Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf GTI MkVII vs Volkswagen Golf GTI MkII

We review two versions of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, with decades separating each model

SpecsVolkswagenGolf GTI MkVIIVolkswagenGolf GTI MkII
Price new£25,845(1988) £10,548
Engine2.0-litre 4cyl1.8-litre 4cyl
Power217bhp112bhp
0-60mph6.5 seconds8.3 seconds
Top speed152mph119mph

Over the past 25 years, Auto Express has dedicated more column inches to the VW Golf GTI than any other hot hatch. Since the model appeared in the UK in 1976, it’s enjoyed a passionate following among British performance car enthusiasts. Having survived a serious dip in form during the early noughties, when VW put the badge on just about anything with alloys, the GTI still remains the benchmark by which all others are judged.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The latest MkVII distils nearly four decades of heritage and engineering adventure into one ultra-desirable package. Its exterior design blends modern lines with just enough retro features to forge a link with the past, while the drivetrain showcases the talents of VW’s engineering boffins.

In true GTI fashion, the MkVII is wonderfully easy to live with. As we’ve come to expect from Volkswagen hot hatches over the decades, it has no rough edges or wayward handling traits, and there is no need to spin the engine up to 8,000rpm to find the power.

As with a bespoke suit, the GTI fits perfectly in all areas, cleverly covering any imperfections. The engine is the star of the show. With 217bhp and 350Nm of torque, it gives brutal yet controllable performance all through the revs. A smooth, linear delivery and broad powerband mean muscle is virtually instantaneous, regardless of gear and speed.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

22,049 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,103
View Golf
Golf

2020 Volkswagen

Golf

57,102 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £10,119
View Golf
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

28,045 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,110
View Golf
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

54,768 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,900
View Golf

The chassis is equally impressive, and just firm enough to keep the body level and planted at speed. Multi-link suspension at the rear delivers superb cornering balance and allows for quick changes of direction. With precise steering and hugely powerful brakes completing the dynamic package, the MkVII strikes a marvellous balance between sportiness and refinement.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen's ability to create a hot hatch with mass appeal is, of course, nothing new. The MkI set a template for easy-t0-access performance and agile handling that’s been handed down through the generations. In 1988, one of the best GTIs of all was wowing buyers with its performance, comfort and quality. Revered by hot hatch fans, the MkII hit a sweet spot in VW’s design and engineering development cycle. Handsome, solid and powerful, it still delights and entertains today.

Eagle-eyed fans will spot that we’ve used a 1991 GTI with later ‘big bumper’ styling, but the rest of our car is virtually identical to the machine that was flying out of showrooms in 1988. We’ve opted for the classic eight-valve version, rather then the more expensive 16-valver. Its 112bhp may seem modest now that hot hatches develop 200bhp, but the MkII has easily enough performance to keep things interesting.

The balance of controls is perfect, with the steering, shift and throttle perfectly weighted. As with all great performance cars, the MkII works with you, always ready to switch directions, with a generous slug of acceleration when the road straightens up.

The GTI’s interior design also presses all the right buttons. Its ergonomics lag behind today’s standards, but every element of the cabin has a stark yet efficient feel. Striking the perfect balance between cool German precision and sporting functionality, it’s aged extremely well over the decades.

So in many respects, the gap between the MkII and MkVII is small. Although four generations have passed between them, the design and engineering DNA that defines the classic MkII flows through every component of the current car.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
Seat Leon

Seat Leon

RRP £24,125Avg. savings £9,152 off RRP*Used from £10,676
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £12,877
Cupra Leon

Cupra Leon

RRP £31,415Avg. savings £9,166 off RRP*Used from £17,399
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Used DS 4 (Mk2, 2021-date) buyer's guide: a great blend of value and style
Used DS4 Mk2 - front

Used DS 4 (Mk2, 2021-date) buyer's guide: a great blend of value and style

Used car tests
13 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

Road tests
11 Sep 2025
Used Cupra Leon (2020-date) buyers’ guide: hot hatch fun with room for the family
Used Cupra Leon - front

Used Cupra Leon (2020-date) buyers’ guide: hot hatch fun with room for the family

Used car tests
10 Sep 2025
New Peugeot E-408 2025 review: Peugeot's best EV yet
New Peugeot E-408 2025 - front tracking

New Peugeot E-408 2025 review: Peugeot's best EV yet

Road tests
28 Aug 2025

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025