Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020) Review
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020) At A Glance
If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Volkswagen Golf GTI review.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a constant of the hot hatch sector. Where others have waxed and waned with their offerings, Volkswagen has consistently offered drivers a hot version of its hatch and they have, generally, repaid this by choosing the GTI in large numbers. That has been the case with the seventh generation GTI, which grew in power from an initial 220PS to an end of the line 245PS, with the 265PS Clubsport thrown in for good measure.
While some manufacturers may have pinched the GTI badge for sporty versions of their hatchbacks, the fact is that there is only one true claimant to the name and that’s the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The seventh generation Golf GTI follows the now familiar formula with a turbocharged 2.0 TSI petrol engine, with power steadily increased during its lifetime, a front-wheel drive layout and, we're pleased to say, those much loved checker cloth seats.
Of course, it's a very different car from the original 1976 Golf GTI, but it's great to see this hot hatch survived the doldrums of the Mk4 from the late 1990s when there were some frankly terrible versions, the worst of which used a 2.0-litre engine with just 115PS. Not what you'd call fast.
Fortunately, those days are long gone. The fightback started with the fifth-generation model that set the template for what we have now and the Golf GTI is once again a bona fide performance machine. It looks the part too. The sharp lines of the new Golf lend themselves perfectly to the GTI and it sits lower with those lovely gloss 18-inch alloys now a GTI trademark bit of design.
There are plenty of nods to the past with the red stripe across the grille that now continues across the headlights which are xenon as standard. At the back there's a tailgate spoiler and dual exhausts giving it a purposeful but understated look. It's the antithesis of the brash Honda Civic Type R.
Under the bonnet, the Golf GTI in its seventh outing has had its power output steadily improved from launch in 2013. Back then, it was offered with 220PS as standard or you could upgrade to the Performance model with 230PS. A limited edition Clubsport model arrived in 2016 with up to 265PS on tap, while the standard GTI grew to 245PS.
The final fling for this Golf GTI was the TCR, which stand for Touring Car Racing, and has 290PS. That bridges the gap between the GTI and Golf R, so it tells you where the TCR’s performance lies with 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds but still with front-wheel drive rather than the R’s all-wheel drive set-up.
The interior of the GTI combines the high quality of the rest of Golf range with some nice touches including the checked cloth seats, red stitching on the lovely flat-bottomed steering wheel and of course the golf-ball style gear lever. It feels special from behind the wheel with superb fit and finish and a perfect driving position. Those sports seats provide excellent side and under thigh support too.
As an all-round hot hatch, the Golf GTI is easily the best on the market. Sure, rival cars may have more power or be quicker accelerating in a straight line, but nothing can match the superb ability and combination of power and finesse that the GTI offers. It's a car that's going to tick a lot of hot hatch buyers’ boxes.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 TSI 220 to 2.0 TSI Clubsport S
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 25–45 mpg
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020): Handling and ride quality
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is unbelievably smooth and forgiving for any car, let alone a performance hatch like this. It means you can comfortably live with the GTI day to day and happily take the family out in it.
Don't think the GTI has gone soft though. It's still sharp in corners with minimal body roll and even when pushed it responds predictably and safely. It certainly inspires confidence from behind the wheel. Elements like the short gear change and precise clutch help, while throttle response is instant. The Driving Mode Selection also helps here with a choice of Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual set-ups for the throttle and steering feel.
Volkswagen introduced a Performance Pack for the GTI early on, which boosts power over the standard version and also comes with uprated brakes and a limited slip front differential.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020): Engines
Every Golf GTI uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine. At launch in 2013, it had 220PS and the Performance version offered 230PS.
Volkswagen later uprated the standard hatch to 230PS and gave the Performance a boost to 245PS. For the end of production, the Performance was the only base GTI on offer with a DSG seven-speed automatic gearbox. Prior to that, there was also the standard and precise six-speed manual gearbox.
There have been two other seventh gen Golf GTIs, starting with the limited run Clubsport Edition 40 with 265PS to see off 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds. The other is the short run TCR, or Touring Car Racing, model with 290PS that covers 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020): Safety
When it was tested in 2012, the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf scored a full five-stars for safety overall. The GTI enjoys the same rating and comes with twin front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a driver’s knee ’bag.
