Volkswagen Golf GTI review

The GTI range is a simple one to navigate. You either have a GTI or a GTI Clubsport with an extra 54bhp. This time round there's unlikely to be a stripped-out 'Ring special Clubsport S model, so the Clubsport will be the most driver-focussed the Mk8 Golf gets. No three-door bodystyle don't forget, and there won’t be a convertible, because that’s the T-Roc Cabrio’s job now. Ye gads. 

Official UK pricing is from £33,510. For that money, there are several cars with 50-60bhp more than the GTI – it’s by no means the quickest you can go at this level, and by the time the popular DSG gearbox and winter packs are added, the GTI’s over £35k. So just step up and have the Clubsport instead. In terms of monthly payments, there's no much in it. Using VW finance and putting £5,000 down over three years, you can have a boggo GTI at home for £415 a month, a Clubsport for £470. The 4wd £40,000 R will cost you at least £500. The GTI’s rock-solid used values mean these figures are competitive.

Bear in mind there’s more standard kit this time around (the bigger twin screens, the diff, more safety gear), though. You also get all-LED lights, semi-autonomous driving assist plus keyless entry and start as standard.

Official WLTP fuel consumption stands at 38.2mpg and 168g/km. We regularly see 33-34mpg in both GTI and Clubsport variants, with 40mpg possible if you're taking it easy on motorways.