and the GTI version is the latest in a line of models that can be traced back to the birth of the hot hatch.
The GTI has kept getting bigger and faster and bigger of course, but it’s remained the perkiest of Golf performance models: front-drive and doing its very best to be, well, fun. If you want something that takes itself a lot more seriously and goes around corners with speedy-yet-sober efficiency, get yourself a Golf R (yes, there’s a new one of those on the way too).
You can spot the Golf GTI 8.5 easily. Ha ha, just kidding. As always, the visual changes are incremental at best. There’s a new front bumper and new LED lights front and rear and… good luck telling the difference. It’s easier at night because the 8.5 has an illuminated VW logo, the first model to have such a thing in New Zealand (and exclusive to the GTI for now).
The GTI has kept getting bigger and faster and bigger of course, but it’s remained the perkiest of Golf performance models.
After all this interior-ergonomic discussion, best take a look inside first. The interior is dominated by a 12.9in screen that’s not big by industry standards, but looks absolutely huge in the Golf. The home screen looks pretty busy too, but it’s pleasingly functional; the same basic unit is shared with the all-new Tiguan, so VW has put a lot into this.
It’s quite configurable, but even when you have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto taking over the main display, there’s still a “dock” available with shortcuts to the likes of drive modes and climate. Which is in addition to the shortcuts provided by a separate touch-bar in the console; and the separate slide/tap controls for audio and temperature directly under the screen (carried over from the previous model but now illuminated, hurrah!). VW has really taken criticism of the lack of direct-access to cabin functions in the previous Golf to heart.
Beyond all the sensible stuff, this also feels like a GTI that has its mojo back.
We’ve never really had a massive problem with the touch-controls in the previous Golf and ID.4/ID.5; long-term time in the latter has taught us that after an acclimatisation period, they all fall to hand quite easily.
Also new for GTI in 2024 is a centre airbag, rear cross-traffic alert and oncoming vehicle braking, as well as an upgraded adaptive cruise control system with Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.
This 8.5 model does mark the demise of the manual-gearbox option, which is a shame.
Beyond all the sensible stuff, this also feels like a GTI that has its mojo back. There are plenty of nods to GTIs past, including the “Scale Paper” upholstery inside (an homage to the classic GTI tartan trim) and the new “Queenstown” alloy wheels, which reference both NZ but also the telephone-dial “Detroit” wheel design on the Golf GTI Mark V. There’s a sense of fun here.
And yes, it’s lots of fun to drive. Torque has stayed the same at 370Nm (at a mere 1600rpm), but power has had a 15kW bump to 195kW. In fact, it’s the first-ever Golf GTI that can do 0-100km/h in less than 6 seconds (only just!).
You can spot the Golf GTI 8.5 easily. Ha ha, just kidding. As always, the visual changes are incremental at best.
Drive it hard and the GTI is brilliantly perky, with an appetite for revs and some very quick shifts from the dual-clutch transmission - the only Golf to have one, because the more mainstream models have conventional automatics. This 8.5 model does mark the demise of the manual-gearbox option, which is a shame; but the DSG is the faster, more economical solution, so what can you say?
There’s more adjustment available from the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension, but in reality you don’t need to fiddle with anything too much, because this is just a fun hot-hatch in any mode, without going over-the-top in powertrain or chassis aggression.
It’s a great day-to-day car that can also blow out the cobwebs on a spirited drive, which is exactly what a hot-hatch should be.
What are the key statistics for the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
While mainstream Golfs are powered by a 1.4-litre engine, the GTI gets a 2.0-litre that's gained 15kW over the old model to make 195kW/370Nm. It's also the only Golf to have a dual-clutch (DSG) transmission, but this 8.5 model also marks the demise of the manual-gearbox option.
Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI efficient?
Given the performance potential, yes. It drinks 1.0l/100km more than the lesser Golf models, so while 8.0l/100km isn't exactly eco-car stuff, it's not bad for a performance car.
Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI good to drive?
It's fun without taking itself too seriously, which is exactly how a hot-hatch should be. More importantly, it's enjoyable to drive in town, at sensible speeds.
Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI practical?
It does feel low-set in this age of SUVs, but Golf has grown over the years and is now a very practical family hatchback. Rear-seat space is generous for a compact car, as is the 381-litre boot.
What do we like about the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
It's a brilliantly polished package made even better with the power increase. You can't help but love the retro-references, like the telephone-dial alloys and tartan-adjacent upholstery. It remains a brilliant day-to-day car as well.
What don’t we like about the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Many will lament the loss of the manual-gearbox option, even though the DSG has always made more sense. The infotainment is initially a bit daunting and even though the price has dropped $2k compared to the outgoing GTI 8.0 - it's still $6.5k more than the GTI 8.0 cost back in 2021.
What kind of person would the Volkswagen Golf GTI suit?
Somebody who appreciates everyperson hot-hatch values and the heritage behind VW's GTI name. Somebody who's in the know enough to realise this is the cool one, not the higher-powered R.