The eighth-generation GTI is touted to have been developed from scratch with a new generation of software and hardware with the driver able to decide on functions including the colour range of the background lighting and the individual configuration of the infotainment system, the Digital Cockpit and the engine sound - and they also have a greater influence on the GTI’s handling characteristics than before.
The GTI will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged EA888 engine that will provide 242hp and 370Nm of torque while being mated to either a standard six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) gearbox before sending the twist to the front wheels. Top speed has been electronically limited to 250kph in both cases.
Compared with its predecessor, the new GTI is now lower, longer and sportier with a better drag coefficient (Cd) that's been lower by 0.3Cd at 0.275Cd thanks to revisions to its external mirrors, its corners, roof spoiler, underbody panels and even wheel-arch linings.
The GTI still sports its "red strip" in the radiator grille that stretches across the vehicle’s entire front end above the radiator grille before merging with the fenders and is further refined by a parallel LED crossbar below it to give it a new light signature while LEDs are found in the front headlights and rear light clusters.
At the rear, the exhaust system’s tailpipes flank the rear diffuser as chrome/red GTI badges are found on the front fenders, the hatch and on the radiator grille - all while rolling on 17-inch Richmond aluminium-alloy wheels as standard or optional 18 or 19-inch wheels that partially obscures the red brake callipers.
Inside, the cabin features new sport seats with integrated head restraints with red stitching and a tartan “Scalepaper” style fabric on the seat and backrest areas as well as a recessed Wolfsburg emblem, golf ball gear knob.
There's also a new multifunction sports steering wheel with progressive variable-rate steering system comes with red piping and of course, a GTI badge and new touch controls while the new engine Start/Stop button pulses red until the engine starts.
The steering system now sports a more powerful electric motor that's been coupled with a more direct ratio and new software and algorithms that help to boost the ease of turning in tight situations, yet provide for a more direct feel on winding country roads. From lock to lock, the steering wheel takes 2.1 turns.
The Digital Cockpit is found as a standard option along with the 8.25-inch Composition Media infotainment touchscreen system that's been further digitalized and integrated into a network, providing We Connect and We Connect Plus online services and functions. The 10-inch Discover Pro system is available as an option.
Other standard features include single-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, LED cabin lights and two USB-C ports.
In the handling department, the GTI is said to provide an even more direct feel compared to its predecessor thanks to the inclusion of a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) that centrally coordinates all electromechanical running gear functions, reconfigured control arm bearings, 5%-stiffer springs, damping hydraulics and bump stops on the front suspension
The rear axle also features a new bearing and spring setup, with reconfigured helper springs and damper bearings. As is the case for the front axle, the rear axle also features new damping hydraulics while the rear spring-rate gets upped by 15%.
The VDM coordinates and activates the functions of the electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, the electronic XDS differential lock, and the adaptive damping system that gets managed up to 200 times a second for optimum grip that's said to have virtually eliminated understeer.
Although the GTI's electronic stability control (ESC) can be turned off, the inclusion of Front Assist and Swerve Assist will help to reactivate it back in an emergency.
9. Judging design in virtual reality.
For driving mode options, it still comes with three standard settings of Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual modes can be stored under a personal driving profile digital slider.
For added safety, the GTI is fitted with assist systems that include Lane Assist lane-keeping system, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring, the XDS electronic differential lock and also, for Europe, Car2X (local communication with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure).
