New vs used Volkswagen Golf GTI: what are the top 3 differences?

Utter the words Vrrr Pha and anyone in South Africa will know that you are talking about a Golf GTI. The model has been a hit since the Mk1 launched back in 1982 and with every generation since has grown even more in popularity. The latest Golf 8 GTI was officially unveiled to the public early in 2020, however, the global pandemic and the shortage of semiconductor chips has delayed the local launch of the model.

Now though, it is here, and it has big shoes to fill. The Golf 7 which arrived in the middle of 2013 garnered a lot of respect over the years and in 2017 when the updated model or rather the Golf GTI 7.5, continued on the success trajectory. Now you might wonder, do you get your order in for a brand new Golf 8 GTI or do you go for a tried and tested used Volkswagen Golf 7.5 GTI model on AutoTrader.

1. Styling

When looking at the new Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI, there is no question of its lineage as it retains a similar silhouette as the model that precedes it. However, the design has evolved drastically especially upfront. One of the most noticeable features of the new GTI is the new LED headlamp design which is positioned low. Stretched between the two headlamps are the GTI trim piece which is for the first time on a GTI model, illuminated by a thin LED strip.

To further bolster the drama upfront, customers can optionally specify the sliding turn indicators which form part of the "eyelashes" atop the headlamp clusters. At the rear, Volkswagen kept the taillamps familiar with a similar shape as that on the Golf 7.5, however, incorporates new internal elements and styling. The distinguishing roof spoiler and two round tailpipes still feature to along with the sporty diffuser, set the GTI apart from the rest of the Golf range. 

2. Interior

Step into the driver seat and you will instantly notice that you are in the latest Golf GTI. While the Golf 7.5 GTI still featured a somewhat traditional instrument binnacle, the Golf 8 GTI creates a cockpit-like environment by connecting the 10.25-inch InnoVision digital instrument cluster with the centrally fitted 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with a gloss-black trim piece.

The cabin is also decluttered as Volkswagen has swapped out the conventional controls for the headlights and fog lights digital panel. The volume control as well as some climate control functions are similarly adjusted by swiping your finger over a touch-sensitive surface instead of physically turning a dial. Even the drive select lever or gear knob is much smaller and is achieved by a new shift-by-wire system. 

Other notable fixtures in the premium interior are the GTI Vienna leather seats as well as a heated leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel with touch control and shift paddles. All this is finished off with the inclusion of a standard ambient lighting system which allows the owner to choose between 30 colours that will bathe the interior while the vehicle is in use.

3. Powertrain

One of the key characteristics of any GTI model is its get-up-and-go powertrain fitted under the bonnet. Let us compare the performance and efficiency of the Golf 7.5 GTI with that of the Golf 8 GTI to see how big the difference is.

	Golf 7.5 GTI	Golf 8 GTI
Engine	2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol	2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission	6-speed dual-clutch automatic	7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power	169 kW	180 kW
Torque	350 Nm	370 Nm
0-100 km/h	6.4s	6.4s
Top speed	248 km/h	250 km/h
Fuel consumption	6.4 L/100km	7.0 L/100km
CO2 emission	148 g/km	159 g/km

*The information in this table was sourced from www.duoporta.co.za and www.vw.co.za