Later models gained Front Assist that comes with radar-controlled distance monitoring and City Emergency Braking to spot hazards and use the brakes if the driver doesn’t react to warnings.
The GTI also has Hill Hold, Adaptive Cruise Control, parking sensors and Lane Assist, as well as Dynamic Light Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition. This is in addition to automatic headlights and wipers also being included in the GTI’s specification.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
2.0 TSI 220 | 47 mpg | 6.5 s | 139 g/km |
2.0 TSI 220 DSG | 44 mpg | 6.5 s | 148 g/km |
2.0 TSI 230 | 44–47 mpg | 6.4 s | 139–148 g/km |
2.0 TSI 230 DSG | 44–45 mpg | 6.4 s | 145–149 g/km |
2.0 TSI 245 | 43–44 mpg | 6.2 s | 148–150 g/km |
2.0 TSI 245 DSG | 45 mpg | 6.2 s | 144 g/km |
2.0 TSI 290 TCR | 42 mpg | 5.6 s | 153 g/km |
2.0 TSI Clubsport | 40 mpg | - | 162 g/km |
2.0 TSI Clubsport DSG | 40–41 mpg | - | 158–160 g/km |
2.0 TSI Clubsport S | 40 mpg | - | 172 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
78%
Real MPG
25–45 mpg
MPGs submitted
358
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020) interior
- Boot space is 380–1270 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4258–5258 mm |
Width | 1799–2027 mm |
Height | 1442–1492 mm |
Wheelbase | 2626–2637 mm |
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020): Practicality
The GTI takes the standard Volkswagen Golf interior, which is already pretty much spot on, and adds some neat styling extras. It helps lift the interior of the GTI above the ordinary as does the red stitching on the steering wheel and leather gear lever surround.
The driving position is ideal thanks to lots of adjustment in the seat, particularly for height, and in the steering wheel that moves for depth and angle.
Volkswagen’s Golf GTI is one of the most accommodating when it comes to people and luggage. You can the GTI in three- and five-door forms and both offer the same commodious interior dimensions. With the three-door, there is the drawback of access to the rear seats. For some, this is a sacrifice worth having for a car that is more sporting in its owner’s eyes.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020): Quality and finish
Volkswagen knows how to make interiors feel more substantial than their oppositions and this GTI is no exception. There is the sense it has been carved from a single piece of GTI-anium such is the feeling of strength to the way the doors shut and all of the materials feel.
This impression is furthered by the simple layout of the Golf GTI’s dash and the consistent, accurate panel gaps. It means there are not rattles or buzzes from the cabin as you drive, which adds to the idea the Golf GTI is a car from the class above the usual hot hatch machinery that makes up its rivals.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020): Infotainment
The Volkswagen Golf GTI range comes with an 8-inch colour touchscreen. Its ease of use is reassuring and VW makes sure of this with shortcut buttons for all of the major functions. There are also clear rotary dials to adjust the stereo volume and another for scrolling through the onscreen menus.
The screen itself has good resolution and, while not placed as high in the dash as some more recent arrivals in the hot hatch sector, it’s easy to see and read. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto supplied as standard, it’s easy to hook up your smartphone.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020) value for money
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020): Prices
Even as the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI arrived at the end of its lifespan, it was hugely popular. As a result, pre-registered examples of the 245PS Performance model were on offer with only a £500 discount from the original list price.
The GTI TCR was harder to find buyers dedicated enough for its more extreme performance, so discounts of £5000 were on offer for this model, so you’d pay £33,000 for one with only 500 miles on the clock.
Look for a three-year old Golf GTI with the 230PS engine and six-speed manual and there are plenty to choose from at the £18,000 mark with 30,000 miles to their credit.
Change that to a seven-year old and you’ll pay around £11,000 for a three- or five-door model with 70,000 miles under its wheels. This will get you a manual or DSG version.
Clubsport models start from £32,000 due to their rarity, while the more prevalent TCR will demand £27,500 for a one-year old model.
