Volkswagen Golf GTI 2021 review
Content
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
- How practical is the interior space? 8/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 8/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10
- What is it like to drive? 9/10
- Verdict
The GTI badge has been around for almost as long as the venerable Volkswagen Golf itself, and despite starting life as a skunkworks project, the iconic performance variant has managed to outlive countless competitors and become inseparable from the hot hatch phrase.
Now, in Mark 8 form, the GTI itself has long been usurped by faster, more powerful hatchbacks like the Golf R and the Mercedes-AMG A45, becoming the more affordable sporting specimen in the Volkswagen lineup.
After all these years, has it become a shadow of its former self, or should it still be the default choice for those who want a taste of power without spending serious money on performance? To find out, we tested the new one both on and off the track.
| Volkswagen Golf 2021: GTI | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 2.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 7l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | $44,400 |
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
First, the Golf GTI is more expensive than ever. Now with an MSRP of $53,100, it's impossible to call the GTI "cheap" even with the relative performance it offers.
For example, it's still more expensive than the more powerful i30 N Performance, which carries a $47,500 price tag in automatic guise, and more expensive than the Ford Focus ST ($44,890 with torque converter), and about the same level as the more enthusiast-oriented Civic Type R (only with a manual transmission - $ 54,990 XNUMX).
To be fair, the GTI has also greatly expanded the standard features. It has been completely redesigned from the rest of the Golf, including a very nice 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android wireless connectivity, wireless charging and a built-in satellite adapter. nav.
All controls have been redesigned to be touch-sensitive (more on that later), and other GTI signature items are standard, like a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and checkered seat trim.
He comes with. 10.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with automatic connection to Apple CarPlay and Android.
Luxury includes touchless keyless unlocking, push-button ignition, three-zone climate control, and a comprehensive security package (even more than the outgoing 7.5), which we'll talk more about later.
The GTI can be selected in a unique color from the rest of the line - Kings Red - for an additional $300 fee, and there are two add-on packages. The most expensive of these is the Luxury package, which costs $3800 and adds partial leather trim, heated and ventilated power front seats for the driver, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Sound and Vision package costs $1500 and adds a nine-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system and a holographic head-up display.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
The GTI is the most visually redesigned variant in the Golf 8 lineup, bringing with it not only an improved LED lighting profile, but also the addition of a light bar across the front of the car and DRL clusters at the bottom of the bumper. This gives the GTI a menacing, distinctive look, especially when spotted at night.
On the side, the GTI stands out with lower ground clearance and more aggressively shaped bumpers, while crisp alloy wheels complete the chunky, attractive body.
The round rear end and the iconic hatch profile are complemented by a dual tailpipe and new 'GTI' lettering on the tailgate. This is a modern, fresh, yet iconic Volkswagen. The fans will love it.
Inside, the biggest changes are taking place. The interior of the GTI is largely the same as the main lineup, with a complete digital redesign. The screens will dazzle you from the driver's seat, while the GTI's familiar low-slung driving position, comfortable seats and darkened interior accents make it stand out.
Smart, refined, heavily digitized. The GTI cabin is the future you've been waiting for.
There are other interior touches that the rest of the lineup can't match, such as checkered seat trim on cars not equipped with the Luxury Package, a patterned backlight strip on the dash, and a zipper mechanism for your phone on the front. a wireless charging compartment to ensure it doesn't crash during more inspired bursts of driving.
Smart, refined, heavily digitized. The GTI's cockpit is the future you've been waiting for, although it may have gone a little too far in some places, which we'll explore in the practicality segment.
How practical is the interior space? 8/10
The main drawback of the GTI's new interior layout is the lack of tactile dials and buttons. They have been completely replaced by capacitive touchpoints. I give the brand full credit, these sliders and touch buttons are better than almost all of its competitors, but there's still no substitute for a physical dial for climate or volume functions, especially when you enjoy this car's performance virtues, and keep your eyes on the road.
The phone clasp is an original addition to the GTI, and elsewhere the cabin is as smart as the rest of the lineup. This includes huge pockets in the doors, a large center console cutout with cup holder folding mechanism, a decent-sized center console armrest box with variable height mechanism, and a glove box.
Trunk volume has not changed compared to the rest of the Mark 8 models and is 374 liters (VDA).
The rear seat is just as good as the rest of the Mark 8 lineup, with amazing room for grown-up rear passengers. Chunky sport seats cut back on knee room a little, but that's plenty, as is arm, head, and leg room. Rear passengers also get great seat finishes, three different-sized pockets on the backs of the front seats, a private climate zone with adjustable vents, a fold-down armrest with three cup holders, large door pockets and a dual USB port. C sockets. This gives the GTI one of the best rear seats in the class, if not the best, in terms of comfort and space.
Boot capacity is unchanged from the rest of the Mark 8 lineup at 374 liters (VDA), which isn't the best in the segment but certainly better than many, and there's a compact spare tire under the floor.
The rear seat is just as good as the rest of the Mark 8 lineup, with amazing room for grown-up rear passengers.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10
Those who were looking forward to some major changes for the eighth generation GTI may be disappointed here. The new car has the same engine and transmission as the 7.5. It consists of a highly acclaimed (EA888) 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine still producing 180kW/370Nm, which drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
That's not to say the Mark 8 GTI hasn't been improved in other important areas. VW tweaked the front subframe and suspension to add lightness, and added a revised XDL version of its electromechanical limited-slip differential to improve handling and performance. On top of that, the GTI has adaptive dampers as standard.
