Volkswagen Golf GTI (05-08) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 21 July 2008
The Golf GTI came back with a bang in 2005. Powered by a turbocharged 200bhp 2.0T FSI engine, it's smooth, refined and pleasingly quick to drive plus there's a choice of the standard six-speed manual or an optional semi-automatic DSG gearbox. On the road the GTI is simply superb, cornering with accurate precision and providing plenty of surefooted grip. It looks the part too with styling cues and features such as the chequered seat fabric designed to evoke memories of the original model. Stylish, quick and enjoyable to drive, as hot hatches go, the Golf GTI is firmly back on top. Two special editions, the Edition 30 and Pirelli, offer 30bhp more than the standard GTI, along with unique styling touches inside and out.
4.5 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

Despite having 20bhp more than the previous 180bhp GTI, this model only moves up one insurance group to 17. Service costs are average with the class, but that still means pretty high bills, however at 35mpg fuel consumption is respectable for a hot hatch.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable according to on board computer.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£250.00 - £250.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
    194
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The GTI is fairly green considering it's a hot hatch. The standard car with the six-speed gearbox emits 189g/km of CO2 while opting for the DSG gearbox means this figure actually drops to 188g/km. The GTI 30 and Pirelli editions emit 194g/km of CO2 while the DSG versions emits the same 188g/km as the standard GTI. Fuel consumption is respectable at 35mpg for the GTi, 34mpg for the special edition versions and 36mpg for both DSG models.

Find the exact engine and CO2