Skip advert
Advertisement

2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI: prices, specs and release date

New Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI is available to order now, starting from £33,460

  • Manual or automatic gearboxes
  • Features revised styling and new interior technology
  • Power remains unchanged at 242bhp

The new 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI is now on sale. Prices start from £33,460 for cars equipped with a six-speed manual, while opting for the quick-shifting seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox adds £1,500 to the price.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It renews its rivalry with the Ford Focus ST, Hyundai i30 N and Skoda Octavia vRS, while the plug-in hybrid Golf GTE will compete against the new Cupra Leon. The GTE is slightly more expensive than the GTI, at £35,960, but can manage 32 miles of electric-only driving.

Prices, specifications and release date

The eighth generation of VW’s iconic hot hatch is the most hi-tech version to date, so it’s not surprising that the price has crept up a bit compared to the last GTI. Once again, it’s slightly more expensive than the Focus ST and i30 N, but the car’s lineage and premium badge should mean there’s no shortage of potential buyers.

Not only does the GTI get a sporty makeover compared with the standard Volkswagen Golf, it also comes with a long equipment list. All UK cars get 18-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, keyless entry, three-zone climate control and scrolling indicators.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

At launch, the Golf GTI will only be available in standard guise, with a more powerful 296bhp GTI Clubsport model arriving later this year with more aggressive styling and an extra track-specific driving mode. 

Engines, fuel economy and performance

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 242bhp - an identical power figure to the old model. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic. An electronic limited-slip differential can also be specified, which helps to improve traction during cornering.

VW has confirmed that the eighth-generation Golf GTI is capable of 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds (6.2 seconds with the DSG) and a top speed of 155mph, which is identical to the outgoing car. While efficiency figures have yet to be confirmed, estimates suggest the new car will be capable of up to 40mpg.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new GTI can also be specced with VW’s ‘Dynamic Chassis Control’ system with electronically adjustable suspension. Drivers will be able to pick from three core driving modes called ‘Eco,’ ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, which soften or sharpen the car’s driving dynamics depending on the chosen mode. The car’s setup can also be tailored to the driver’s preferences via a fourth ‘Individual’ mode.

Styling

At the front, the new GTI features a more angular bumper with red contrast detailing, a honeycomb lower grille and unique looking x-shaped fog lights to give it a more aggressive look. LED headlights and daytime running lights are standard, and you’ll be able to choose an LED lightbar that spans the full width of the radiator grille from the options list.

At the rear, the car features standard LED lights, a new rear spoiler and rear diffuser, and a twin exhaust. The tailgate also features a centrally mounted GTI emblem, along with matching badges on the front grille and wings. The car’s lower side sills are painted black, which is contrasted by matching detailing on the lower sections of the front and rear bumpers.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

As standard, 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with red brake calipers. Larger 19-inch alloy wheels are available on the options list. The car also sits 15mm lower than the standard Golf.

Interior and technology

Inside, the new Golf GTI combines the traditional and the modern. Signature GTI design features such as tartan seat upholstery and the golf ball gear knob have been updated for the new model, while a flat-bottomed leather-trimmed steering wheel comes with touch controls.

All of the interior tech from the standard Golf has been carried over to the GTI, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment screen equipped with VW’s ‘Discover Pro’ sat nav. Ambient interior lighting is standard, boasting 30 different colours including a GTI-specific mode.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Tech includes Car2X networking functionality, which gives the car the ability to communicate with other moving cars for live traffic information. Other tech features lifted wholesale from the Mk8 Golf hatchback will include Amazon Alexa voice assistance, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety technology and driver assistance systems

Safety tech is also carried over from the standard Golf and includes lane assist and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, which can automatically apply the brakes if a hazard is detected.

VW has also confirmed that the new GTI will have ‘Travel Assist’, which is essentially a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist so that the car can effectively drive itself on the motorway. Laws in the UK mean you’ll still need your hands on the steering wheel.

Practicality

The GTI will only be offered in a five-door hatchback form; there’s no three-door or estate in the pipeline. Practicality will be very similar to the standard car, with improved rear interior space over the old model. Boot space has yet to be confirmed but it should match the standard Golf with 380 litres of capacity.

Read our review of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI or our stories on the new Golf GTD and Golf R hot hatchbacks.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volkswagen Golf review – almost perfect, but less intuitive
Volkswagen Golf Black Edition front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
26 Mar 2024

Volkswagen Golf review – almost perfect, but less intuitive

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensationally quick and engaging
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
20 Mar 2024

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensationally quick and engaging

Top 9 most economical cars 2024
Most economical cars
Best cars
13 Mar 2024

Top 9 most economical cars 2024

New Volkswagen ID.3 GTX: the electric hot hatch era takes off
Volkswagen ID3 GTX front quarter
News
13 Mar 2024

New Volkswagen ID.3 GTX: the electric hot hatch era takes off

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes
Skoda Karoq SportLine
In-depth reviews
26 Mar 2024

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024