Living with the Golf GTI MK8
Review by Jacob Lerklint
The VW Golf GTI MK1 was first introduced to the public at the 1975 international auto salon (IAA) in Frankfurt. The GTI became an instant hot hatch icon, selling way more cars than VW ever could have expected. 45 years and seven generation Golf GTI’s later it’s time for the eighth generation to enter the world. With the GTI being the unofficial definitive hot hatch the mark 8 GTI has a lot to live up to.
Starting with the look of the new GTI, it’s not a massive change from the standard Golf. Slightly redesigned front bumper and a dual exhaust setup is what stands out the most. GTI’s was never meant to protrude in a crowd and this new one is no different. Remember, this is a peoples' car. With that said I’m not sure I like the aesthetics of it, it’s not bad but the MK7.5 was the epitome in terms of good looks, in my opinion.
The Inside of the new mark 8 GTI is where the golf has changed the most from the previous version. No more regular buttons, it’s all touchscreen and haptic feedback. Very minimalistic but ergonomically a disaster; the haptic feedback buttons on the steering wheel are awkward to use and unnecessarily complicated. Even the controls for the headlights are now a touch-pad. You get two 10 inch digital screens as standard, no more analog gauges. The interface looks old and no way near as appealing as the MK7.5. The screen is slow and dimwitted but that should improve as the new MK8 golf now have (OTA) over the air updates. At least you still get Tartan patterned seats (yey!). The seats are very comfortable but lacks in support and side bolster compared to previous generations. One bugbear with the new Golf and not just the GTI is that you can’t lower the seat as much as you want.
The engine in the eighth generation GTI is the same (ish) EA888 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit that is in the MK7. Power is at 245hp and 370nm with a stated 0-100kmh in 6.3 seconds with the DSG, you can get a manual gearbox but this specific press car has the optional seven speed DSG. Riding on the same MQB platform but now with a slightly lighter aluminum subframe. The front spring rate is up five per cent and various other suspension components have been reconfigured. Meanwhile, the rear axle gets a new wishbone bearing and spring setup, as well as new damping bearings and hydraulics. Here the spring rate has been increased by 15 per cent. The optional electronically controlled limited slip differential in the MK7 is now standard in the mark 8 Golf GTI.
So how is it to drive? It doesn’t feel particularly brisk but the numbers contradict that. Unfortunately, we were still on winter tyres when we tested the car so I can’t speak too much handling wise but it did feel a bit soft and mushy. There is an option for adaptive dampers but this car didn’t have that ticked.
Having spent a lot of time in the mark 5 GTI I really miss the feel you get through the steering, the MK8 feels numb and doesn't encourage you to drive fast. You still get puny plastic paddles behind the steering wheel, you may leave the gearbox in Sport and let it shift for you. The gearbox itself is quick and seamless but it is frustrating that you can not hit the rev limiter even in "manual" mode on the gearbox, it shifts way too early even in sport mode. Weighing almost 1500kg it should feel heavy but it actually feels reasonably light. For daily driving the suspension absorbs bumps great and it never feels crashy. Personally I wish it had the DCC option ticked. There’s no optional exhaust system on the regular GTI, but for a 4-cylinder engine it sounds pretty decent, much better than previous GTI’s.
With prices starting at 345,000 SEK as a base, manual GTI; add another 15,000 SEK for the DSG. It is not a cheap car by any means so go easy on the options, there is a lot of standard equipment including a very good adaptive cruise control.
The new Golf GTI is a very confusing car...the Golf has always been the king of interior ergonomics and overall usability but the MK8’s advance in technology has not beneficial at all. Yes, it is reasonably quick and handles decently but with the DSG it’s not engaging enough for me personally as a hot hatch. I would like to try the manual car with the adaptive dampers and some stickier tires but as for now; if you are thinking about upgrading your old GTI, stick with your current one or just buy a slightly used GTI MK7.5.