If you’d rather go down the approved used route and get a car from a Volkswagen dealer, there are plenty of Golf GTIs to choose from. You can fund these with a Solutions personal contract plan that works in the same as it does for a new car. You pay a deposit and monthly instalment and, at the end of the deal, you have the option to walk away or pay the balance to own the car.
All VW approved used cars come with a 12-month used car warranty and a year’s roadside breakdown assistance. You also get a guaranteed mileage and history check, 30-day exchange policy, and five days’ free drive away insurance.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013 – 2020): Running Costs
The most economical Volkswagen Golf GTI according to official figures is the early 220PS that claimed 47.1mpg. Real MPG figures show you are likely to realise 36.4mpg.
Best of the bunch in Real MPG tests is the 245PS Performance model with manual gearbox that comes in at 37.5mpg compared to a claimed 42.8mpg. On the other hand, the Clubsport is the least frugal with a claimed 40.4mpg and Real MPG number of 29.0mpg.
Most Volkswagen Golf GTIs find themselves in group 29 for insurance. The limited edition Clubsport model sits in group 33, while the later GTI TCR is all the way up in group 37, which is only a couple of brackets below the Golf R.
The last of the line Golf GTI Performance model will pay first-year Vehicle Excise Duty of £540 courtesy of its 170g/km carbon dioxide emissions. That’s cheaper than the TCR version which, with CO2 emissions of 175g/km, means the initial 12 months of road tax comes in at £870.
After that, every GTI model registered from 1 April 2017 will pay road tax at £150. Car prior to that will pay the levy at £165 for those in Band F, while the others that fall into Band G will shell out £205 every year.
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The Volkswagen Golf GTI’s equipment includes tartan-checked cloth upholstery as standard. There are heated sports front seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, air conditioning, electric windows all-round, 8-inch infotainment screen with sat-nav, and cruise control.
Outside, the GTI has 18-inch alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes, deeper bumpers and body skirts, plus a rear tailgate spoiler. You also get parking sensors, front foglights and a space saver spare wheel.
The Performance gained more power, plus bigger front brake discs and an electronic limited slip differential. From mid-2016, it also had an optional 12.3-inch Active Info Display in place of the usual analogue main dials.
For the Clubsport version, Volkswagen gave it 265PS along with Launch Control, and a black-painted roof. Inside were race-style front bucket seats and less trim to save weight. The GTI TCR has lowered suspension, microsuede cloth upholstery and sports front seats, as well as red edging for the seats and belts. It sits on unique 18-inch alloy wheels and has a bespoke front splitter, rear spoiler and diffuser.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4258–5258 mm |
Width | 1799–2027 mm |
Height | 1442–1492 mm |
Wheelbase | 2626–2637 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1307–1430 kg |
Boot Space | 380–1270 L |
Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
Servicing | 10000–18000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Space-saving spare wheel |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £26,825–£37,665 |
Insurance Groups | 29–34 |
Road Tax Bands | E–H |
Official MPG | 40.4–47.1 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 5 |
On sale until November 2020
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2.0 TSI 230ps 6speed GTI 3dr | £28,465 | 44.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
2.0 TSI 230ps 6speed GTI 5dr | £29,120 | 44.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
2.0 TSI 230ps GTI DSG6 3dr | £29,880 | 44.8 mpg | 6.4 s |
2.0 TSI 230ps GTI DSG6 5dr | £30,535 | 44.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
