2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review: Eighth Wonder

Home/
Reviews /

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review: Eighth Wonder 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI...

Lionel Kong

18/06/2021

Back to Page 1: Introduction

1. Introduction
2. Design and Interior
3. Driving Experience
4. Conclusion and Competition

Design and Interior

As we detailed during the official launch of the Volkswagen Golf in Singapore and also in the review of the base model VW Golf, the car is an evolution rather than a revolution.

Its overall shape is still recognizable as the smart and well-proportioned Golf, though the new, more angular fittings give the car a harder edged vibe. The GTI of course gets plenty of visual upgrades over the vanilla version, starting with the lower stance thanks to the sports suspension.

The front intake grille gets the traditional GTI badge, and the rear of the car features a pair of exhaust tailpipes, plus a large GTI logo under the Volkswagen emblem. More GTI badging can be found just aft of the front wheels on the front fenders. The Golf badge doesn’t actually appear anywhere on the car’s exterior.

The interior may share the same basic layout as the base model Golf 1.5 eTSI, but it’s also very different. There’s no mistaking the fact that you’re in a hot hatch rather than just a classy hatchback, with a purposefully sculpted steering wheel, body-hugging front seats, and in case you forget what you’re driving, another GTI logo set in the lower spoke of the steering wheel.

The digital instrument cluster has the standard layouts of the Golf 1.5 eTSI, along with a very handsome three-dial display that’s exclusive to the GTI.

The stubby little shift-by-wire gear lever greatly reduces clutter on the centre console, and there’s also a wireless phone charging dock fitted.

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI cabin infotainment screen

Everyone is getting in on the touchscreen interface these days and the Golf GTI’s control panel does take some acclimatising with its mix of touch buttons, sliders and touchscreen controls, but it seems to be what every carmaker is doing so we guess it’ll be the new normal in no time.

Here’s a weird one: Toyota’s first hot hatch in ages, and it’s totally sold out!

Rear seating room and boot space is as what you would expect for a Golf, which means it’s bigger than what you might actually expect if you’ve never driven or sat in one before.

To Page 3: Driving Experience

About the Author

Lionel Kong

An old hand from the bad old days of crazy COEs, the straight-shooting, ex-CarBuyer editor is back in the four-wheeled world. Rumours that he went to another country to start a Judas Priest tribute band are unfounded.

Related Models

CarBuyer – Revolutionizing The Online Car Marketplace In Singapore

Buy Used And New Cars Online
Start your car buying journey with CarBuyer as we connect you seamlessly to the industry’s best CaseTrust-SVTA accredited car dealerships. As a one stop car online portal you can now buy your new ride, be it a pre-owned car or a brand new car from trusted dealers all over Singapore, all in one place. Our ever expanding listing of quality and covet-worthy cars, new and second hand, from both owners and trusted car dealers, will leave you spoilt for choice. Refine your search by vehicle type, registration year, price, mileage, engine type, transmission, annual depreciation value and more to find the car that best suits your needs, taste and lifestyle. You can even search for your car by dealer or directly by owner.

Sell Your Car In An Instant With Confidence
We all know how selling a car in Singapore can be a daunting task especially for a first time car seller; from trying to get a valuation for your car, finding a trusted dealer, to getting the best quote on your vehicle. CarBuyer understands the hassle and even the costs involved and have as such partnered with Huawei to develop a FIRST in Southeast Asia AI car valuation tool that is able to provide a car’s resale value at the snap of a finger. Backed with a consortium of trusted CaseTrust-SVTA accredited car dealers you can be assured that you are getting the best price for your vehicle and do not have to worry about any hidden costs.

The Ultimate Car Shopping Experience Online
CarBuyer platform is the first of its kind to be backed by Huawei’s Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing, enabling it to be able to offer users transparency and enhanced security, all with the one aim of enhancing customer experience. So come on over to buy and sell used cars online at the best prices at CarBuyer Singapore. Connect easily with dealers in real-time via our online video call feature, or schedule a test drive when you’re ready. Have some questions? Get them answered instantly with our chatbot moderated by our responsive team. Stay in the loop with our car-related tips, reviews and news. Learn the ins-and-outs of your car, as well as global and Singapore’s car updates at your own pace.