Ranked: Every generation of Volkswagen Golf GTI

Hot hatchback = Volkswagen Golf GTI. Like a hoover is to vacuum cleaners, or velcro is to hook-and-loop fastening systems, the Golf GTI is the archetypal hot hatchback. It wasn’t the first, it’s not the fastest and even today it’s arguably not the best – but it’s the most recognisable.

First launched in 1976 the Golf GTI has been through eight model generations since then. The latest variant is the Mk8.5, a light update to the Mk8 model released in February 2020. But is this the best Golf GTI yet – or is one of its greatest hits predecessors better?

We’ve ranked all eight full model generations of the Golf GTI from worst to best. You might disagree with our ranking, or you might think all Golf GTIs are rubbish – if that’s the case, check out all our other favourite hot hatchbacks right here.

You can also see Mat putting all eight generations of the GTI through their paces on the Carwow drag strip below:

The best Volkswagen Golf GTI generations

1. Mk2
2. Mk7
3. Mk1
4. Mk5
5. Mk6
6. Mk8
7. Mk3
8. Mk4

8th. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk4 (1998)

Engine: 2.0-litre, 150hp
¼ mile: 16.6s

This won’t surprise you if you know anything much about Golfs. The Golf that this model was based on took great strides in interior quality, spaciousness, design and safety – and its associated GTI did too. But when it launched in 1998 buyers wondered if Volkswagen had forgotten how to build a proper hot hatchback – especially considering it followed on from the disappointing Mk3 (below).

With a lethargic 150hp engine and a heavy body, the Mk4 GTI felt like a posh hatchback with a little more power – certainly not the zesty, fun pocket rocket that a hot hatchback should feel like. No wonder other spinoffs, like the R32, are much more fondly remembered than this generation of GTI.

7th. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk3 (1992)

Engine: 2.0-litre, 115hp
¼ mile: 17.6s

Like the Mk4, the Mk3 GTI felt flabby, overweight and soft compared to the two cars that came before it. It was several hundred kilos heavier than the Mk1 but with little extra power – though a beefier 16-valve engine came along later in the model’s life.

It was too little, too late though, and combined with a propensity to rust and a fragile interior these models didn’t age very well either.

6. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 (2020)

Engine: 2.0-litre, 265hp
¼ mile: 13.8s

This feels a little cruel, but you should know that from this point on there’s not much separating these GTIs. The Golf GTI Mk8 is a good car – it’s just that its predecessors were better.

With 265hp – the most of any Golf GTI to date – it performs brilliantly, especially in the most recent Mk8.5 format. The reason it’s so low is because it, a bit like the Mk4, seems to have forgotten the purpose of a fun, zingy hot hatchback. The Mk8 GTI is now automatic-only (look for a pre-2024 facelift model if you want a manual) and the interior is dominated by huge touchscreens, voice controls and AI. It feels grown-up and makes a brilliant daily driver but in the process, some of the connection to driving pleasure has been lost. You can see what Mat made of the latest Golf GTI in our video review above.

5. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk6 (2009)

Engine: 2.0-litre, 235hp
¼ mile: 14.8s

There’s not a lot to say about the Golf GTI Mk6. It’s good at most things, introduced the first (and so far only) GTI Cabriolet and still feels modern enough to be a perfectly good daily driver in 2024.

Our only criticism is that it really didn’t move the game on very much from the Mk5, launched in 2004 – so when the Mk6 went off sale in 2013 it was feeling rather left behind by the rest of the pack.

4. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk5 (2004)

Engine: 2.0-litre, 230hp
¼ mile: 14.9s

After the dowdy Mk4 model, the Mk5 GTI felt like a real return to form. It still had a high-quality interior and made a fantastic daily driver – but with a powerful turbocharged engine and fantastic handling, the driving magic was back again.

These vehicles lasted well, performed admirably and rightfully gave the Golf its crown back. This was a properly classless vehicle – equally at home in Kensington, Kettering or Kirkcaldy, sporty enough to look good but discreet enough to fly under the radar. They’re still sought-after today, for good reason.

3. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 (1976)

Engine: 1.6-litre, 110hp
¼ mile: 17.4s

Where it all started. While the Mk1 GTI may not stand up to scrutiny today – it’s pretty slow, noisy, and tinny – at the time it was an absolute firecracker of a car. It’s certainly the reason hot hatchbacks became so popular, being able to eat up a B-road on the weekends but still cope with the kids, the weekly shop and the commute Monday-Friday.

It still looks fantastic today, with those tartan seats, golf ball gearknob and red highlights all features that have endured through the generations. Used models are pricey and only going in one direction.

2. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7 (2013)

Engine: 2.0-litre, 245hp
¼ mile: 14.7s

Launched in 2013, the Mk7 GTI once again moved the game on. This generation of Golf was right from the beginning one of the most classy, solid hatchbacks you could buy – but with a 220hp turbocharged engine and a jewel of a chassis it’s up there with the best for driving pleasure.

You could get a Performance Pack model, with even more sparkle thanks to a limited-slip front differential helping you corner even faster. Special editions, such as the Clubsport, moved the game on even further. Enduring for seven years, the Mk7 GTI was still as good in 2020 as it had been in 2013.

1. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1984)

Engine: 1.8-litre, 129hp
¼ mile: 17.4s

Not the original, but often lauded as the best. The Mk2 GTI isn’t quite as usable everyday as more modern versions, but it still has perky performance from its 1.8-litre engine – and it had grown significantly in size and refinement over the diddy Mk1.

Mk2 Golfs are incredibly popular in the VW scene today with all sorts of mods, fixes and custom versions. But an unsullied one is a joy to drive – it’s light at only just over a tonne, looks fantastic with its square lines and solid stance, and is our favourite example of a performance icon.

Want to get a great deal on a new Volkswagen Golf GTI – or find brilliant examples of used Volkswagen Golf GTIs for sale? You’re in the right place on Carwow, and we can even help you sell your old car through our network of trusted dealers.