Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (8th gen)
Product Overview
The 8th generation Volkswagen Golf carries over design cues of its predecessor. It is purely front-wheel-drive, and further downsized engine options (down to 3 cylinder 1L models) are available. Models with eTSI (1.0 eTSI and 1.5 eTSI) engines feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
The Golf GTE is the high-performance plug-in hybrid model with a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery and 60 km (37 mi) of EV range. They come standard with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG).
The Golf GTD and GTI are traditional diesel- and petrol-engined high-performance models, both with a displacement of 2.0 L.
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Ratings
What we found**
Pros
- More practical than the standard Golf GTI
- Lots of fun to drive
Cons
- Nothing in particular
What external reviewers found***
NEX score: 76% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
- Fantastic all-wheel drive
- Excellent infotainment system
- Excellent infotainment
- Decent handling
Cons
- Lack of agility
- Not as fast as a Civic Type R or even a Focus ST
- Not the most efficient
- Not as sporty as rivals
- No dynamic chassis control
Find Related Products (incl. referral links)*
Specifications
Variants:
1.0 TSI
1.4 TSI
1.4 TSI eHybrid
1.5 TGI
1.5 TSI
2.0 TDI
GTD
GTE
GTI
Capacity
Cargo Capacity
381 - 1237 L
Chassis
Suspension | Front
MacPherson
Suspension | Rear
Multi-link
Turning Circle
10.9 m
Dimensions
Size | Height
1456 mm
Size | Length
4284 mm
Size | Width
1789 mm
Track Width | Front
153.3 cm
Track Width | Rear
150.4 cm
Wheelbase
2636 mm
Powertrain
1.0 TSIEngine | Displacement
1.0 L
1.4 TSIEngine | Displacement
1.4 L
1.4 TSI eHybridEngine | Displacement
1.4 L
1.5 TGIEngine | Displacement
1.5 L
1.5 TSIEngine | Displacement
1.5 L
2.0 TDIEngine | Displacement
2.0 L
GTDEngine | Displacement
2.0 L
GTEEngine | Displacement
1.5 L
GTIEngine | Displacement
1.5 L
1.0 TSIEngine | Power
89 hp
1.4 TSIEngine | Power
148 hp
1.4 TSI eHybridEngine | Power
201 hp
1.5 TGIEngine | Power
128 hp
1.5 TSIEngine | Power
128 hp
2.0 TDIEngine | Power
113 hp
GTDEngine | Power
197 hp
GTEEngine | Power
242 hp
GTIEngine | Power
242 hp
1.0 TSIEngine | Torque
175 Nm or 108 hp
1.4 TSIEngine | Torque
200-250 Nm (Euro 5 only)
1.4 TSI eHybridEngine | Torque
350 Nm combined
1.5 TGIEngine | Torque
200 Nm or 148 hp
1.5 TSIEngine | Torque
200 Nm or 148 hp
2.0 TDIEngine | Torque
300 Nm
GTDEngine | Torque
400 Nm
GTEEngine | Torque
400 Nm combined
GTIEngine | Torque
370 Nm
Engine | Type
I3 or I4 petrol, I4 diesel
Fuel Capacity
50 L
Transmission | Gears
5- or 6-speed / 6- or 7-speed
Transmission | Type
Manual / DCT
Production
1.4 TSI eHybridAvailability
2020-08-21
GTEAvailability
2020-08-21
Debut
2019-10-24
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3rd-Party Review Videos
External Reviews
autoexpress[1]
Sentiment Score 80%The GTI TCR matches the now defunct (limted-run) GTI Clubsport S for power – boasting a total of 286bhp with 380Nm of torque. It helps realign the Golf GTI range, which has been comprised of just a single model since the entry-level car was ditched last year. All models get 18-inch wheels and a bespoke bodykit with a new front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and roof spoiler.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Punchy, fun to drive
- Fantastic all-wheel drive
Cons
- Not as agile as a Honda Civic Type R or Renaultsport Megane
autoexpress[2]
Sentiment Score 69%The 1.5 150PS eTSI Style will cost you £28,025 before you tick a single option box. The cabin has space for four adults, as before, but those in the rear will indeed feel a little better accommodated. Up front, the Golf's simplified layout looks smart and there are soft-touch, premium materials in all the right places. The jury is definitely out on the touch-sensitive slider that controls the audio and cabin temperature.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Comfortable to drive
- Excellent infotainment
- Decent handling
Cons
- A bit jerky at low speeds
- No dynamic chassis control
autoexpress[3]
Sentiment Score 66%Golf GTE uses a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a battery and electric motor setup, for a combined total power output of 242bhp and 400Nm. VW claims 0-62mph takes 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 140mph, but also tax-busting CO2 of just 26g/km. On top of that, it should also cover up to 39 miles on electric power.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Powerful plug-in hybrid
