Skip advert
Advertisement

Is the new Volkswagen Golf GTI a return to form? – car pictures of the week

In issue 326 of evo, we get to know the Mk8.5 Golf GTI on some of the best roads in the UK – these are our favourite shots

It’s well documented that the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf GTI wasn’t one of the finest iterations of the world’s longest-running hot hatchback. It wasn't a bad car – the Clubsport in particular was formidably fast across the ground – but it fell behind its Mk7 predecessor in a few key areas, such as quality, ergonomics and ease of use. Key tenets of the Golf GTI, in other words. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Now, Volkswagen is having another crack at the formula with the revised Mk8.5 GTI, and we test it extensively in the latest issue of evo. To read the full test, pick up a copy of evo 326 in-store or online via the evo shop.

Visually, not much has changed for the updated model besides a new front bumper, new 19-inch wheels and new light units, but detail changes have been made elsewhere in response to criticism levelled at the Mk8. Climb inside and you’ll find a larger, quicker-reacting infotainment touchscreen, and the Mk8’s touch sliders for volume and temperature controls are now backlit. Finally…

The Mk8.5 is more powerful, too, stretching its EA888 2-litre turbocharged engine to 261bhp – 19bhp more than before. There are minor changes to the GTI’s chassis electronics as well, designed to restore some of the dynamic polish that its predecessor lacked. 

The results aren’t transformative, but the new car is a step in the right direction. ‘Put these pieces together and the GTI is really quite handy for covering ground quickly,’ we said. ‘It’s not especially memorable or interactive, but impressive in how it digs in, finds grip and strolls on to the next corner with very little drama.’

To find out whether the Mk8.5 is a genuine return to form, pick up a copy of evo 326 in-store or online to read the full feature.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Ford Focus RS500 (Mk2, 2010 - 2011): review, specs and buying guide for the original hyperhatch
Ford Focus RS500
Reviews

Used Ford Focus RS500 (Mk2, 2010 - 2011): review, specs and buying guide for the original hyperhatch

The Ford Focus RS500 is the ultimate incarnation of a hyperhatch trailblazer, and now they're like gold dust
13 Mar 2025
​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – from grassroots greats to supercar slayers
Best hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – from grassroots greats to supercar slayers

Contracted though the hot hatch market may be, there are still some great models out there, from the electric Alpine A290 to the five-cylinder Audi RS…
10 Mar 2025
Used Honda Civic Type R (EP3, 2001 – 2005) review, specs and buying guide
Honda Civic Type R icon – tracking
Reviews

Used Honda Civic Type R (EP3, 2001 – 2005) review, specs and buying guide

The early noughties Civic overcame opinion-dividing looks and flawed dynamics to become a legend in its own lifetime. To rev it is to love it
7 Mar 2025
Abarth 695C Turismo Fast Fleet test – 10,000 miles in the Italian hot hatch
evo Fast Fleet Abarth 695C Turismo
Long term tests

Abarth 695C Turismo Fast Fleet test – 10,000 miles in the Italian hot hatch

It charmed with its mischief rather than its muscle. Now this little car has left a big hole
7 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ferrari 296 Challenge 2025 review – Maranello's hybrid supercar goes V6-only
Ferrari 296 Challenge
Reviews

Ferrari 296 Challenge 2025 review – Maranello's hybrid supercar goes V6-only

Stripped of the road car’s heavy and complex hybrid technology, Ferrari’s entry-level competition car provides a glimpse of an alternative universe
15 Mar 2025
New Mercedes CLA revealed – BMW 2-series rival packs EV and hybrid power
2025 Mercedes CLA front
News

New Mercedes CLA revealed – BMW 2-series rival packs EV and hybrid power

Mercedes’ junior four-door saloon will reappear in its third iteration in 2025, with electric and AMG guises to follow
13 Mar 2025
Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming
2025 Porsche 911 GT3
News

Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming

The 911 will get even more exclusive and desirable variants with increased customisability going forward
12 Mar 2025