The VW Golf GTI is ready for its eighth generation, and we've had a trip to Germany to test whether it's still as fun as it always was.
Back in 1974, the first Golf GTI stood and shone at the international motor show in Frankfurt. It was a resounding success from the start. Originally, the plan was to build 5,000 cars. But when the first generation Golf GTI retired, almost half a million copies had been sold. Now the eighth generation is ready, and the basic principles are the same, writes Bil Magasinet . But over the course of the 45 years, the car has had growing pains. The two generations stand side by side here at the presentation in the German VW city of Wolfsburg, and the striking difference is the size. The new GTI is almost 60 cm longer than the old one. 
Same engine – overtaken by competitors! If you know the engine from the previous VW Golf GTI, you will not experience the great revolution – it builds on the same engine. It has the same bore and stroke, but the fuel injection nozzles have been changed and the fuel pressure has increased. In addition, it has been given a particle filter to meet today's environmental requirements. In standard trim, it delivers 245 hp, which is the same as the previous Performance variant of the GTI. Compared to the competition, however, the Golf GTI is at the bottom. The Renault Megane RS produces 280 hp, the Ford Focus ST delivers 280 hp, while the Hyundai i30N Performance is ready with 275 hp. Click 'NEXT PAGE' to read on Does it mean manual transmission? Yes, is the short answer! And it's a delicious one. With precise and short travel, the gearbox is easy to operate. However, you may miss the fact that the car automatically gives intermediate throttle on the downshifts, so you will look and sound like a real rally pro. This feature is available in all three aforementioned competitors. However, very few GTI customers choose a manual gearbox. 95 percent of all customers in Denmark choose a 7-speed DSG gearbox instead. We now grab the manual anyway. 
Is it an entertaining cousin? Again – the short answer is yes, of course it is. Especially if you compare with a regular Golf. But compared to the competition, it feels like VW is resting on past success and hasn't quite put enough effort into making the GTI even more enjoyable. It's too damn predictable and unbelievably disciplined, and you might miss some hellish savagery. 
