Volkswagen Golf Mark 8 GTI 2021: the original hot hatch priced for Australia

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The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI will go on sale on the 24th of May, with the eighth iteration of the original hot hatch starting from $53,100 before on-road costs.

Following the regular Golf GTI will be the more focused Clubsport variant, though Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed for that vehicle.

Regardless, the standard GTI sees a significant price increase compared to the outgoing Mark 7.5 Golf GTI, which by the end of its life was priced from $47,190 ($52,077 driveaway).

The new Golf GTI will sit atop the eight-generation Volkswagen Golf range, at least until the all-wheel-drive Golf R arrives.

That increased price will see the Golf GTI wade into battle against hot hatches like the Civic Type R, Renault Megane R.S. and put it at near price-parity with the forthcoming BMW 128ti.

Under the bonnet of the new GTI is the Volkswagen Group’s venerable ‘EA888’ two-litre turbocharged engine which makes 180kW of power and 370Nm of torque. 

Those paying attention will know those figures match the outgoing GTI, which Australia only received with the performance pack from 2019 onwards. The performance pack brought power up from 169kW and torque from 350Nm compared to the ‘standard’ GTI.

Naturally, the new GTI sends its power to the front wheels, though now via an electronically controlled front differential. The Mark 8 Golf will be available exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in Australia.

The wet-clutch DSG is no longer controlled by a traditional stick. Instead, the GTI adopts a ‘stubby nub’ reminiscent of the Porsche 911, with paddles for manual control behind the steering wheel. 

Justifying the extra cost is a whole host of new technology, including the standard fitment of Volkswagen’s Innovision cockpit, first seen in the Touareg SUV. A ten-inch touchscreen runs standard navigation, which can be loaded onto the customisable 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.

Other cabin features include sports seats that are, naturally, appointed in tartan cloth, a flat-bottom steering wheel, ambient lighting and a design that revolves around touchscreens instead of buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will make it onto the new GTI.

Volkswagen offers heated and ventilated leather-appointed front seats, heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof in a $3,800 luxury package. A head-up display is bundled with a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system in the sound & vision package for $1,500. 

Outside, the GTI has softened its appearance somewhat, though an LED strip that runs along the width of the grille highlights the GTI’s iconic red detailing nicely.

Trainspotters will be able to tell the GTI apart from cooking counterparts via its badging, bespoke LED headlights and 18-inch ‘Richmond’ alloy wheels.

Safety features have been bolstered for the Mark 8, with Volkswagen including its full I.Q.Drive suite. That means AEB with pedestrian, cyclist, junction and reverse functionality is standard alongside adaptive cruise control with stop & go, front and rear parking sensors and safe-exit assist.

Volkswagen will offer seven colour choices for the Mark 8 GTI in Australia, with all except Kings Red Metallic ($300) no-cost options.

Australian sales of the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI will commence on the 24th of May.

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI: pricing in Australia

Prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Golf GTI DSG – $53,100
• Sound & Vision package – $1,500
• Luxury package – $3,800