2.0 TSI 245 6speed GTI Performance 3dr | £29,930 | 43.5 mpg | 6.2 s |
2.0 TSI 245 6speed GTI Performance 5dr | £30,585 | 42.8 mpg | 6.2 s |
2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance DSG7 3dr | - | 44.8 mpg | 6.2 s |
2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance DSG7 5dr | - | 44.8 mpg | 6.2 s |
2.0 TSI GTI Tcr DSG7 3dr | £37,665 | 42.2 mpg | 5.6 s |
2.0 TSI GTI Tcr DSG7 5dr | £37,665 | 42.2 mpg | 5.6 s |
On sale until May 2017
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2.0TSI 220 GTI 3dr | £27,495 | 47.1 mpg | 6.5 s |
2.0TSI 220 GTI 5dr | £28,515 | 47.1 mpg | 6.5 s |
2.0TSI 220 GTI DSG6 3dr | £28,910 | 44.1 mpg | 6.5 s |
2.0TSI 220 GTI DSG6 5dr | £29,930 | 44.1 mpg | 6.5 s |
2.0TSI 230 GTI + 3dr | £28,490 | 47.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
2.0TSI 230 GTI + 5dr | £29,510 | 47.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
2.0TSI 230 GTI + DSG6 3dr | £29,905 | 44.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
2.0TSI 230 GTI + DSG6 5dr | £30,925 | 44.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
2.0TSI GTI Clubsport 40 3dr | £30,935 | 40.4 mpg | - |
2.0TSI GTI Clubsport 40 5dr | £31,590 | 40.4 mpg | - |
2.0TSI GTI Clubsport 40 DSG 3dr | £32,350 | 40.9 mpg | - |
2.0TSI GTI Clubsport 40 DSG 5dr | £33,005 | 40.4 mpg | - |
2.0TSI GTI Clubsport S 3dr | £33,995 | 40.4 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2017
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2.0 TSI 230ps 6speed GTI 3dr | £27,865 | 44.1 mpg | - |
2.0 TSI 230ps 6speed GTI 5dr | £28,520 | 44.1 mpg | - |
2.0 TSI 230ps GTI DSG6 3dr | £29,280 | 44.8 mpg | - |
2.0 TSI 230ps GTI DSG6 5dr | £29,935 | 44.1 mpg | - |
2.0TSI GTI Clubsport S 3dr | £33,995 | 40.4 mpg | - |
On sale until September 2013
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
GTI Performance 2.0 TSI 3dr | £26,825 | 47.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
GTI Performance 2.0 TSI 5dr | £27,480 | 47.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
GTI Performance 2.0 TSI DSG 3dr Auto | £28,240 | 44.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
GTI Performance 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £28,895 | 44.1 mpg | 6.4 s |
Model History
- April 2013: Volkswagen Golf GTI available to order in the UK
- September 2015: Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport announced
- April 2016: GTI Clubsport Edition 40 launched
- May 2016: Updated Golf GTI Performance model gets power increase
- January 2018: Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR announced
April 2013
Volkswagen Golf GTI available to order in the UK
Prices starting at £25,845 on the road.
Trim level |
Engine derivative |
CO2 g/km |
Urban mpg |
Extra-urban mpg | Combined mpg | Price, £ RRP OTR |
GTI | 2.0-litre TSI 220 PS 3dr | 139 | 37.7 | 55.4 | 47.1 | 25,845 |
GTI | 2.0-litre TSI 220 PS 5dr | 139 | 37.7 | 55.4 | 47.1 | 26,500 |
GTI | 2.0-litre TSI 220 PS DSG 3dr | 148 | 34.9 | 53.3 | 44.1 | 27,260 |
GTI | 2.0-litre TSI 220 PS DSG 5dr | 148 | 34.9 | 53.3 | 44.1 | 27,915 |
GTI Performance | 2.0-litre TSI 230 PS 3dr | 139 | 37.7 | 55.4 | 47.1 | 26,825 |
GTI Performance | 2.0-litre TSI 230 PS 5dr | 139 | 37.7 | 55.4 | 47.1 | 27,480 |
GTI Performance | 2.0-litre TSI 230 PS DSG 3dr | 149 | 34.9 | 52.3 | 44.1 | 28,240 |
GTI Performance | 2.0-litre TSI 230 PS DSG 5dr | 149 | 34.9 | 52.3 | 44.1 | 28,895 |
September 2015
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport announced
Has 265PS that increases to 290PS in 10 second "bursts". 0-62 in 5.6 seconds. Top speed 250kmh. (Skoda and SEAT offer this same engine with 280PS in the Superb and the Leon Cupra.) Orders open from January 2016. 6 speed manual or DSG. 42mpg claimed fuel economy with 160g/km.
2WD, not 4WD, but gets active front limited slip diff as standard and a very fancy pair of ventilated folding 'racing' bucket seats. Golf ball gearshift. 18" alloy wheeks standard. 19" 'Brescia' alloy wheels are optional extras. Main colour 'Oryx White' (other colours available). Redesigned roof-edge spoiler.
