2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI assessment

Bear in mind when a European hot-hatch was one thing you would really afford? These have been the times.

However with rising prices and demand dribbling away from automobiles which might be really thrilling to drive, the standard scorching hatch is now one thing that solely the well-heeled would possibly be capable to take into account.

Take the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, as an example. It’s a terrific automobile, a tremendously achieved hot-hatch, and previously the go-to mannequin for thus many individuals after a automobile that might simply justify spending a bit bit extra for.

However with pricing for this mannequin creeping properly into “you would purchase a luxurious compact SUV for that” ranges, and the warmer Golf R seemingly just some Uber Eats dinners per week further to finance, the GTI has discovered itself in area of interest territory.

For some, cash gained’t matter – and so they’re the fortunate ones. However, there’s purpose the Hyundai i30 N – which is nearly ten grand cheaper! – has solid a spot for itself because the “individuals’s hot-hatch” today.

How a lot does the Volkswagen Golf GTI price?

The Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback is now a staggering $55,490 plus on-road prices. Let that settle in.

Which means you’re in for no less than $60,000 to park one in your driveway. Much more if you’d like a couple of luxurious extras, as this take a look at automobile had, you’re wanting nearer to $65,000 drive-away.

Look, there are dearer hot-hatches on the market, I’m not denying that. The outgoing Renault Megane R.S., as an example, is $63,000 (MSRP); and the Honda Civic Sort R is – gulp – $72,000 drive-away.

One might (and can) argue these are stronger gadgets meant for a extra purposeful driver, whereas the Golf is extra of a Leatherman device for patrons. It may do loads of jobs, and do all of them properly, supplied the particular person utilizing it is aware of what they’re doing.

Beneath the GTI’s worth level there’s the aforementioned Hyundai i30 Hatch N (from $46,200) and i30 Sedan N (from $50,200), and the Subaru WRX Sedan (from $44,990)… heck, even in-house competitor, the Cupra Leon, begins at lower than the GTI – the equal VZ with its GTI-sourced 180kW/370Nm drivetrain, is now priced from $51,990.

What’s the Volkswagen Golf GTI like on the within?

It is a cleverly automobile – the Golf 8 vary is so properly packaged for a hatchback that measures simply 4287mm in size, that it makes the area effectivity of a Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla (each of that are longer and have smaller boots and tighter again seats) seem like it wasn’t thought of.

That’s the great thing about a boxier physique, and the squared-off edges of the Golf may need been softened and streaked a bit over time, however it’s a good automobile when it comes to cabin area.

There may be good storage up entrance, together with cup holders between the seats, a pair of door cubbies with huge bottle holders (these are lined, which I like.

It means issues don’t are inclined to rattle if you’re on the transfer; a intelligent clamshell holster to your cellphone that features a wi-fi charging pad, a centre console bin, and an inexpensive glovebox. Additional, the 2 USB-C ports means you’ll be charged and able to go.

I’m not the primary particular person to say this, and if our spy tales are something to go by, VW may need learn the criticism from homeowners, journalists and YouTubers alike, however the media controls are actually not that good.

The display itself is crisp and fairly fast, however there are menus upon menus that take a whole lot of studying, and that you must be taught loads as a result of a heap of the controls are past the house display.

There’s a number of house buttons under – Drive Mode, Local weather, Security Help and Parking Help – however there are not any buttons or dials for the local weather controls other than haptic controls on the ‘bar’ under the media display. So, it’s a must to undergo the display to vary to recirculate air, as an example, or to regulate the fan velocity or course.

That bar additionally acts as a quantity management bar, and one of many points with it’s that it’s not illuminated, so it could actually take some getting used to – particularly when you’ve got a passenger who desires to vary issues.

For the motive force, the haptic contact buttons on the steering wheel are an issue. On quite a few events my palms shifting across the wheel when driving meant I’d hit a button (most frequently the steering wheel heating button), and it actually did begin to annoy me.

Again seat area is nice for adults or youngsters. With the motive force’s seat set for me (at 182cm/6’0”) I used to be snug sufficient, with good head, leg, toe and even shoulder room. Three individuals my dimension could be a reasonably disagreeable squeeze, however when you’ve got smaller occupants, it could possibly be doable.

