- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr
2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback. 8th generation
The Volkswagen Golf compact hatchback has powerful modifications. Moreover, they already have a rather rich history. The GTI version first appeared in 1976. In February 2020, the manufacturer presented the eighth Golf GTI five-door hatchback with a powerful engine designed to deliver fast and safe driving pleasure.
If you don’t intend to conquer the Nürburgring and are just looking for a good car for daily driving, take a close look at the GTI. It is perfectly balanced and at the same time offers you a pleasant driving experience. It is beautiful, fast and comfortable, at least by the standards of a “charged” hatchback. Perhaps this is the best “charged” hatchback for every day.
Exterior
The new exterior of the 2020/2021 Golf GTI draws attention with its eye-catching elements, in particular a luminous bridge between the ‘squinted’ LED headlights and fog lamps in the form of five light spots in the bumper. At the same time, the design is somewhat aggressive with the wide air intake in the front bumper and large wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches to choose from (in Israel, the standard diameter equals to 18 inches).
The car has a more dynamic profile as compared to the previous model thanks to its new proportions with the increased wheelbase (by 16 mm) and length (by 32 mm) and a height decrease by 36 mm. Note the increased slope of the C-pillar. At the rear, the new GTI has a red stripe between the LED headlights, a traditional spoiler and two exhaust pipes on different sides of the bumper, as well as the usual signature chrome tailpipes inherited from its predecessor. Overall, the car is 4,287 mm long, 1,789 mm wide and 1,444 mm high, with the wheelbase of 2,627 mm.
Interior
The first thing that catches your eye inside is the ergonomic three-spoke steering wheel, covered with perforated leather in the areas that come in contact with the palms of your hands. It is slightly smaller in diameter than that of the road versions, has a red insert on the middle spoke and another GTI logo right in front of your eyes.
The new Golf GTI features a different virtual instrument graphics than the ‘civilian’ version, sports seats with advanced lateral bolsters and traditional plaid upholstery. Contrasting red ‘stitching’ on the fabric inserts of the cushions and backrests is a tribute to tradition, emphasizing the continuity of generations; red décor elements are scattered all over the place, you can find them both on the dashboard and on the door upholstery. The manual transmission lever is traditionally decorated with a stylized golf ball, while the engine start button pulses red before being pressed.
Powertrains
The 2021/2022 Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine with 245 hp and 370 Nm, just as the previous generation GTI Performance version. The manufacturer offers to choose from two transmission options: 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox DQ381. Only the second option is supplied to Israel. This hatchback is capable of developing speeds up to 250 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
An important detail is the standard electronic imitation of the XDS differential lock on the front axle, which determines the grip of each tire individually and adjusts the power transfer between the wheels accordingly. The car has a modified chassis with a rear multi-link suspension, and the ground clearance is reduced by 15 mm compared to the conventional Golf. For a surcharge, you can purchase a DCC chassis with adaptive shock absorbers, which is similar to that of civilian versions, but at the same time the GTI version has different settings, allowing more fully realize the engine potential at high speeds. Note that the operation of all systems is controlled by an Electronic Stability Program.
Equipment
The new Golf GTI for Israel is equipped with a digital Active Info Display, a wireless charger for a mobile phone and an original multimedia system that includes an 8.25-inch color screen, 7 speakers, a built-in BT headset and App Connect system for communicating with a smartphone via AppleCarPlay or Android Auto. The equipment includes a wide range of safety systems and driver assistants: adaptive cruise control, Front Assist automatic braking, Lane Assist, blind spot monitoring system and Travel Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system with route-keeping function.
The cars for Israel have acquired an electric panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, an electric handbrake with Auto Hold function, keyless entry and drive, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, 3-zone separate climate control, side mirrors. Such amazing components as electric adjustable and folding front seats with heating and leather upholstery, electric driver’s seat with armrest, interior lighting in various colors, driving mode switch, dynamic cornering lights, light and rain sensors, automatic parking lights are included in the equipment of the 2021/2022 Golf GTI.
