Insurance Group: 29
MPG: 47.1
CO2: 139
0-62 Mph: 6.5 secs
BHP: N/A BHP
Range: 518 miles
PROS: Surprising efficiency for such a sporty engine, while the GTI still has the practicality of the everyday models of the Golf, as well as an excellent range of equipment included as standard.
CONS: Looks are much the same as the previous Golf GTI, and the handling is not quite as good as the best in the class, while the price is a lot of money for a family hatchback.
One of the most competitive aspects of the hot hatchback market is in the acceleration and speed performance figures, and while the Golf GTI isn't the outright class leader, it is still very good. Acceleration from 0-62mph is a very good 6.5 seconds, while those looking to get close to the top speed of 152mph will need to take the car to the track in order to enjoy its full capabilities. Handling is good with sharp steering that is well weighted and offers plenty of grip, and while it drops a little short of the BMW M135i, it is still a great car to drive.
The supportive sports seats are great for comfort, with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel helping drivers to get the low seating position that is very popular in the hot hatchback market. Refinement is generally good with most wind and road noise eliminated from the cabin, while hearing the two litre engine going through its paces is not really much of a disturbance for most drivers.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a car that has been evolving steadily over the years, and it still shares many of its features with the mainstream version of the car, including the narrow grille and headlights and the tidy back end of the car. Many of the hot hatchbacks do tend to be a little more ostentatious with their details, but the Golf is understated, while having many smaller classy details such as the red brake detail and the GTI trim inside the car. The GTI does come with 18 inch alloys as standard with five curving spokes that really do complete a very attractive look.
The stereo interface is a nice part of the GTI package, with a touch screen that shows album art and comes with an intuitive control system, as well as including a digital radio receiver for clarity of sound. The stainless steel pedals and leather steering wheel may seem like small touches, but help to complete the classy interior, while the inclusion of front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera all help to make the GTI a lot more civilized than some other hot hatchbacks.
One of the key reasons that the Golf has been successful over the years is that it does continue to be practical whilst being great fun, and passengers in the rear of the car have plenty of headroom and legroom. The boot is a reasonable size, and the seats fold forward to offer extra load space where needed.
The Golf GTI comes with plenty of electronic equipment to help keep the car safe, with an automatic distance control system and an advanced stability control system to help keep the car under control. These features helped the Golf to achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests. Volkswagen is also one of the most reliable car brands on the market, and the Golf GTI is no different in this respect.
Buying a hot hatchback can often be an expensive affair, and this version of the Golf GTI does have a rather daunting price tag of £26,500. One area where the car has improved significantly over recent years is in its fuel efficiency, and while it delivers superb performance, the 2.0 litre petrol unit is still able to offer an average 47.1mpg. Insurance is likely to be fairly expensive, even for more experienced drivers, but road tax is fairly standard.
Because of the broad appeal of the Golf GTI it does tend to hold its value very well, but to get the best price it is important to keep the car in good condition and regularly serviced in order to get the best price. The on the road package on offer with the Golf is fairly standard, with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty and a one year policy for roadside breakdown assistance.
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