For folks, you’ll discover a pair of ISOFIX factors within the window seats within the again, and three top-tether factors as properly.

There’s a fold-down armrest outfitted with a pair of cup holders, giant lined door pockets together with bottle holsters; plus I actually appreciated the map pockets and extra prime pockets for storage on the seat backs – good to retailer your teen’s favorite highway journey toys.

There are USB-C ports (x2), and directional air-vents, too.

It has a 374-litre boot which is giant sufficient to suit a folding pram, a couple of procuring baggage and a child backpack.

However for households with a child or toddler, larger journeys with extra baggage might show a little bit of a Tetris puzzle. If solely they made a GTI wagon, eh? I suppose that’s the Skoda Octavia RS’s job…

Fold down these rear seats and there will likely be 1230L of capability, and there’s a space-saver spare below the ground.

What’s below the bonnet?

Propelling the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a well-known method of purposeful powertrain – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission with paddle-shifters, and front-wheel drive.

The outputs for this engine are effective, however actually not as bolshy as some rivals. It produces 180kW of energy (5000-6200rpm) and 370Nm of torque (1600-4300rpm).

The claimed 0-100km/h time is a sprightly 6.4 seconds, however get the situations proper and it feels prefer it would possibly even be faster than that.

Now, once more, a little bit of context. The i30 N vary has a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 206kW of energy and 392Nm of torque, and does 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds. It additionally prices loads much less. The Subaru WRX has a 2.4-litre boxer turbo-four, with 202kW/350Nm, and a 0-100km/h declare of 6.1 seconds. It prices fairly a bit much less.

The Cupra Leon VZ runs the identical 2.0-litre turbo-four engine because the Golf, with DSG and FWD, and has the identical 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds. And it additionally prices much less – you get the image.

How does the Volkswagen Golf GTI drive?

Right here’s the factor – as a lot because it prices, and looking out past the 0-100 instances and energy outputs; I’m not satisfied there’s one other scorching hatch on the market for this type of cash that nails the temporary in addition to the Golf GTI does relating to driving.

The powertrain is pleasant. It doesn’t really feel overpowered in any respect – in actual fact, it feels virtually completely suited to this sort of software, with a keen character and zesty response if you want it, but in addition measured and pliant supply if you don’t.

The seven-speed dual-clutch DSG has positively reached “you don’t even discover it’s not a traditional automated gearbox” ranges of responsiveness from a standstill, and it truly is ridiculously snappy and intuitive at tempo.

The steering is a delight – it’s correct, properly weighted and nonetheless straightforward to park or pilot via a collection of esses in your favorite again highway, and the entrance differential lock helps to make sure you don’t find yourself with one entrance tyre spinning as you attempt to get the facility down out of a flexible bit.

The usual adaptive chassis management system is a very peachy little bit of package.

That you would be able to tailor the trip consolation to your wishes, based mostly on no matter state of affairs you would possibly end up and the automobile in, is a boon. In its softer settings, it’s correctly cushy-but-assured like a regular Golf; whereas on the firmer finish of the sliding scale it feels extraordinarily centered and firmly set. 

I ought to say that I lately drove the Golf GTI with 19-inch wheels as properly, and that car’s trip was not practically as candy as this 18-inch-clad model. I’m not an enormous fan of the wheel design, however reckon I’d put up with it for a barely much less inflexible trip, particularly over sharp edges and in metropolis streets.

It means you need to use this automobile as a runabout in its regular drive mode, or hit a button to vary its character to be extra menacing.

One other consideration – as with most VW merchandise on the MQB platform, there’s fairly a little bit of highway noise to deal with. Once more, much less of a problem within the automobile with 18s than it was within the 19-inch-wearing mannequin I drove.

Look, it isn’t’ a lot of a show-off because the i30 N – there aren’t as many “take a look at me” pop and crackle noises, as an example, it’s much less lairy in its configurability, and it rides significantly extra comfortably.

