New VW Golf GTI compared to its main hot-hatch rivals

BMW M135i

Like the Mercedes-AMG A35, the new BMW M135i has the same 306 bhp under the bonnet. And, just like Mercedes, Munich, too, relies on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Due to the 332 lb-ft of torque, the M135i is only available with BMW's all-wheel-drive system called xDrive. Also included is an eight-speed automatic transmission. This has a starting price of £36,430.

Cupra Leon

The Spanish twin of the new VW Golf GTI is the future Cupra Leon. It already previews the engine range for the GTI: the well-known 245 bhp four-cylinder, plus the hotter 300 bhp GTI TCR with 295 lb-ft of torque.

The Cupra Leon will also have its own plug-in hybrid variant with 245 bhp, just like the VW Golf GTE.

The Cupra Leon is available as a five-door model and as an estate. The latter has the exclusive benefit of 310 bhp and all-wheel drive.

The Cupra Leon is scheduled for market launch in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Ford Focus ST

Since the days of the first Escort, sporty compact cars have a long tradition at Ford. The Focus ST is aimed right at the Golf GTI.

In addition to a 190 bhp diesel engine, the Focus ST is also available with a 2.3-litre petrol engine that offers 280 bhp and 308 lb-ft of torque.

There is a choice of either a six-speed or seven-speed automatic transmission. The petrol-powered Focus ST starts at £29,205.

Honda Civic Type R

The iconic Honda Civic Type R is one of the most potent front-wheel-drive vehicles on the market.

New is a slight facelift and the "Sport Line" version without the gigantic rear wing. Nothing changes on the engine: 2.0-litre turbo, 320 bhp, 195 lb-ft of torque. With these numbers, the Honda trumps the upcoming Golf GTI TCR on paper.

The Civic Type R starts at £31,870.

Hyundai i30 N

Does the Hyundai i30 N still pass for an under-the-radar hot hatch? Evidence suggests yes as former BMW M head Albert Biermann has put a competent hot-hatch compact on wheels.

The discrete i30 N with 250 bhp hasn't been available in Germany since April 2019. Only the performance model with 275 bhp and 260 lb-ft of torque is still available. Still quite new is the somewhat more sharply tuned i30 N Project C.

Fans of the i30 N are still waiting for a dual-clutch transmission. Perhaps it will come with the i30 facelift. The fastest i30 starts at £28,001.

Mercedes-AMG A35

Like the Honda Civic Type R, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is almost too powerful for a comparison with the VW Golf GTI.

Let's have a look at the numbers: 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, 306 bhp, 295 lb-ft of torque. Plus a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The A35 is also available as a sedan with a notchback design. with gives it a leg-up over the GTI. The five-door model demonstrates the premium demands of Mercedes: £35,580 is a lot of cash.

Peugeot 308 GTI

Peugeot also uses the abbreviation GTi for its sporty models but with a lowercase I.

The 308 GTi enters the ring with 263 hp (196 kW) and 251 lb-ft (340 Nm). It is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox. Cost: £29,780.

Renault Megane RS

A lot of performance for the money could be the motto of the Renault Megane R.S. The front-wheel-drive car has a good reputation thanks to fabulous lap times on the Nordschleife.

The 2020 Mégane R.S. is getting an upgrade. The 'ordinary' R.S. now makes as much horsepower as the Trophy model – 300 bhp, which is 20 more than before. Depending on whether you choose the manual gearbox or the double-clutch, the torque is either 295 lb-ft or 310 lb-ft.

But if you want the stiffer Cup chassis and the mechanical front axle lock, there is no way around the Trophy as before. 

Skoda Octavia RS iV

The Skoda Octavia RS iV is yet another in-house rival to the GTI, and it's getting ready to launch. Starting this August, it will be available as a plug-in hybrid, diesel, and with the same 245 bhp petrol engine as the Golf GTI.

Ideal for sporty family fathers, the hopped-up Octavia will be available as a saloon-like hatchback and an estate.

Used cars Volkswagen Golf GTI

This is the new 2021 VW Golf GTI. The optional honeycomb-cube fog lights are striking.

For now, the Golf GTI comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces 245 bhp and 273 lb-ft of torque. There is a choice between a manual six-speed gearbox or a seven-speed DSG.

There is a more powerful Golf GTI TCR being planned that's rumoured to develop 300 bhp.