April 2016
GTI Clubsport Edition 40 launched
Available to order in Volkswagen UK Retailers now, the specially commissioned Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 celebrates four decades of a true automotive icon.
Powering this addition to the GTI range is a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine that delivers 265 PS, making it the most powerful Golf GTI yet. But that’s not the whole story. Accelerate hard in third gear or higher and, for up to 10 seconds, an additional ‘overboost’ function increases the engine power to 290 PS.
In the new Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 this power is channelled entirely to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG. The lightweight front-wheel drive system that is typical of the Golf GTI offers tremendous agility, working as it does in conjunction with an electronically controlled front differential lock and the XDS+ vehicle dynamics function.
The DSG version of the car is also equipped with launch control as standard. Just as with a track racer the Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 – which boasts an unladen weight of as little as 1,375 kg, depending on bodystyle – accelerates in a controlled manner from standstill using its maximum overboost power of up to 290 PS.
Top speed is limited to 155 mph and the 0-62 mph time for both three- and five-door versions – either manual or DSG – is a brisk 6.3 seconds. CO 2 emissions* range between 158 g/km and 162 g/km depending on bodystyle and transmission choice, while combined fuel economy* similarly varies between 40.9 mpg and 40.4 mpg.
The anniversary model is being offered with optional black painted roof which is combined with one of the body colours: Pure White; Tornado Red; Oryx White mother of pearl effect; Reflex Silver; Carbon Grey Metallic; or Urano Grey. The solid colour Deep Black pearl effect is also available.
Production of the new Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 is time limited, and it is anticipated that no more than 1,000 examples of the latest ‘collector’s item’ GTI will be made available to UK buyers.
Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 | |||||
Bodystyle | Engine | Gearbox | Power | CO 2 (g/km) | RRP |
Three-door | 2.0 TSI | Six-speed manual | up to 290 PS | 162* | £30,875.00 |
Three-door | 2.0 TSI | Six-speed DSG | up to 290 PS | 158* | £32,290.00 |
Five-door | 2.0 TSI | Six-speed manual | up to 290 PS | 162* | £31,530.00 |
Five-door | 2.0 TSI | Six-speed DSG | up to 290 PS | 160* | £32,945.00 |
May 2016
Updated Golf GTI Performance model gets power increase
It now has 245PS and the upgrade also results in a torque increase of 20Nm to 370Nm available in a broad band from 1600rpm to 4300rpm.
0-62mph comes in 6.2 seconds, from the six-speed manual and the new 7-speed wet clutch DSG shared with the Audi RS4, TTRS and T6 Caravelle. The GTI’s top speed is 155 mph in manual form, and 154 mph when equipped with the DSG gearbox.
Larger brake discs, with red-trimmed front calipers, and an electronic front differential are also fitted to the Golf GTI Performance, available to order immediately priced from £29,280 (RRP OTR).
Available with three- or five-doors, the new GTI Performance is fitted with Volkswagen’s advanced Active Info Display as standard. This turns the instrument binnacle into a 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT screen to allow the driver to choose from an assortment of potential car and journey information.
January 2018
Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR announced
Has 290PS engine and DQ500 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Roadgoing Golf GTI TCR is derived from the racing car of the same name – the two-time overall winner of the 500 car international TCR racing series. The street version gets to 62mph in 5.6 seconds.
The Golf GTI TCR is more exclusive than the Golf GTI Performance 2/3 (which produces 180 kW / 245 PS) and features technology such as Front Assist, Active Info Display and LED headlights. Standard equipment includes a front-axle differential lock, perforated brake discs, driving profile selection, premium front sport seats with a new microfibre/fabric design, seat belts with red edging plus an exclusive sports steering wheel. As with the racing series, its leather is specially imprinted (perforated leather) at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions as well as with a red mark at 12 o'clock.
The new Golf GTI TCR is also distinguished by standard 18-inch Belvedere forged wheels (or 18-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels, as an alternative), black exterior mirror caps, sill extensions, front splitter, TCR roof spoiler and a diffuser at the rear. he newcomer makes a further strong impression even before the driver settles behind the wheel, as the TCR logo is projected onto the road when the front doors are opened.
