Golf 8 GTI: Was Volkswagen’s latest hot hatch worth the wait?

The local launch of South Africa’s favourite hot hatch was delayed a number of times due to Covid-19 related logistical challenges, but we have finally got to drive the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI this week. And now the question is, was it worth the wait?

You would think this is a simple yes or no type of answer, but it’s not. The loyal fans of the VW brand and especially those with the GTI logo, would say it is a no-brainer, anything with this badge is always a winner regardless of asking price.

How much does Golf 8 GTI cost?

And then you have those that look at life in terms of rands and cents, minus any passion. They will start to argue with you that a hot hatch for the people, that remains evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and starts at R669 300 before any extras, is simply too much for the Golf 8 GTI.

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Both are ultimately right. The die-hard, passion-fuelled fan is getting a car that has not strayed too far from its iconic heritage once again. The reality of 2021 along with the cost of cars in general have forced prices up beyond the means of many.

You would have to dig deep into your imagination to see the immediate resemblance inside and out between the 8th generation GTI and the car that started and has owned the hot hatch segment since 1982, the Mk 1 GTI. Sure, the red stripe in the radiator and the GTI logo lives on, but this is a very much a modern car for a modern, digitalised era.

Digital journey

Outside you get standard LED headlights and taillights, rather dramatic driving lights at each corner, along with optional sliding turn indicators. An optional panoramic sunroof on the top is controlled using a swiping action. And this little feature starts the digitalised journey with the new Golf 8 GTI.

This is the first generation of Golf GTI to have a completely digitalised interior landscape of displays and controls. The 10.25-inch Innovision cockpit does duty, while the conventional controls for the headlights as well as fog lights have been changed to a digital panel on the right of the steering wheel.

A steering wheel that now has also been transformed into something that has multiple touch control functions along with aircon controls that feature in the centre console. These digital controls look the part but will take some getting used to in terms of ease of use.

Clever cockpit

Changing settings on the fly is no easy process as you can find yourself changing temperature when you wanted to change the engine mode, but we were told that we can use a swiping action to change volume and temperature. I didn’t attempt this during the launch drive but will be sure to figure it all out in our longer road test drive that is coming up.

The highlights don’t stop there. You get ambient lighting that offers 30 interior colours to choose from, and an optional Harmon Kardon sound system. This features a 12-channel amplifier with 480-watt output as well as eight speakers, one centre speaker and a subwoofer to keep you company while you adjust the lighting to suit your mood.

There is no longer an ignition lock. The new Golf 8 GTI offers keyless entry and now has a start/stop button that flashes red from the time you open the door until you start the engine. Kinda cool!

How much power?

Talking of starting the engine, the trusted 2.0 TSI turbocharged mill continues to serve the brand. It now offers 180 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque, an increase of 11 kW and 20 Nm over the outgoing model. This runs through the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG.

This has allowed Volkswagen to claim a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 6.4 seconds, the same number claimed for the previous generation model. Our upcoming high performance road test will reveal if this more powerful, but heavier model can walk the talk.

On the road, the new Golf 8 GTI felt every bit as quick as it was before and this simply means it will remain top in its segment. There is no Ford Focus ST and no Opel Astra OPC left to do battle with. There is the Hyundai i30N and Honda’s Civic Type R, but the straight up problem on the horizon, and we will be testing this car too, is an unlikely foe that has emerged in the form of BMW’s 128ti.

Taking on BMW 128ti

The Golf 8 GTI remains the segment benchmark. There is no arguing this fact. It remains a very easy car to drive fast and still live with on an everyday basis. Despite delving into the extras list that will push the price of the car up well beyond R700 000, I still see the Golf 8 GTI flying off showroom floors.

Look out for our upcoming heads-up shootout between the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI and BMW 128ti when the gloves come off and they battle at the test strip in the quest to be the King.

Included in the Golf 8 GTI’s mentioned price is a three year/120 000 km warranty, five year/90 000 km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

For more information on the VW Golf 8 GTI, click here.