EIGHTH HEAVEN (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

This smarter, faster version of the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI moves the hot hatch into another different era. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 47

The eighth generation version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI takes another step forward with this mid-term enhancement and with each update, it just becomes more polished. There's more power, a sharper look and a more connected interior. And a little of the original GTI DNA still remains.

Backgroundword count: 121

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 was first launched in 2019, before being updated in mid-2024 to create the car we're going to look at here. By rights, it should be the best yet.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 290

The big news for enthusiasts is that this GTI now gets a bit more power. The latest version of the Volkswagen Group's 2.0-litre TSI petrol turbo engine (EA888 LK3 evo4) puts out 265PS (20PS more than before) though with the same 370Nm of torque figure. It's now unfortunately conditional to have a paddleshift 7-speed DSG dual clutch paddleshift auto; manual Golf GTIs are no more. 62mph from rest takes 5.9s (0.3s faster than before) en route to 155mph (3mph faster). As before, there's also a faster GTI Clubsport model available, which uses the same engine but in uprated 300PS form, with 400Nm of torque. This has an electronically controlled front differential lock and an extra Nurburgring-developed 'Special' driving mode. Even the standard model is adept at getting power down through tight turns thanks to its XDS+ torque vectoring system. And it's around those corners that you'll notice the sharp variable ratio steering rack, with response tuned for incisive turn-in bite. Orchestrating all of these elements is a fast-acting 'Vehicle Dynamics Manager' set-up, which oversees just about every dynamic variable and then alters the drivetrain, suspension and steering to get the nose into and around each turn more quickly and safely. Body roll is brilliantly judged. And dry weather grip at speed through the turns seems almost endless. As before, we'd suggest that the extra-cost 'DCC' 'Dynamic Chassis Control' adaptive damping system is a must-have option; with it a keen owner could set up this GTI just as a race driver would set up his race car. 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.

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