However, I feel the worth you’re paying is in the end for refinement and liveability. Cash properly spent, then?

What do you get?

The Golf GTI comes decently outfitted for the cash, although, as talked about, it prices greater than most rivals.

Golf GTI highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED efficiency headlights
• LED grille strip
• LED fog-lights
• LED tail lights
• Adaptive Chassis Management
• GTI exterior trim and highlights
• Entrance differential lock
• Progressive steering
• Twin exhaust pipes
• Sports activities seats with tartan (Scale Paper) trim
• Auto headlights with auto high-beam 
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Professional devices
• 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• 7-speaker sound system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation 
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Energy-folding aspect mirrors
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Tri-zone local weather management
• 30-colour inside ambient lighting
• Keyless entry and begin
• Baggage partition
• Emergency Help
• Exit warning system
• Rear privateness glass

The Golf GTI examined on this assessment was additionally fitted with the $3900 Luxurious Package deal; which incorporates leather-based seat trim, electrical driver’s seat with reminiscence, heated and cooled entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. And for many who recognize options like that, it’s properly well worth the cash.

The Golf GTI additionally comes with free metallic or premium paint – except you select the color this automobile was. That hue, Kings Pink, is a $300 possibility, whereas Deep Black Pearl, Atlantic Blue Metallic, Dolphin Gray Metallic, Moonstone Gray Premium and Pure White Strong are all no-cost choices.

Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI protected?

For those who purchase an MY23 Golf GTI, it’s going to be a bit bit safer than when you’d purchased a 2022 model – there’s a caveat, although.

All of the mainstream MY23 Golf variants (Golf, Life, Model) scored a front-centre airbag from June 2022 manufacturing, whereas the efficiency variants (R-Line, GTI and R) had that merchandise added from November 2022 manufacturing.

So, you would possibly wish to examine the construct date, and likewise see if it has a kind of giveaway tags on an inside seam of one of many entrance seats.

Past that, the Golf 8 vary has an additional eight airbags (twin entrance, entrance aspect, rear aspect and full-length curtain protection), and it achieved the utmost five-star ANCAP security ranking in 2019.

It achieved 95 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 89 per cent for little one occupant safety, 76 per cent for susceptible highway consumer safety and 80 per cent for security help.

Normal security options embrace:

• 9 airbags incl. front-centre
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
  • Junction help
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Site visitors Jam Help
• Journey Help
  • Adaptive cruise + lane centring
• Blind-spot help
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keep help
• Exit warning
• Manoeuvre braking
• Tyre strain monitoring
• Driver fatigue detection

How a lot does the Volkswagen Golf GTI price to run?

The Volkswagen vary is roofed by a five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee, which is nice, however not setting any new requirements.

Service intervals are each 12 months/15,000km, and there are both capped-price servicing, or pay as you go “Care Plans”, that are the smarter possibility. They prevent cash, and you’ll move the profit on to the following proprietor, when you resolve to promote it.

Bundle that price into your financing or pay for it upfront and also you get both three years/45,000km ($1600) or 5 years/75,000km ($2800) of canopy, and by paying forward of time you’ll save a whole lot of greenbacks over the lifetime of the automobile – $786, to be exact, for the five-year plan, and $273 off the three-year sum.

Roadside help is included for 12 months at time of buy, and it renews every time you service your automobile with VW.

The official mixed cycle gasoline consumption determine is 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres for the Golf GTI. So, that’s what you must be capable to obtain throughout a mixture of driving. My few hundred kilometres of blended driving noticed a real-world return of 8.2L/100km, which I nonetheless assume is fairly respectable contemplating the breadth of capacity this automobile possesses.

The Golf is fitted with a 50-litre gasoline tank, and you will want to fill its guts with good things – it requires 95 RON premium unleaded at a minimal.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen Golf GTI

You pay the next worth to get a greater automobile, and I feel the Volkswagen Golf GTI can simply – solely simply, by the barest of margins – justify the price being requested for it.

It might not be an “reasonably priced” hot-hatch, but it surely’s nonetheless a bloody good one, and arguably probably the most habitable one in the marketplace at present from a non-luxury model.

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