VW Golf GTI facelift unveiled - REVIEW 2024

Summary

This script provides a detailed walkthrough and review of the updated 2024 VW Golf GTI facelift. It examines the exterior changes including new grille, badge placements, wheel options, and IQ.Light matrix LED lighting. The interior updates are also covered such as the larger screens, new materials like real carbon fiber, upgraded seats, and wireless charging. The engine upgrades to 265 hp are discussed along with performance expectations. Overall it provides an in-depth look at the changes to the iconic hot hatch, highlighting the most exciting new features.

Takeaways

• 😀 The VW Golf GTI gets a facelift with some exterior styling changes like new grille, bigger GTI badges, and new wheel designs.
• 📸 New matrix LED rear lights with a unique design are optional and look quite fancy.
• 🚗 The 2.0L turbo engine is upgraded from 245 hp to 265 hp, with a 0-60 mph time around 6 seconds.
• 🚘 Interior gets larger touchscreens, back to physical buttons on steering wheel, and optional carbon fiber trim.
• 👍🏻 New sport seats are comfortable but reduce rear passenger legroom.
• ⚙️ Only available transmission now is a 7-speed DSG automatic.
• ❌ No more manual transmission option for the GTI.
• 🔧 Golf 8 build quality not as good as previous generations in some areas.
• 🎥 Also check out the Golf R facelift video for the performance version.
• 👍 Overall the Golf GTI receives some nice upgrades with this facelift.

Q & A

What are the changes to the front grille and logo of the updated VW Golf GTI?

The updated GTI has a new honeycomb grille structure since there is now an illuminated VW logo in the lower part. The sensor has moved from the logo down below the grille.

What is the new rear light signature of the GTI with the IQ.Light matrix LED option?

The top IQ.Light signature has individual rear light elements with a fancy, cascading turn indicator design.

What new wheel designs and sizes are now available for the GTI?

A GTI starts with 17-inch wheels, and you can option upgrade to 18-inch or even 19-inch in a new open-hole design style.

What changes have been made to the GTI's interior and seats?

There is a new sports decor carbon-fiber look trim and an optional real carbon fiber trim. The GTI sports seats are upgraded but the animal skin version is quite stiff.

What updates have been made to the instrumentation and infotainment screens?

There are now larger touchscreens up to 13 inches. The digital instruments get GTI-specific styling and are now adaptive. A head-up display is also available.

How has the engine performance of the GTI improved?

The 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine has been upgraded from 245 hp to 265 hp, improving acceleration to around 6 seconds 0-60 mph.

Is a manual transmission still available on the GTI?

No, Volkswagen has cancelled the manual option for the GTI, offering only a 7-speed DSG automatic.

How much cargo space does the Golf GTI hatchback offer?

It has a typical Golf hatchback trunk, with rear seats that fold down for added cargo capacity. Check the Golf hatch vs estate review for more details.

What is the top performance version of the Golf range?

The Golf R is the highest performance Golf, with over 300 hp. See the separate Golf R launch video for details.

What engine cover is in the engine bay of the GTI?

It has a basic plastic engine cover labeling the 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder, unlike a special design cover seen on past GTI models.