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.

Outlines

00:00

👀 Overview of exterior updates to VW Golf GTI facelift

This paragraph provides an overview of the exterior updates to the VW Golf GTI facelift model. It examines changes to the front with new grille, sensor location, LED lights. Also covers new 19-inch wheel designs, enlarged GTI side badge, IQ.Light matrix LED tail lights with animation, and large oval exhaust tips.

05:01

📱 Upgraded interior with larger screens, back to physical buttons

This paragraph examines interior updates in the Golf GTI facelift, including larger touchscreens, going back to physical buttons on the steering wheel, upgraded materials like real carbon fiber decor. Also covers improved head-up display, wireless phone connectivity, increased wireless charging pad power, and overall faster infotainment system.

Keywords

💡VW Golf GTI facelift

The VW Golf GTI facelift refers to the latest update or revision of the Volkswagen Golf GTI model, which includes aesthetic, technological, and performance enhancements. The facelift aims to refresh the vehicle's design, incorporating new features like illuminated logos, performance LEDs, and advanced driver-assistance systems. In the context of the video, the facelift is highlighted by changes to the front grille, lighting system, and interior upgrades, demonstrating Volkswagen's effort to modernize the GTI while maintaining its iconic sports car status.

💡IQ.Light

IQ.Light represents Volkswagen's advanced LED matrix headlight technology, offering dynamic lighting control for improved visibility and safety. In the video, IQ.Light is mentioned as an optional feature for the Golf GTI, characterized by its cascading turn indicator and enhanced rear lamp signature. This technology illustrates the incorporation of high-end lighting solutions in Volkswagen's performance models, enhancing aesthetic appeal and driving experience.

💡Honeycomb grille

The honeycomb grille is a distinctive design element of the VW Golf GTI, emphasizing its sporty character. The facelift introduces a new grille with a honeycomb pattern, which is not only a visual upgrade but also serves functional purposes, such as housing sensors for driver-assistance features. This design element is iconic to the GTI brand, symbolizing its performance and aggressive styling.

💡Sport seats

Sport seats in the Golf GTI are designed to provide enhanced support and comfort during dynamic driving. The video mentions these seats come with integrated head restraints and are available in different materials, including an optional animal skin pack. The focus on sport seats highlights the GTI's emphasis on a driving experience that combines performance with comfort, catering to enthusiasts who value both.

💡Digital cockpit

The digital cockpit refers to the GTI's advanced, fully digital instrument cluster, which offers customizable displays to suit the driver's preferences. It's part of Volkswagen's effort to modernize the vehicle's interior technology, providing information like navigation, speed, and engine stats at a glance. This feature illustrates the blend of technology and performance in the GTI, aiming to enhance the driving experience through digital innovation.

💡DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox)

The DSG is Volkswagen's dual-clutch automatic transmission system, known for its quick shift times and efficiency. In the video, the GTI's 7-speed DSG is mentioned, highlighting its role in delivering the car's performance efficiently. The mention of a small shifting lever as part of the interior design changes also emphasizes the blend of functionality and aesthetics in the vehicle's design.

💡Panoramic roof

The panoramic roof option in the Golf GTI enhances the cabin's openness and light, offering a more spacious feel. It's described as desirable for convertible lovers and contributes to the vehicle's appeal by providing an element of luxury. The video also discusses practical considerations, like potential issues at high speeds or maintenance concerns, reflecting on the trade-offs that come with such features.

💡Engine upgrade

The engine upgrade in the Golf GTI facelift refers to the increase in horsepower from 245 to 265, enhancing the vehicle's performance. This improvement is significant for enthusiasts and potential buyers, illustrating Volkswagen's commitment to advancing the GTI's capabilities. The focus on engine performance is central to the GTI's identity as a sporty, performance-oriented vehicle.

💡Adaptive suspension (DCC)

DCC, or Dynamic Chassis Control, is Volkswagen's adaptive suspension system that adjusts the shock absorbers in real-time, improving ride quality and handling. In the video, the ability to customize DCC settings directly from the steering wheel is highlighted, showcasing the GTI's emphasis on a tailored driving experience that adapts to different driving conditions and preferences.

💡Capacitive buttons

Capacitive buttons refer to touch-sensitive controls that have become common in modern vehicle interiors. The video discusses a shift away from these in favor of physical buttons for some controls, addressing feedback regarding usability and accidental activations. This change in the GTI's interior design philosophy reflects Volkswagen's responsiveness to driver preferences and the importance of ergonomics in vehicle design.

Highlights

First significant research finding

Introduction of new theoretical model

Discussion of potential real-world applications

Transcripts

Let's take a tour together of the updated VW Golf GTI.

So, the facelift for the Golf family, of course,

also for this famous sporty version.

And we start here directly at the front with Thomas

on Autogefühl in 4K, full screen, full length.

Let's go!

With the illuminated VW logo, it's also standard for the

GTI because the GTI also starts with these performance LEDs.

Just on top of that, you would get the matrix IQ.Light.

It's also equipped with this vehicle, but still an option.

You cannot see it though because this red stripe

here at the side is covering the IQ.Light logo.

But there is literally an indicator that you have the top LED trim.

Here, the cascading form of the turning indicator is only included in the IQ.Light.

Another news is that because you have this illuminated

logo here, in the lower part, you have a new grille,

honeycomb structure, and the sensor moved from the logo

down to here, but I think visually, that's quite okay.

So, overall, I think it is somewhat a visual upgrade, yes.

I think it's also fitting with that logo there

and, of course, typical GTI logo on the right side.

Yeah, I like it especially, of course, in the typical GTI red.

In the side profile, we can see that the GTI badge is now bigger

and went here underneath the side mirror with large lettering.

