Skip advert
Advertisement

GTI hits the road!

Does sixth generation of Golf hot hatch have what it takes to top class? We get behind the wheel to deliver our verdict.

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen Golf
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

THE new Golf GTI is fantastic to drive and the chassis well suited to UK roads. Its 207bhp output lags behind gutsy rivals – but few can match its road manners, or the quality of its finish. It’s just as capable on a twisty road as a motorway. The GTI is a subtle, mature hot hatch and still as desirable as ever.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's 33 years since the first Golf GTI hit the road. Now, the sixth generation of the daddy of hot hatches is here – and Auto Express has driven it.

VW has pulled out all the stops to make the MkVI GTI the best yet. Trademark red pinstriping shows off the edgier nose as front foglamps accentuate the wider, lower grille. At the rear is a discreet roof spoiler, while the tailpipes now sit far apart, either side of a diffuser. Touches such as the sill trims give a leaner, meaner look, although the ‘telephone-dial’ wheels are near identical to those of the MkV GTI.

Inside, the Golf is a grade above rivals. Piano black trim contrasts with shiny aluminium, and the controls exude a real air of VW quality.

The steering wheel is fully adjustable, so it’s easy to get comfortable in the tartan-trimmed seat. Options such as the touchscreen sat-nav and reversing camera (located under the boot release) complete the premium package. Under the bonnet is the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as found in the VW Scirocco, but it now has an extra 10bhp. That takes power to 207bhp between 5,300rpm and 6,200rpm.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Crossland X

2020 Vauxhall

Crossland X

13,361 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £12,699
View Crossland X
Kamiq

2021 Skoda

Kamiq

36,819 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,099
View Kamiq
T-Cross

2023 Volkswagen

T-Cross

37,589 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £15,099
View T-Cross
500C

2022 Fiat

500C

15,312 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,217
View 500C

It doesn’t have the punch of the Ford Focus ST or new 247bhp Renaultsport Mégane, but the Golf is still fast, covering 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds. Throttle response is sharp, and power is delivered throughout the rev range. The short-throw, six-speed manual box has a superb snappy change, too. Despite the 10bhp power hike, the GTI is more efficient. It returns 38.1mpg economy and emits a mere 170g/km of CO2.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Also lifted from the Scirocco is Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC), which allows the driver to switch the suspension’s pneumatic dampers between ‘Comfort’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ modes. Changes are subtle, but the Golf always delivers a taut ride and ‘Normal’ is a strong blend and perfectly suits winding back roads.

The chassis grips harder than you’d imagine, and with well weighted and accurate steering, you can corner with the utmost precision. The Golf is lighter on its feet and reacts more neutrally than the Focus. VW has fitted an electronic limited slip differential to aid traction. Known as XDS, the all-new system works with the car’s ESP to actually pre-empt and cancel out any wheelspin before it happens.

At cruising speeds, the car is hushed and refined, adding to its mature feel. The latest model is less of a leap forward than its predecessor, but it’s none the worse for that. VW has made several well judged improvements – and the end result is the best Golf GTI yet.

Rival: Ford Focus ST
AT £17,172, the Focus is much cheaper, more powerful and quicker off the mark than the Golf. But it’s also thirstier and falls into a higher tax band.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,463 off RRP*
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,391 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,510 off RRP*Used from £11,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU
Luca de Meo - Renault 5

Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU

Renault and Stellantis bosses demand changes to the emissions rules driving up new car prices
News
15 May 2025
Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy
Best electric cars header

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Here are the EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
14 May 2025