Volkswagen Golf Mk8 Hatchback GTI (2019-2026)

Still a solid everyday hot hatch option – The Mk8 Golf GTI is a gentle upgrade rather than a revolutionary next generation car. The Mk8 brings styling and technological updates, but it’s been met with some criticism regarding its new infotainment system, build quality and the lack of a manual transmission option. I thought the Mk8 GTI had a very solid construction. Even though there are lots of hard plastics, the quality of this Golf didn’t feel cheap in any way. Driving over many hours, this hatchback refused to squeak and rattle.

Although a lot of physical switches are now touch capacitive.

Priced at $55,490 before on-road costs, this is no longer an affordable hot hatch. That means you’ll be spending nearly $60,000 for a basic spec without any options.

For 2023 Volkswagen introduced a special offer that should help move a few more GTI’s, meaning the drive away price is the MSRP before on-road costs (on-road costs are waived for a limited time).

If it’s a hot hatch you’re after, something like a Hyundai i30N can be had for less with more power too. You can even get a Cupra Leon VZ that has the same motor or even a Subaru WRX if you’re chasing the best bang for buck.

You’ll need to service the GTI every 12 months or every 15,000kms. Service plans for 3 years/45,000km will cost you $1600 or 5 years/75,000km will cost you $2,800.

The most surprising element here is the exhaust sound. The GTI has never been an exceptionally loud hot hatch, but it did popularise the DSG ‘fart’ (upshift burbles from the exhaust).

Even with strict EU emission laws making it harder to create new loud hot hatches, the Mk8 GTI will burble, fart and even pop on overruns. There’s plenty of character remaining in the latest generation Golf GTI.

Brakes are fairly standard on the GTI as they’re a simple set of ventilated discs. No fancy cross drilling here.

Brake feel is immediate and confidence inspiring both on back roads and out on track. I had the privilege of experiencing the GTI on track, and the brakes on edge are more than capable of helping wash over 200km/h worth of speed with ease.

Power was hardly increased for the new GTI. You still get the familiar EA888 2.0L petrol four-cylinder turbocharged motor under the hood producing 180kW (241hp) and 370Nm.

0-100km/h is claimed to take just 6.4 seconds as power is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Launch control is easy to activate (once you figure out how to engage ‘ESC Sport’ in that complicated centre screen) and the GTI does a great job of putting power down despite some initial wheel spin.

Sadly, the manual transmission died in the previous generation Golf GTI. Other markets were privileged enough to get a last hurrah manual option, but Australia missed out there.

A set of small plastic paddles on the steering wheel help you gain greater control of your GTI, or you can simply leave it to the car by leaving the Braun shaver-style shifter in Sport.

Shifts are immediate and engaging, but not as dramatic as Hyundai’s dual-clutch system. However, at low speeds, the GTI is smoother and pleasant to operate in heavy traffic.

Independent rear suspension makes for a convincing reason to step up from a Polo GTI which receives a torsion beam at the rear. Weight transfer feels rather progressive and comfort can be had even on rougher surfaces. There’s plenty of high-speed stability in the GTI, and that limited slip differential does a great job of combating front wheel drive oversteer.

Steering feel is weighty, but not heavy. You’re getting all the feedback you’ll need without feeling overwhelmed or completely numb from the driving experience.

Part of the reason why I’d buy a GTI over other performance options would be the comfort you can have in this hot hatch. It’s far more plush when cruising in comfort mode compared to something like a Hyundai i30N.

Claimed fuel consumption for the GTI is 7.0L per 100km. That can be achieved out on longer drives. While driving in the city, expect fuel consumption to get closer to 10L per 100km, depending on how enthusiastic you are with the accelerator.

While some might not be a fan of the Golf GTI’s interior, I certainly am. It feels like a sense of occasion when you step inside the GTI and it feels more closely related to a Porsche than ever too. There’s a Braun-shaver style stubby shifter dominating the centre console. A lot like the one you’ll find in a 992 generation 911.

Instead there are contrasting leather bucket seats and lots of red highlights in the form of trim and stitching. Oh and don’t forget the wads of honeycomb patterns strewn throughout the inside of the GTI too.

That centre infotainment screen is a pain point for many reviewers, as there are no real physical buttons in here anymore. Every button is touch capacitive and many major functions are hidden inside the screen itself. It’s easy enough to master over a few days of driving, but it’s frustrating to get passengers to use it and navigate the temperature and volume controls which are not backlit at night.

There’s 374 litres of boot space available in the rear of the GTI - more than enough for a weekend away. Seats fold in a 60/40 split but there’s a handy ski-passthrough in the middle seat for longer items, without needing to fold any seats down.

Adults will be very comfortable in the rear, but a middle seat passenger will be feeling a little crushed. There’s climate controls for the rear passengers to control, making it a little easier to remain comfortable on longer trips.

Those front bucket seats offer plenty of support too. It’s still a very comfortable hot hatch to battle traffic in, but also a very capable performer once you find some free sections of road.

The GTI is still the ‘do it all’ hot hatch. It doesn’t compromise on comfort while still delivering impressive performance. Prices have increased for the MK8 generation, but it still isn’t the most expensive hot hatch by comparison to the likes of the Honda Civic Type R or Renault Megane RS.

It would have been great to see the GTI come with a noticeable power bump for the MK8 generation, but that’s reserved for the Golf R instead.

If you want a fun to drive hatchback that won’t have your friends and family groaning about loud exhausts or an uncomfortable ride, the GTI still reigns supreme as a hot hatch that can be both comfortable and set respectable lap times at a local track day.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.