Also, new wheel style is available.

Actually, a GTI still starts at 17-inch.

Really?

And then, optional, you can go 18-inch and optional, optional.

Now, how much more money?

19-inch, and these are the ones you can see in this new open-hole styling.

Maybe a little bit Alfa Romeo styling, what do you think?

There's also been an Alfa Giulia episode recently

here with the facelift, also nice to watch it.

Then typical side profile, here the frames around are

just in matte black, not the best quality I feel actually.

But the wheels, I think, they do fit the vehicle very

well, also with the cool red contrasting brake calipers.

In the rear, I think you can see the biggest reason to go for the

top IQ.Light, the matrix LED, because

the rear lamp signature is different then.

This is here, the top signature, and then you have these

individual elements, and they look actually quite fancy, don't they?

So, the outline of the lamps, they have not changed what is inside in both LED trims.

Ooh, and look at the turning indicators or hazard lights with this IQ.Light

and in the rear, then these individual elements have the cascading form.

I think it's a great lighting idea, isn't it?

So, yeah, definitely one of the highlights, although this is once again an option.

And in the lower part, a very clear bumper and these real exhaust tips too.

It's actually quite massive, you know, considering it's a four-cylinder...

pretty cool exhaust tips, aren't they?

Interior-wise, you have this sports decor element as standard.

It looks like carbon fiber.

It's not a real one actually.

It looks and feels extremely cheap, I have to say.

Maybe they thought the same because now with the facelift,

you will be able to order real carbon fiber also for the GTI.

We can show you that at a later stage.

The GTI comes with these sport seats with integrated head restraints.

This is here the optional animal skin pack.

Better, more comfortable, and more breathable would be just a standard

one with fabric on the inside and some microfiber accentuations.

The overall form is good, really good comfort.

And also here...

No, cancel, cancel.

This is always with the voice assistant systems.

That's why I tend to deactivate them.

Headroom. 6'2" or 1 meter 89, still leaves some headroom.

This is also the one with the panoramic roof.

You can actually also open that one.

It's actually quite nice, and then, there is this shade, a manual one.

I am totally okay with the manual shade, by the way.

For me personally, I love to

drive with panoramic roofs.

Yes, because I'm a convertible lover,

and when the car is closed, it's also nice to

have at least something, but then again, some

of them do not really work at higher speeds, even

if you're driving countryside roads, and, you

know, my technician at the workshop, my local

workshop nearby, he always says, "Go convertible,

or go closed roof because the small panoramic roofs tend to

give problems after a while, like leaking, squeaking, and so on."

Interior cockpit overview: now with larger

screens, and here also on the steering wheel...

going away again from #CapacitiveBS

buttons, well, it is high glossy black,

therefore, it does collect fingerprints, but you can really press these buttons.

Again, that's good, and also, it doesn't happen that you accidentally press them.

If the R will also go back that way, it's

not decided yet, but for the GTI, for sure, I

think that's a good step.

And you can also,

for example, switch the DCC settings here.

Left to right.

You can individualize your DCC if you have that adaptive suspension.

The digital instruments also get a special GTI styling and they're always adaptive.

You can change the different stylings according to your liking.

And you can also get a head-up display.

It's a real one.

Is going into the windscreen.

The new large infotainment system, helpful also for Apple CarPlay and

Android Auto, wired or wireless because you can see things easier,

also when you use Google Maps and so on, that's pretty helpful,

and the overall car internal system is really quicker than before.

Here, this way for seat cooling or seat heating, then the climate unit

is either here or then with these sliders, at least they are backlit.

Can't see at the daylight, but they are backlit.

That's one step forward

even though a real climate unit would still be better.

So, this 13-inch screen is standard for Style,

R-line, GTI, and, of course, also for the R.

In the front there, two

USB-C chargers, and then

underneath here is the inductive charging pad that now is more powerful

in the output and also with these cooling vents against overheating.

Since this generation, the 7-speed DSG has this small shifting

lever, it cleans up everything, but also feeling less sporty, I feel.

In the rear of a Golf hatch, not too much space for your

legs, actually, when also a tall adult is driving because

these sport seats here, especially in the GTI, or if you

have an R-Line or something, they are quite voluminous.

Good for the front seats, not so good for the rear

passengers, but the comfort itself is quite okay.

Headroom still leaves some, also for tall adults, however, also in the

rear, the animal skin material is way stiffer and you have less comfort.

For accessing the trunk, it's always nice

when you see the GTI badge and then you flip

the logo right here and you have the typical

Golf hatch trunk like this.

Underneath some sound system equipment,

for example, also possible

spare tire, and you can also, of course, fold the seats.

If you want to see more with measurements and so on, you can also check out

our general Golf facelift review where we compare the hatch versus the estate.

As for the engine. Well, first of all, Golf 8 just has this manual

strut, no gas strut anymore, no real paint like on the exterior.

I'm not sure, am I nitpicking on this one or am

I right on this one, especially for a Golf GTI?

Tell me in the comments.

About the engine itself.

I would like a special engine cover, honestly.

Here, 4-cylinder is kind of like visualized 2-liter 4-cylinder

turbo engine, now upgraded from 245 to 265 horsepower.

Acceleration figure for GTI always around 6 seconds in this generation.

We'll also later on, when we drive the car and so on,

release the final figure for the upgraded horsepower version.

Always front-wheel drive, of course, and there

will still be a GTI Clubsport with 300 horsepower.

Looking for a manual still?

They cancelled this option now, only 7-speed DSG.

And now, if you want to see more of the Golf facelift in general with

different versions, tune into this video.

Or see me launching out the Golf R.