The Golf GTI Mk8 Is More Connected Than Ever

golf gti

The Golf GTI has carved out a reputation for being fun to drive. Its latest model, the Golf GTI Mk8, continues to build on that legacy by combining exhilarating power and driver-focused technology into a focused design.

With a focus on performance and driving dynamics, the GTI is more connected than ever before, with an array of features that make the drive even more enjoyable and inspiring. Plus, the new Golf GTI has an athletic appearance that stands out on any road and delivers a fun-to-drive experience that Madison drivers will love!

A reimagined red radiator grille trim and bold LED fog lights help keep you safe on the highway, while a sporty sports steering wheel, flashes of’sporty’ red and classic GTI badging – including tartan upholstery – add an instant dose of oomph. And 18″ Richmond alloy wheels are shod with red brake calipers to give you that unmistakable GTI look.

Powered by an iconic 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbo engine, the Golf GTI is one of VW’s most beloved models. It offers plenty of grunt, while delivering a great value for money and excellent fuel economy.

The GTI is a true performer, offering up to 270 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 5.1 seconds. Its traction control and a limited-slip differential ensure a smooth ride.

Its safety features are also top-notch. Autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and traffic sign recognition are all standard. There’s also the option to pay for adaptive dampers, which let you stiffen the chassis for hooning out on country roads or soften it for cruising on motorways.

You can also order the Golf GTI with a driver assistance pack called Travel Assist that beefs up the standard adaptive cruise control so it can brake and accelerate for you, at up to 130mph. It’s a great feature if you spend a lot of time in the motorway, but it’s a little pricey to have added on.

Inside the GTI is an all-new dashboard that looks much better than it used to. It features an updated touchscreen that can be adjusted to display the car’s special GTI model. However, we found the buttons that control some of the system’s functions a bit fiddly to use.

The available three-zone climate control works well, but the touch-sensitive controls for them are sometimes difficult to see and use without taking your eyes off the road. The same is true for the steering wheel buttons that can be swiped or pressed to control the infotainment systems.

For the driving enthusiast, there are several special editions of the Golf GTI to choose from. These include the GTI Clubsport02, which delivers a 245-hp boost and an electromechanical axle differential lock to give you that extra edge on the open road.

Volkswagen has also restyled the interior of the Golf GTI for 2022, giving it a new look that incorporates modern LED headlights, plaid upholstery and other enhanced elements within. In addition, the Golf GTI gets a few technological improvements, too, such as an upgraded infotainment system and more advanced driver-assistance features.