CylinderForge
Log in
Volkswagen Golf

Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

Euro NCAP · 2019

245 hp · 370 Nm

One of the reference models in the compact class. 2020-2024 first series (Phase 1): 1.0 eTSI 110 PS DSG, 1.5 eTSI 150 PS DSG and GTI 2.0 TSI 245 PS DSG. 2024 facelift (Mk8.5, model start 07/2024): 1.5 TSI 116 PS and 150 PS manual/DSG, 1.5 eTSI 116 PS and 150 PS mild-hybrid DSG, GTI 265 PS (manual dropped); the 1.0 eTSI is not in this line-up. Ride comfort and handling are its strengths; the touch-heavy cockpit and the software bugs of the early years are the most criticised points.

Buying risk: Low

No serious fault on record (3 minor). 3 recall(s) on record. Still get an inspection. Inspection checklist

Strengths

  • Quick: 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 s.
  • 5 stars in the crash test (2019).
  • No high-severity (costly or stranding) issue on record in our database yet.

Who is it for?

  • People who put safety first
  • People who want driving fun and quick acceleration
  • sec 0-100 6.2
  • L/100 km 7
  • Drivetrain Front-wheel drive
  • Transmission Dual-clutch automatic (DCT/DSG)
Share
  • Unverified data
  • Reported problem: 3 record(s)
  • Hatchback · Petrol · 2020–2024 · Market: Turkey, Europe

General information

Brand / country
Volkswagen (Germany)
Model / generation
Golf · Golf 8 (Mk8 (CD1))
Body type
Hatchback
Trim level
GTI
Market sold in
Turkey, Europe
Production years
2020–2024
Number of seats
5
Fuel type
Petrol

Engine

Engine
2.0 TSI 245 PS (GTI)
Engine code
DNFF
Engine family
EA888 evo4
Layout
Inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC
Engine displacement
1,984 cc
Number of cylinders
4
Turbo
Turbo
Fuel system
Direct + port injection
Timing drive
Timing chain
Power
245 hp @ 5000-6500 rpm
Torque
370 Nm @ 1600-4300 rpm

It has a petrol particulate filter (OPF). It uses a timing chain; listen for noise from the chain tensioner. After 2024 (Golf 8.5) the GTI comes with a 265 PS version; this record shows the 245 PS 2020-2024 setup.

Transmission

Transmission
7-speed DSG (wet clutch)
Type
Dual-clutch automatic (DCT/DSG)
Number of gears
7
Code
DQ381-0GC
Manufacturer
Volkswagen
Clutch
Wet multi-plate dual clutch
Transmission oil
G 055 529 A2 · 5.8 L · Change at 60,000 km

A wet (oil-bath) dual-clutch gearbox for high-torque engines. It is much more resistant to overheating than the DQ200.

Oil and filter changes should not be skipped; otherwise knocking may appear during gear changes.

Drive modes

EcoComfortSportIndividual

Performance and consumption

0-100 km/h
6.2 sec
100-200 km/h
16.5 sec
Top speed
250 km/h
Average consumption (WLTP)
7 L/100 km
City
9 L/100 km
Highway
6.1 L/100 km
Fuel tank
50 L
CO₂ emissions
159 g/km

In sporty driving: may rise to 9-11 L/100 km.

Dimensions and capacity

Length
4,287 mm
Width (without mirrors)
1,789 mm
Height
1,478 mm
Wheelbase
2,619 mm
Ground clearance
125 mm
Trunk volume
374 L (rear seats folded: 1,230 L)
Number of seats
5
Curb weight
1,430 kg
Gross weight
1,910 kg
Payload capacity
480 kg
Towing capacity
Braked 1,600 kg / unbraked 710 kg

Tires, brakes and suspension

Front tires
225/40 R18 92Y
Rear tires
225/40 R18 92Y
Rim size
18" (optional: 19")
Spare tire
Tire repair kit
Tire pressure (front / rear)
2.5 / 2.4 bar
Front brakes
Ventilated disc (340 mm, red caliper)
Rear brakes
Disc (310 mm)
Front suspension
MacPherson, sport tuning (-15 mm)
Rear suspension
Multi-link + DCC adaptive dampers (optional)
Steering
Progressive steering

When driving at high speed (>160 km/h), use the 'high speed' values on the label.

