Volkswagen Golf GTI review

The GTI range is a simple one to navigate. You either have a GTI or a GTI Clubsport with an extra 35bhp. This time round there's unlikely to be a stripped-out 'Ring special Clubsport S model, so the Clubsport will be the most driver-focussed the Mk8 Golf gets. No three-door bodystyle don't forget, and there won’t be a convertible, because that’s the T-Roc Cabrio’s job now.

Official UK pricing is from £38,900. For that money, there are several cars available with more power than the GTI. It’s by no means the quickest you can go at this level, and by the time the fancy red paint (£885), sunroof (£1,220) and DCC adaptive suspension (£720 including an upgrade to 19-inch wheels) are added, the GTI’s over £40k. So just step up and have the £41,655 Clubsport instead.

In terms of monthly payments, there's not much in it. Using VW finance and putting £5,835 down (with a handy VW contribution of £3,250) over four years, you can have a boggo GTI at home for £382.81 a month. With the same deal, a Clubsport is £410.56 per month. The 4WD £43,000+ R will cost you at least £430. The GTI’s rock-solid used values mean these figures are competitive.

Bear in mind there’s more standard kit this time around (the bigger infotainment screen, the diff, more safety gear), though. You also get all-LED lights, semi-autonomous driving assist plus keyless entry and start as standard.

Official WLTP fuel consumption stands at 39.6mpg and 162g/km for the standard GTI, and we saw an easy 35mpg on a mixed route with motorway, town and country driving all involved. As with the Mk8 GTI, 40mpg should be possible if you're taking it easy on motorways.