The Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 is a tech marvel.

G-T-I, these three letters have achieved near universal recognition.

They stand for high-performance Volkswagen automobiles, notably the Golf, the company's perennially popular hatchback.

The one I drove in South Africa recently sprang to mind when I saw one driving down Harare drive, a rare sight in Zimbabwe. Volkswagen typically takes a conservative approach with their best-selling hatch. Both Mk6 and Mk7 were rather mild developments in the series.

Comments regarding the Mk8 GTI's gaping lower intake, ‘squished' headlights, dimensions, and design of the bonnet have all caught my attention as areas for improvement. Like the much-criticised M3/M4 intake grilles, I think these complaints will fade as people get used to them.

Super-modern furnishings

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The new, high-tech cabin is the most noticeable change from earlier Golf models. VW's designers took a minimalist approach, leaving the cabin with a minimum of controls.

A clear digital instrument cluster that can be customised to the driver's preferences is shown in front of them. A variety of displays are available, such as boost pressure, rev counter, road speed, and a navigation map. Light touch buttons on the spokes of the wheel act as controllers for the display. Navigating the menus and using the controls both require some practice.

A colour touchscreen panel takes front and centre on the fascia. You will find the switches for pretty much everything in the cabin there. Because of the short duration of the rental, navigating some menus is not as straightforward as one may think. Once owners have had the system for a while, they will dial in to access it. Thankfully, you can adjust the volume and the tempo with a few clicks of a soft button.

4-wheel-drive turbo

Every GTI since the Mk4 has been powered by a turbocharged inline four. The Mk8 Golf GTI is the same way. That ribbed hood conceals the company's ubiquitous EA888 engine, which has been given the "Evo" designation.

This latest iteration features constantly variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams, with the exhaust cam also incorporating variable valve lift and duration via the use of two separate camshaft lobe profiles. The torque and power output of the force-fed motor is 370 Newton-meters and 180 kilowatts. The front axle often receives power because it is the norm. Volkswagen South Africa no longer provides a manual transmission option, instead selling solely the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Volkswagen claims the GTI Mk8 can complete the standard 0–100 km/h run in 6.4 seconds; this time will be easily attainable with the launch control option, however locating and enabling it may prove to be a challenge. See how the setup works in the video down below. The maximum speed is capped at 250 km/h.

Ride and drive

The Volkswagen that I drove in has the optional 19-inch alloy wheels in place of the basic 18-inchers. Ultra-low profile 35:1 rubber appeared to have been used in the painting of these. This led me to anticipate a ride quality that would leave my teeth aching. I was really taken aback byvhow flexible it is, and how pleasant it is to wear.

Only the deepest ruts in the road, when traveling at high speeds, may be heard in the cabin. This was accomplished in the car's most relaxed of its available drive modes.

The (extra) adaptive dampers become noticeably stiffer in sport mode.

As an aside, these can be adjusted to one's liking using the touchscreen in a number of different ways.

Strong motivation

The turbocharged engine's power output mimics that of a naturally aspirated unit thanks to a static compression ratio of 9.6:1. Even at modest engine speeds, there is a lot of thrust available. Due to the plateau-like nature of the torque peak between 1600 and 4300 rpm, full throttle is unnecessary.

My only complaint is that there is no manual shifter located between the seats. The paddles behind the wheel can be used to change gear ratios, but they are made of cheap plastic and are awkward to use, and the electronic control unit (ECU) is much better at the task.

Sound quality is never praised in turbocharged fours, and the Golf GTI Mk8 is no exception. However, unlike many of the aftermarket tuned Golfs I hear sounding like popcorn makers as they poodle through traffic, the volume increase in sport mode is subtle, with the occasional pop on a trailing throttle.

Adrenalin at the corners

On the race track, my adrenalin shot up as I took the corners. If it cannot handle sharp turns at fast speeds, then do not call it a GTI. The  Golf GTI Mk8's outstanding power delivery is matched only by its amazing ability to be hurried around turns.

Knowing that there is grip, plenty of it for speeds close to those that are considered safe for the road, allows one to throw the car into curves with abandon.

The front end has plenty of bite, and understeer may be quelled by devices like the electronic differential lock. Knowing that the back end will not budge allows one to put a lot of weight onto the tires when negotiating a turn.

Compared to the Megane RS or even the highly regarded (and our favourite) limited edition Clubsport S, this is not an expressive car to drive. It is fun to drive and may make you feel like a hero on the road, which is presumably why so many people love GTIs.

My decision

The Volkswagen Golf GTI, with its conventionally refined take on the hot hatch formula, is still a terrific all-rounder.

The new Golf GTI is even better to drive than the previous models thanks to increased output and various other engineering advancements.

Golf GTI ownership should not break the bank due to the vehicle's decent fuel efficiency and affordable insurance rates. Volkswagen has loaded the Golf GTI to the gills with standard equipment, although

some of the in-car technology is difficult to operate. The Volkswagen Golf GTI has a lot of useful features and is nevertheless comfortable to live with. Those looking to purchase a Golf GTI can rest assured knowing that it has excellent safety features and a high Euro NCAP rating.

 The Mk8 Golf GTI maintains the sweet spot between practicality and hot hatch performance excitement.

Although its competitors offer greater power and more attention to the driver, this GTI will be fast enough for most people and features an elevated level of comfort.

Specifications

0-100 km/h: 6,4 sec

Engine: 2,0-litre inline four, turbocharged

Fuel consumption: 7,0 L/100 km

Max power: 180 kW

Max torque: 370 Nm

Model: Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk8)

Top speed: 250 km/h

Transmission: seven-speed automatic, FWD

  • andrew@muzamhindo.com.