2020 Golf GTI

On the same day he also got to taste the forthcoming Golf GTi, now in its eighth mark. Although he didn’t have much time behind the wheel (hence the DIY Vlog style), it was clear this is another highly accomplished and well rounded hot hatch masterpiece to drive. The recipe appears to be have been soured by overly complex interior tech (haptic button overload, digital menus that aren’t easy to navigate), cost cutting in some obvious cabin areas and – according to Jonny at least – a front end that looks like an apologetic Sloth.

The mk8 is no more powerful than the mk 7.5 it replaces (so long as you ordered it with the 242bhp Performance Pack option), but where the real engineering wizardry and development hours have been put in is on the suspension. Although optional, the infinitely adjustable magnetic damping is phenomenal. In stock form the mk8 GTi still uses multilink rear and strut front suspension, but is 15 percent stiffer at the back and 5 percent stiffer up front. It also now has alloy subframes, saving 3kg. It has a smaller boot than a Civic Type R and far less power than Hyundai’s i30N, RenaultSport’s Megane RS and the Focus ST, so what will the CarPervert make of it? Jonny has, after all, owned several marks of GTi over the years.

GOLF GTI MK8 Price: from £33,000 On sale in the UK: Autumn 2020 Engine: EA888 TSI 1984cc turbocharged four-cylinder, 242bhp (245PS) @ 5000rpm, 273lb ft @ 1600rpm (370nm) Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch paddle auto or 6 speed manual, XDS elec diff lock + locking diff, front-wheel drive Performance: 6.3 secs (DSG) or 6.5sec 0-62mph (manual, est), 155mph, 40mpg (est), 155g/km (est) Weight / material: 1390kg(est), steel.

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