- Decent fuel economy
Cons
- Pricier than rivals
- Lack of agility
autoexpress[4]
Sentiment Score 77%This 1.0 eTSI mild-hybrid is one of the best Golfs we've tried yet. It's smooth and refined – exactly as you want it to be – and it backs this up with strong efficiency. But the same drawbacks remain; the infotainment is flawed and quality could be better in places. Still, overall the Golf is more appealing than ever as a mild hybrid.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Powerful eTSI engine
- Comfortable to drive
Cons
- Infotainment could be better
autoexpress[5]
Sentiment Score 76%The Golf GTI gets just enough sporty touches to differentiate it. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit's 370Nm of torque means the pace comes from its flexibility. Despite this talent across the board, we'd still like the steering to be more communicative, because even compared with the best electronic power steering set-ups in the most-focused family hatches.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Flexible engine
- Comfortable to drive
- Decent handling
Cons
- Lack of manual gearbox
autoexpress[6]
Sentiment Score 78%The Mk8 Golf GTI has the same 242bhp output as the Mk7’s Performance Pack version, the extra 20 or so horses helping to keep the Golf competitive. You’ll need around £35,000 to put the standard car on your drive, while the more powerful GTI Clubsport costs an extra £4,000. The six-speed manual gearbox is still present, while versions equipped with the DSG auto transmission will cost a further £1,500.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Powerful engine
- Comfortable to drive
Cons
- Pricey compared to standard GTI
- Alternatives offer more power
carmagazine[7]
Sentiment Score 86%This latest generation is 36mm longer, up to 10mm narrower, with an extra 16mm between the wheels. Luggage space remains 380 litres at 1,237 litres with the seats up. Car2X is standard too and means all cars on the road will be able to talk to eachother regardless of make. First customer deliveries are in 2020.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Gorgeous interior
- Lots of fun to drive
- Excellent infotainment system
Cons
- Not as sporty as rivals
cnet[8]
Sentiment Score 80%No matter the mode, this front-drive hot hatch is a perennial hoot. It's front-wheel drive, so there are very few situations where overdriving results in anything other than a bit of understeer. All GTI trims make use of Volkswagen's MIB II infotainment system.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Gorgeous styling
- Powerful turbocharged engine
- Excellent infotainment
Cons
- Not the most efficient
User Reviews
References
1. ^ New Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR 2019 review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/105734/new-volkswagen-golf-gti-tcr-2019-review. 2019-04-03. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
2. ^ New Volkswagen Golf 2020 UK review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/352453/new-volkswagen-golf-2020-uk-review. 2020-06-05. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
3. ^ New Volkswagen Golf GTE 2020 review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/353702/new-volkswagen-golf-gte-2020-review. 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
4. ^ New Volkswagen Golf eTSI 2021 review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/354949/new-volkswagen-golf-etsi-2021-review. 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2021-05-22.
5. ^ New Volkswagen Golf GTI manual 2021 review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/355067/new-volkswagen-golf-gti-manual-2021-review. 2021-05-21. Retrieved 2021-05-22.
6. ^ New Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/gti-hatchback. 2020-09-11. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
7. ^ Volkswagen Golf (2019) review: middle motoring. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/volkswagen/golf-hatchback/. 2019-12-03. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
8. ^ 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI review: Parting is such sweet sorrow. [cnet]. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2021-volkswagen-golf-gti-review/. 2020-10-12. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
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