It is powered by the highly acclaimed (EA888) 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that continues to deliver 180kW/370Nm.
How much fuel does it consume? 8/10
The GTI has an official/combined fuel consumption figure of 7.0L/100km, which is about the same as a performance 2.0L engine in this class, though it's slightly higher than the Golf 8's regular range consumption figure.
The GTI requires 95 octane unleaded fuel and has a 50 liter fuel tank. Our time testing the car showed the computer showed 8.0L/100km, although you can expect this to vary greatly depending on how you drive it.
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10
The GTI has the same comprehensive safety offering as the rest of the Golf 8 range. This includes a particularly impressive Active Package that offers automatic emergency braking at speed with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning. traffic, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Safe Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go.
The range also has optional airbags, for a total of eight, as well as an emergency SOS call feature. Like other new models from the VW group, the Golf XNUMX range also features a “Proactive Occupant Protection System” that tightens seat belts, locks windows for optimal airbag deployment, and applies the brakes to prepare for secondary collisions.
The rear outboard seats have ISOFIX child seat attachment points, and there are only three top belts on the second row.
Not surprisingly, the entire Golf 8 range has the highest five-star ANCAP safety rating in line with the 2019 rating standards.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
5 years / unlimited mileage
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10
As with the entire lineup, the GTI is covered by Volkswagen's competitive five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, complete with roadside assistance. The promise of ownership is enhanced by the choice of prepaid service plans, which have the added benefit of being able to add finance at the time of purchase.
Using this method, three years of GTI service will cost $1450, while five years (considered the best value) will cost $2300. That's a slight boost over the rest of the Golf 8 given the GTI's more sophisticated powertrain, and while the annual price is higher than some of the competition, it's not outrageous.
Where can VW do better here? Hyundai is offering a track warranty for its N Performance models, which VW says it's not currently interested in.
As with the entire range, the GTI is covered by Volkswagen's competitive five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
What is it like to drive? 9/10
The GTI is everything you would expect from it and more. This is because the EA888 engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission are a proven combination that performed well in the previous iteration of this car.
It's safe to say that if you've driven or owned a GTI in the recent past, its dynamics and performance will be basically the same on the track as it is on the road.
What really shines on this new GTI is its improved front end.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission pairs much better with the higher-torque engine to eliminate the kinds of low-speed loads we usually complain about in lower-end models, while lightning-fast shifts and snappy paddles make it the automatic transmission of choice for drivers. track.
Too bad there's no manual transmission, but Hyundai will also offer an eight-speed dual clutch on its latest i30N.
In the end, this car finds its niche.
What really shines on this new GTI is its improved front end. The lightweight subframe and suspension components combined with the new limited slip differential create some serious handling magic. Anyone who has driven a hot hatch with an optional front diff will know what I'm talking about. This positively changes the car's behavior when cornering, prevents understeer, improves traction and provides more control when pulling away.
On the track, this ultimately means much faster cornering and more accurate lap times without the need to add extra power, but on the road, it also means you get some degree of predictability and safety otherwise only offered on 45xXNUMXs. sunroofs, like the Golf R or the Mercedes-AMG AXNUMX.
The GTI is everything you would expect from it and more.
Elsewhere, the GTI can outdo even its more enthusiast-oriented rivals by pairing the aforementioned elements with an adaptive damper setup that offers the type of body control that eliminates the front driver's more frustrating cornering moments. For example, the GTI will lock everything up and retain traction even when pushed to the limit, compared to the i30N which rolls into a corner and starts stuttering on the outside when pushed to the same limits (disclaimer here - this applies to the previous i30N , and not to the updated model, which at the time of writing the article has not yet arrived).
It's a complex package, and while it may not set the lap times set by Rs and AMG in this new world of much higher-reference hatchbacks, it's just a treat to enjoy a one-off day of racing or a seductive B-road ahead. even if this GTI no longer outperforms rivals on the power front.
The GTI does have a few expected disadvantages for a suburban driver.
Ultimately, this car finds its niche, even at the asking price. Spending less will get you the fun but tricky Focus ST, or perhaps the less technical but more powerful i30N or Civic Type R. Either way, I know which car I prefer to drive home on suburban roads at the end of a track day. making the GTI an ideal proposition for the more casual but less vocal enthusiast.
Finally, the GTI has a few expected disadvantages for the suburban driver. The steering is heavier than the standard Golf range, and the ride can be harsher, especially with the bigger wheels and lighter front end. Road noise at motorway speeds is also a little intrusive.
I'd say it's a small price to pay for the performance and comfort of the cabin.
Enjoying a one-off track day or a winding B-road is a delight, even if this GTI no longer outperforms the competition.
Verdict
The Golf GTI continues to be the iconic hot hatch it's always been, and while it lacks an engine and transmission overhaul, it still manages to take everything it's good at and improve on its proven formula, if only a little. around this time.
I'm sure existing fans and casual enthusiasts with no need or desire to shell out for the pinnacle of performance offered by something like the Golf R will love this new GTI iteration that's just as fun in the city as it is on the track.
