The Volkswagen Golf GTI has long been considered the pinnacle of the hot hatch segment, offering a perfect blend of performance, practicality, and everyday usability. Since its introduction in 1976, the Golf GTI has sold over two million units and has become a symbol of class-defining greatness. However, when the eighth-generation Golf GTI was launched in 2020, it faced the challenge of living up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.
The eighth-generation Golf GTI is undeniably a good car, offering practicality, speed, and versatility. However, it fell short of achieving the perfect balance of performance, practicality, and everyday greatness that the best Golf GTIs are known for. The infotainment system had occasional glitches and the suspension was firmer, resulting in a slightly less-balanced driving experience. In comparison to its predecessor, the older model was still preferred for long road trips.
Nevertheless, a mid-life facelift often breathes new life into a Golf GTI, enhancing its overall performance and refining its characteristics. The latest facelift, known as the Mk8.5 GTI, brings welcome improvements to the car, making it more usable and rounded. The exterior changes are minimal, with new LED lights and optional 19-inch wheels. The interior features the iconic tartan-checked seat trim and red stitching, providing a familiar GTI experience. The infotainment system has been upgraded with a larger 12.9-inch screen and improved controls, addressing some of the previous system’s flaws.
Under the hood, the Mk8.5 GTI retains the turbocharged 2.0-liter EA888 engine from its predecessor, but power has been increased to 262 horsepower. The engine delivers impressive performance and accessible torque, making it a joy to drive in real-world conditions. The suspension and steering have been reworked to offer a more forgiving ride and improved handling. The GTI now feels more pliant in normal mode and stiffer in sport mode, striking a balance between comfort and performance.
While the Mk8.5 GTI is objectively a better car than its predecessors in terms of performance and technology, it still leans towards the harder edge of the performance spectrum. It may not have the same breadth of performance window as the previous generation and lacks the same level of driver involvement. However, the improvements made in the mid-life facelift make it a step in the right direction, bringing the GTI back to its roots as an everyday performance car.
In terms of running costs, the Mk8.5 GTI offers decent value for its price, although it is slightly more expensive than its pre-facelift version. It remains frugal in terms of fuel consumption, with a combined fuel economy of 39.6 mpg. The GTI’s spacious interior and practicality make it a versatile car for everyday use.
Overall, the Mk8.5 Golf GTI is a solid improvement over its predecessor, offering better performance, enhanced technology, and improved usability. While it may not have achieved the same level of greatness as some of its predecessors, it remains a strong contender in the hot hatch segment. Whether it’s the right choice for a long road trip is still up for debate, but it’s certainly a tougher decision now. With its iconic design, elastic performance, and impressive handling, the Golf GTI continues to be a symbol of hot hatch greatness.