The Golf GTI TCR can be further customised with options such as a new honeycomb decor foil for the side panels, carbon door mirror caps, a black painted roof, as well as various 19-inch alloy wheels. The alloy wheels are offered as a package, which among other things includes a Vmax upgrade to 260 km/h.
The first package includes Reifnitz 19-inch rims with 235/35 R19 Pirelli P-Zero tyres, the top speed upgrade, a sports version of the rear damping system and the DCC adaptive chassis control system. The second package includes Pretoria 19-inch rims with racetrack-ready Micheling Pilot Sport Cup tyres (semi-slicks) sized 235/35 R19. Here, too, the top speed upgrade, the sports version of the rear damping and the DCC are included. This package also includes additional wheel locks with expanded anti-theft protection.
What to watch out for
MMI system fault reported on 2016 Golf GTI and Tiguan leading to loss of use of radio, sat nav, phone integration and access to some of the car's menus. This issue is apparently common on brand new Golfs and Tiguans across the range. Also reposts of same thing on SEAT Leon, but SEAT dealers already have a successful software fix. However, as with Toyota, the traffic jam avoidance system gets confused when faced with typical UK multiple traffic jams.
11-11-2015:MMI fault with new 2016 Golf GTI still not fixed after 5 weeks.
29-11-2015:Complaint of DSG malfunction in a 2014 Golf GTI 230 DSG. Owner habitually selects 'Normal', but on start up the car slips into 'Sport', even though the selector screen shows 'Normal'. This fault is happening increasingly frequently. Reader's dealer told him it had received similar reports.
10-10-2016:Report of August 2015 Golf GTI suffering deeply corroded rear brake discs after 13 months and 14,000 miles. Cost to replace £259. Owner not a heavy braker.
03-05-2017:Report of 2015 Golf GTI needing new rear brake discs and pads at 12,000 miles.
05-09-2017:Complaint of May 2017 Golf GTI infotainmant system switching itself off (usually soon after starting a journey) with the display saying "navigation not currently available" or "compass not currently available" (and the radio etc doesn't then function either). Then the system will switch itself back on, sometimes after a few seconds,sometimes after a number of minutes. This can happen again on in quick succession on several occasions before the system seems to settle down and remains on. Dealer updated the software but problem still occurs. Probably something to do with the DAB signal.
27-09-2017:Report of paint peeling off the rear wheelarches of a 2014 Golf GTI. Volkswagen checked the paint depth, found it to be correct and blamed untreated stone chips.
30-12-2017:Intermittent fault reported of orange engine management light coming on soon after 9,000 miles oil and filter change on a September 2016 Golf GTI 230 with Performance Pack.
04-01-2018:Complaint that 43k mile Golf GTI bought just five weeks previously on Das Welt requires new xenon power packs at £300 per headlight. Car later found to have sustained previous front end damage.
14-02-2018:Report of failure of engine of November 2014 Golf GTI Performance Version at 26,000 miles. It started misfiring/stalling, AA called and taken to Volkswagen garage. Originally thought to be a carbon build up issue. Investigated further by removing the head. Now diagnosed as a snapped valve spring which had travelled through the engine and ended up in the sump in bits.
30-03-2018:Complaint of same Golf GTI that needed new xenon power packs due to front end damage now suffering from failure of ACC and windscreen wipers. ACC could be due to the same front end damage.
23-04-2019:Report of 2018 Golf GTI juddering at the back and requiring new brake pads and the rear discs needed replacing.
14-07-2019:Report of DQ250 6-speed wet clutch DSG of 2016 Golf GTI failing very soon after its three year service. Volkswagen paid 90% of the cost and warranted the new transmission for two years, leaving the owner to pay £500.
03-09-2019:Engine thermostat failure reported in 2016 Golf GTI at 38,000 miles and just three weeks out of warranty. Volkswagen Customer Services refused any goodwill. Owner quoted £900 to fix by local dealer who was not the supplying dealer.
14-05-2021:Coolant leak on 2018 Golf GTI. Car was still under warranty and the coolant pump housing had to be replaced at the cost of £1053 by them. Car has just 18,700 miles on the clock.