VrrrPha! All grown up. The Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI

Pros
- 195 kW hot hatch and 5.9-second 0-100 km/h
- Practical
- Solid, quality feel

Cons
- Expensive
- A little muted - lacks that visceral hot hatch feeling

Fast Facts

- 2.0-litre turbocharged EA888 engine
- 195 kW and 370 Nm
- 7-speed DSG
- 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds
- Latest Discover Pro infotainment
- Standard leather and sport seats
- New IQ LED headlights
- New LED taillights
- 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels

The hot-hatch sub-segment has always appealed to me, mainly because of its timing. The first Golf GTI, the vehicle that was pivotal in the story of the original hot hatch, was brought into existence just before I was, and the venerable 1.8-litre Golf GTI was born a year after I was. We grew up together.

It was in later years, right when I was turning 18 and earnestly considering what cars I could own, that the hot hatch revival took place. The very same manufacturer that gave Volkswagen a run for its money in the 80s, Peugeot, was back at it again with their 206 GTI, this time terrorising the first turbocharged VW Golf GTI, the 110 kW Mk 4. They continued to trade blows; VW released a 110 kW 1.8-litre turbo, and Peugeot hit back with a 110 kW naturally aspirated 2.0. VW upped the power to 132 kW in the red 'i' and GTI:R, and Peugeot replied with the GTI 180 - 180 hp or 134 kW. This battle continued until 2004 when Volkswagen pulled the wraps off the MK5.

Volkswagen walked away the convincing winner this time around, and the Golf 5 GTI was just the car that was needed at the time, and was backed by the support of VW in a way that we hadn't seen before. They had placed many of their eggs in one basket, and this time it paid off. It cemented the GTI badge in the hearts and minds of a new generation, but now, in its updated eighth form, I wonder if there's still a place for it.

Growing up

In the same way that I matured in the years since the Golf 5 GTI, it feels like the GTI has grown up with me. A night out at the club is far less appealing than a quiet night in with good company. I'm more interested in my RA than I am in what the trending celebrity is doing, and it seems that the GTI has followed suit. The Golf 6 GTI was more refined than the 5. The 7 felt a little soft until they woke it up with the Clubsport version, and the 8, well, that felt far too digitised. 

I'm sad to say that the facelifted and updated Golf 8.5 GTI is offering more of the same. But is it a bad thing? Not necessarily. It may be heavier and more tech-laden than what the purist in me would like, but it's also faster, more powerful, handles better, and is a lot easier to live with, which is saying something because the secret to the Golf GTI's success lies in its practicality.

So it is more of the same, but it's also a whole lot better.

More power

Volkswagen South Africa has always struggled to offer us the full-fat version of their performance products. Our unique conditions, our high altitude, hot climate, and poor fuel quality have often resulted in detuned offerings and delayed releases. Thankfully, VWSA has managed to secure a configuration for the local market that still sees the new GTI producing the full 195 kW from its EA888 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. This is up from the 180 kW of the pre-facelift Mk8 GTI.

Torque is pegged at 370 Nm, bringing the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time down from 6.4 seconds to only 5.9 seconds, with the top speed capped at 250 km/h. 

Power is still sent to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox and an electronic limited-slip differential, helping the Golf accelerate and corner better.

Improved dynamics

Despite the grey showing, the Golf still feels rather agile and surefooted through the bends. The differential, wide tyres and lowered suspension give it a respectable presence through the twisties, even if the weight and cabin insulation dampen the visceral experience somewhat. 

The selectable drive modes and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) have both been tweaked for the GTI, altering the throttle, steering, and suspension response for either comfort driving or spirited activities.

Sizeable 17-inch brakes rest behind the 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels, ensuring that you have the braking power to match and counter the acceleration and speed. It's hard to think that the brakes alone are larger than the original Golf GTI's 13-inch wheels.

Enhanced styling

The GTI has always been a statement piece. It looks different from a regular Golf, and looks fit for purpose. The Mk 8.5 continues that trend with a host of cosmetic upgrades to help differentiate it. It starts with the aforementioned 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels, unique to the Mk 8.5. There's something heartwarming about knowing that the world's GTIs now roll on wheels named after a South African town.

IQ LED headlights sit up front and are paired with a glowing LED strip that spans the width of the bonnet's leading edge. Complementary to that is the illuminated VW badge, a first for the GTI. It retains the iconic red stripe, though, so don't worry about that. Less visible on a red GTI, but striking on any other colour.

At the rear, the 3D LED taillights set it apart from traffic, and the suspension that sits 15 mm lower gives the new GTI an unmatched presence.

Improved interior

One of the big criticisms levelled at the Mk8 GTI was the infotainment system. Too many features were moved from physical interfaces to the touchscreen, only to be hidden by the function you were currently using. With so many relying on phone mirroring, whether via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you were unable to access simple settings without first exiting the phone mirroring screen.

VW has addressed this, and the 8.5 GTI now uses the same setup we've seen in the new Tiguan, with rows of shortcut icons above and below the main screen, allowing easy access without interrupting your music or navigation.

The Mk 8.5 also comes with high-back seats as standard, and leather upholstery is included.

While it doesn't get the Harman Kardon sound system, the Golf GTI does not have any optional extras - it's a full-house package right off of the showroom floor.

Price and verdict

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI will cost you R908,000, and it comes with a 3-year/120,000 km warranty and a 5-year/90,000 km service plan, with an optional maintenance plan, should you wish.

At this price, the GTI isn't geared towards youngsters finding their feet in the corporate world, but still looking for an exciting one-car-does-all solution; it's more likely to be purchased by those who are simply young at heart.

It is heavier, more mature, more sensible, and certainly more expensive. When you consider that the direct rivals have it beaten on paper, and sometimes on the road as well, it pushes the GTI into the emotive space - you buy it because you want a GTI and everything that goes with the badge. You don't buy it with your head.