Volkswagen Golf GTI (2012-2019)

By Jonathan Crouch

Models Covered

3dr/5dr Hatch

Introduction

The Volkswagen Golf GTI wears one of the most iconic badges around and this post-2012 Mk7 model proved to be a class act. It was bigger, quicker, better built and more efficient than its predecessor, offering a choice of three doors or five, standard or 'Performance Pack' models and manual gearbox or DSG semi-auto transmission. This car proved to be the best all-rounder from its era in the hot hatch division. But does it make sense on the used market?

The History

Before Volkswagen dreamed up the Golf GTI, there was no such thing as a 'hot hatchback'. Today of course, the phrase has entered everyday parlance and virtually any manufacturer that has a hatchback also has a hot one - or a warm one at the very least. It was 1976 when the original version of this car was born and since then, through continual generations and with the help of countless imitators, it has brought performance, handling and fun to the masses on an unprecedented scale. The Golf GTI we look at here was the mark seven version and claimed to be the best yet at its original launch in 2012.

But did that mean 'best of breed' or 'best in class'? This car, after all, may define the hot hatch genre but prior to 2012, it had rarely been recognised as the most accomplished car in its sector. In fact, to be brutally honest, there have been some distinctly average Golf GTI models over the years, the low point reached in the Nineties with unremarkable third and fourth generation models. All that changed though, in 2005 with a completely re-developed fifth generation version that also lent its platform and most of its 2.0-litre turbo mechanicals to the slicker MK6 design that followed in 2009. For the first time since the Seventies and early Eighties, a hot Golf was a credible driver's choice once again.

By 2012 though, Volkswagen's iconic shopping rocket was beginning to be overtaken by a whole host of rivals, all of whom offered more firepower and greater technical superiority. Another big step forward was called for - and this seventh generation Golf GTI claimed to represent exactly that. Wolfsburg's hi-tech MQB platform made it lighter and more efficient, there was hi-tech suspension and steering, plus extra power up-front (220PS) along with the option of a pokier Performance Pack (boosting output to 230PS) if that wasn't enough. A rorty three-door GTI Clubsport S version with 310PS was launched in 2016. And the standard GTI was facelifted, along with the rest of the Golf range, for the 2017 model year, an update that boosted power of the standard model to 230PS and that of the 'Performance Pack' variant to 245PS. In 2018, the standard 230PS model was phased out and only the 'Performance Pack' variant remained until the end of the production cycle in 2019.

What You Get

Let’s start with the detail visual changes made to the MK7 Golf GTI. At the front end, you get a red styling line that extends not only across the grille but also clean through bi-xenon light clusters that sit above three lateral high gloss black aerodynamic fins sitting either side of the honeycomb-trimmed screen that covers the lower air intake. At the side, there are red-on-chrome ‘GTI’ wing vents that begin the stronger of the two character profile lines, a crease that flows down the flanks into a silver centre section of smoked LED tail lights marking out a rear hatch styled to continue the understatedly purposeful theme.

Take a seat inside and there’s just enough differentiation to justify this car’s heritage and substantial asking price. There are of course the three features that brand aficionados will expect – the chunky three-spoke sports wheel, the tartan seat coverings and the golf ball-shaped gear knob. But this cabin is anything but a throwback, with buttons and switches precisely where you’d want to find them and everything just as it should be. Could it be a little more showy? Perhaps, but the red stitching, the dark roof fabric, the GTI trim strips and the stainless steel pedal caps do just enough to set the performance theme.

In the back seat, you’ll most notice the improvements wrought through the introduction of the hi-tech MQB platform - and the 53mm wheelbase increase it allows. Rear legroom rose with this MK7 model by 15mm. As usual in this class, three adults would be a little squashed here but a trio of kids will be quite happy. Out back, there’s more space for luggage than there was in the MK6 Golf GTI, the cargo bay 30-litres larger than before at 380-litres.

What To Look For

Most Golf GTI MK7 owners we surveyed were very happy with their cars, but inevitably, there have been those who have had problems you'll want to look out for. There have been a few reported issues with the DSG auto gearbox, so make sure the gearbox changes properly. Timing chains have been known to snap prematurely and cause major engine damage – yet another reason why a full service history is critical. GTI models can also suffer from quite high oil consumption, so it’s important to keep an eye on the oil level, to avoid damage to the engine or timing chain.

On The Road

So. Just how quick does a Golf GTI really need to be? The original version of this car back in 2012 offered 220PS – or 230PS in ‘Performance Pack’ form. As part of the facelift changes in 2017, those stats were changed to 230PS and 245PS. Either way, you’re looking at more than double the kind of power that was generated by the original MK1 Golf GTI we saw way back in 1976. You might think that still doesn’t sound very much given that all this car’s direct rivals from this period offer more – a Ford Focus ST from this era has 250PS, a Megane Renaultsport 265PS. But this Volkswagen’s efficient MQB platform means that both these cars are heavier – the Ford 100kgs more portly, which is one reason why this Golf, even in 220PS form, can pretty much duplicate their performance, rest to sixty two mph occupying 6.5s en route to 152mph. Still not convinced? Then opt for the ‘Performance Pack’ version that as well as the power hike comes with bigger brakes and an electronically controlled locking front differential.

Whichever version you go for, you’ll appreciate the 2.0-litre TSI direct injection turbocharged engine that was further refined for this 7th generation model. OK, so it doesn’t have too much aural personality, either on start-up or under hard acceleration, but you can readily forgive it that for the way it goes.

Overall

The very first generation version of this car set out to define a fundamental standard for performance that was more precise than any other compact car. So it is here. Long after the novelty of some rivals has worn off, this MK7 Golf GTI will always feel a class act. Crucially though, in this form, it’s also a very entertaining one.