Used Volkswagen Golf GTI 2013-2020 review

Few cars achieve iconic status and also define their own class, but the evergreen Volkswagen Golf GTI is one that has managed to do both. From its humble beginnings as a tarted-up version of the Mk1 Golf, its all-round competence and broad appeal have won the car the praise of motoring enthusiasts the world over and, in the course of a 40-year life, it’s gone on to spawn many hot hatch rivals, with some even borrowing those same three letters to emblazon their emboldened flanks.

The GTI recipe is actually pretty simple: take the standard VW Golf family hatchback – solid, refined and comfortable – and turn up the wick, adding properly increased performance, sharper handling and some subtle visual updates both inside and out to support its heightened sporting air.

Engines & Performance: This generation is based on the 2013-2020 VW Golf and it stayed on sale until it was replaced by an all-new model in 2020. You can have it as a three-door or five-door and it was the first GTI to be offered in two versions: the standard GTI, with a 227bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and the Performance Pack version, complete with a 10bhp hike in power, complemented by a limited-slip differential and uprated brakes.

Other, more niche variants are available, ranging from the 261bhp Clubsport 40 to the rare 306bhp Clubsport S – a hot hatch lap record holder at the Nürburgring race track in Germany for a time. There's also the 286bhp TCR, which acted as a last hoorah for this generation of Golf GTI.

Like the standard Golf on which it's based, the GTI was given a facelift in 2017, with styling tweaks and a new infotainment system, while the extra power in the Performance Pack version was upped to 15bhp. In 2019, the range was trimmed to just the Performance and the TCR.

In all variants of the GTI, the engine is smooth, flexible and loves to rev, although most of its punch is concentrated where you would want it, in the mid-range. In the dual-clutch DSG automatic version of the Performance Pack variant, it’ll fly from 0-62mph in just 6.5sec.

On that note, drivers looking for even more thrills can get their kicks in the VW Golf R, a four-wheel-drive variant complete with a 306bhp version of the 2.0-litre engine and suspension tweaks including a lower ride height and a stiffened ride. Such added performance and kit actually come at a relatively small premium, so those looking for the ultimate Golf might want to give it a go.

Ride & Handling: The GTI is very capable in the corners, with precise steering, masses of front-end grip and excellent body control. Its handling is ultimately poised and fluid, and its ride supple, but it doesn’t shout its intentions from the rooftops. There are rivals that are more vigorous and exciting, but you might argue that they lack the Golf GTI’s class.

Interior & Practicality: The driving position is spot-on and comfortable, and comes with a large range of adjustment. Visibility is excellent, and front and rear parking sensors are standard. The digitalised instruments are clear and easy to read, and the 8.0in high-definition touchscreen infotainment system is easy to operate (a 9.2in version is an option). The fit and finish is pure VW Golf, with impressive solidity and plenty of soft-touch plastics and good-quality materials. Added to that is a number of sporty details and reminders of GTIs past, such as the tartan-patterned seat option.

There’s plenty of space up front, and two rear passengers will have leg and head room to spare. Three abreast in the back is perfectly possible for short distances, too. There’s an easy-to-access boot of a very good size, with a height-adjustable floor and a flat loading bay when the rear seats are down.

Trims & Equipment: The GTI comes with high levels of kit, with cruise control, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, heated sports-style seats, a configurable 12.3in digital instrument screen, an 8.0in infotainment screen with sat-nav, a DAB radio and Bluetooth all standard. You also get 18in alloy wheels, sports suspension, GTI bodystyling with twin exhaust tailpipes, more aggressive-looking bumpers and a rear diffuser.

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Although it’s possible to buy a high-mileage example for £10,000, we'd suggest you spend around £12,000 to get behind the wheel of an early 2013 or 2014 car with an average mileage for the year and a full service history, bought privately or from a trader.

Up this to £14,000 for similar 2015 or 2016 cars bought from an independent dealer, while £17,000 will grab you a 2017 model satisfying the same criteria. Post-facelift cars from mid-2017 start from £18,000. Expect to pay £20,000 for a run-out GTI Performance from 2020.

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MPG: There’s no economy penalty for choosing either the three-door or the five-door version, since they both have the same figures. The standard GTI claims an average 47.1mpg under the older NEDC tests, or 44.1mpg for the automatic version, while the Performance Pack variant claims 47.1mpg, or 42.8mpg for the auto, all from the NEDC tests.

CO2 emissions: The regular GTI and Performance Pack cars with a manual gearbox have CO2 emissions of 139g/km, 148g/km for the automatic version, and 150g/km for Performance Pack cars with an auto box.

Road tax: Annual road tax for cars registered before the changes of April 2017 are based on CO2 emissions (see above). Cars registered after that date will be charged an annual flat rate fee. The current flat rate is £190 per year.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groupings have been kept low for the Golf GTI and range from 32 to 39, depending your chosen variant.

Servicing costs are moderate next to some of its high-performance brethren, but perhaps more than you’d pay for the average Ford or Vauxhall. VW also offers a number of differing servicing plans that help you plan for and spread the cost of the next two services.

Reliability

Our readers have expressed mixed feedback on the reliability and dealer service of the 2013-2020 Volkswagen Golf. Many owners praised the reliability of its engines, noting fewer major faults compared to other brands. However, electrical issues, particularly with infotainment systems and warning lights, were frequently mentioned and often led to repeated dealer visits.

Experiences with dealership service varied. Some praised prompt and courteous service, while others found repair costs high and service times longer than expected. A few readers were dissatisfied with how warranty issues were handled. While the Golf is generally reliable, inconsistent dealer service has left some owners frustrated.

Discover more about used Volkswagen Golf GTI reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

Buy the standard Golf GTI and you’ll be happy, but if you can find a car with the Performance Pack, we’d go for that – the premium isn’t huge. It’s a tad more fun and a wee bit nicer to punt down a winding road – in this class, such things are important.

For our money, we’d seek out the six-speed manual version of the car rather than the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic one, because it’s smooth, slick and quick in operation, and lets you connect slightly more with this fine driver’s car. However, if most of your work is in town, you might want to think about the auto' option.

Our favourite Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0 245 GTI Performance Pack

The Ford Focus ST has fine handling and a great driving position, and on top of that it’s great value for money as a used buy. It’s fun to drive and yet has plenty of room inside for the family. Its steering can fight under hard acceleration, though, and it’s beginning to feel just a little dated in this company.

The Hyundai i30N is one impressive car, with a responsive engine, great exhaust note, awesome ability on a winding road and it’s well equipped too. It’s not quite as classy all-round as the Golf GTI, but runs it pretty close.

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Interested in buying a used Volkswagen Golf GTI? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.