2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Photos, engines & full specs

The Golf GTI is considered the inventor of the hot hatch segment, and this model has attracted millions of buyers worldwide during its eight generations since it entered into production in 1976.

Even though the GTI was not the first hot hatch on the market, it was the most successful one. As a result, it is considered the forefather of this niche segment. While it was an affordable, go-fast hatchback good for everything in the beginning, it became pricier in the later generations. Still, those who were children and teenagers when Volkswagen launched the GTI were now full-grown adults and could afford one. Furthermore, starting with the third generation, it was available in a five-door configuration, and so was this Golf MK 8.5 GTI.

At the front, Volkswagen's illuminated logo integrated into the upper grille stood apart. It was flanked at its top by a horizontal LED stripe that visually connected the headlights. Moreover, the automaker offered the Golf MK 8.5 GTI with the second level, out of three, of LED headlamps. To emphasize the model's version, Volkswagen added a red stripe that crossed the front fascia and adorned the upper grille with the specific black and red GTI badge. On the lower bumper, the car sported a broad honeycomb grille interrupted in the middle by the radar needed for various safety functions.

From its profile, the GTI badge placed under the door mirrors was larger than before. Surprisingly, the standard GTI came with 17-inch alloy wheels, like its stablemates. The 18- and 19-inch sets were offered as an option. The trims around the windows were matte black, emphasizing the car's sporty character, while the B-pillars sported a piano-black color. Finally, at the back, the GTI featured the same raked-forward tailgate as the Golf GTI MK 8 but with a new set of LED taillights. As an option, customers could have the car with the IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED system, which added distinct taillights with cascading turn signals.

Inside, Volkswagen installed standard sports seats with integrated headrests covered in a fabric that resembled the one from the original 1976 GTI. Customers had the option to get them wrapped with suede and Alcantara. On the redesigned dashboard, the automaker placed standard carbon fiber-looking trims, but it put real carbon fiber on the options list. Fronting the driver was a 10.4-inch display inside the instrument cluster. It was configurable, and customers could change the layout via physical buttons mounted on the steering wheel. Atop the center stack, VW placed a 12.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. In the back, there was enough room for three adults, although the middle-seated one had very limited legroom due to the center console.

Under the hood, the Gold MK 8.5 GTI boasted an upgraded version of the two-liter gasoline engine that was installed on its predecessor. Its power has been increased from 245 PS to 265 PS (242 hp - 261 hp). Along with this facelifted version, it became the first GTI to be available exclusively with an automatic gearbox.