Safety

★★★★★

Euro NCAP 2019

Adult
95%
Child
89%
Pedestrian
76%
Safety assist
78%
7 airbags yes ABS yes ESP yes Emergency braking assist yes Lane keeping yes Blind spot warning yes Adaptive cruise control yes
  • XDS+ electronic differential lock
  • Travel Assist
  • eCall

Comfort and multimedia

Multimedia
Discover Pro (10")
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless phone connection
Yes
Air conditioning
3-zone automatic climate control
Seats
GTI sport seats (tartan fabric)
  • IQ.LIGHT matrix LED (optional)
  • Harman Kardon sound system (optional)

Maintenance

Service interval
15,000 km or 12 months
Engine oil
VW 508 00 – 0W-20 · 5.7 L · Change at 15,000 km
Timing
Timing chain
Coolant
G12evo (TL 774 L)
Brake fluid
DOT 4 (VW 501 14) · Every 24 months
Battery
12V AGM 68 Ah (start-stop)

Check by mileage and age

Car age

Upcoming maintenance items

    Note: the calculation assumes maintenance is done on time. When buying used, always ask for the service records.

    Maintenance schedule

    ItemMileageTimeNote
    Engine oil + oil filter 15,000 km 12 months 0W-20 approved to VW 508 00. With flexible (LongLife) servicing the car may go up to 30,000 km / 24 months; follow the service indicator and the service records.
    DSG oil + filter 60,000 km — Important for the wet-clutch DQ381.
    Spark plugs 60,000 km 72 months Earlier in sporty driving.
    Air filter 60,000 km 72 months
    Pollen filter 30,000 km 24 months
    Brake fluid — 24 months

    Problems users report most often

    3 record(s)

    Unverified data · Source: Volkswagen, ADAC, AMS, angurten.de, KBA 15269R, Euro NCAP 2019 (2026) · Last updated: 2026-10-18

    • Water pump leak

      Severity: Medium

      On EA888 engines, the plastic-housed water pump/thermal management module can leak.

      Symptoms: Coolant is dropping; a dried antifreeze trace is visible on the right side of the engine.

      Engine 50,000 – 120,000 km Estimated cost: 15,000 – 30,000 ₺

    • Multimedia and software bugs

      Severity: Medium

      On first-production (2020-2021) cars, screen freezing, blacking out, voice commands not working and the digital cluster restarting were frequently reported. Most were fixed with software updates (ID 3.x and later).

      Symptoms: The screen stays black, the climate controls don't respond, and Bluetooth disconnects.

      Whole generation At every mileage Estimated cost: 0 – 2,500 ₺

    • Touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons and climate control

      Severity: Low

      Capacitive (touch) steering wheel buttons and the sliding volume/temperature bar can be triggered accidentally or may not respond. Although it's a usability issue rather than a fault, it is one of the most common complaints.

      Symptoms: Cruise control switches off and the sound changes by itself when touched by hand.

      Whole generation At every mileage Estimated cost: —

    Recalls

    • 2025 · Passenger seat belt anchorage — KBA 15269R (VW code 69PD, July 2025): on 39,131 Golf 8 and Variant cars worldwide built between 9 February and 24 May 2024 (Germany: 17,376), the front passenger seat belt may have been attached incorrectly at the B-pillar anchor point; protection in a crash could be reduced. An authorised workshop checks the belt and anchor and replaces a part if needed (about 1 hour). The manufacturer stated that no accidents or injuries were reported. There is also a parallel entry covering the same problem on 10 cars under KBA 15275R (VW 69PP).
    • 2020 · Infotainment (MIB3) software update — A voluntary service measure (freiwillige Servicemaßnahme) was applied to about 56,000 Golf 8 cars because of the infotainment and rear-view camera software; complaints of screen freezing were reported. Whether the scope is Germany or worldwide is unclear from the single source; no KBA record was found. It is not a legally mandatory recall.
    • 2020 · eCall emergency call software — It was found that in some cars the eCall system may fail to place the emergency call successfully in a crash; the KBA monitored this recall (15,008 vehicles in Germany, 36,166 worldwide), sales were temporarily halted and a software update was applied.

    Parts

    Important parts and equipment

    GroupPartDescription
    Engine Turbo (IHI IS20) Single turbo.
    Engine Timing chain and tensioner Chain noise should be monitored on cold starts.
    Engine Water pump (thermal management module) Plastic housing, can leak.
    Gearbox DQ381 mechatronic Wet dual clutch inspection.
    Brake 340 mm front disc Large brakes specific to the GTI.
    Exhaust Gasoline particulate filter (OPF)

    Used / spare part prices

    PartCategoryAvailabilityAverage price
    Periodic maintenance kit (oil + filter) Maintenance Easy to find 5,000 – 9,000 ₺
    Pollen filter Maintenance Easy to find 500 – 1,500 ₺
    Front brake pads Brake Easy to find 3,000 – 7,000 ₺
    Front brake disc (pair) Brake Easy to find 6,000 – 13,000 ₺
    LED front headlight (protruding) Bodywork / Lighting Medium 20,000 – 60,000 ₺
    Front bumper (used part) Bodywork / Lighting Easy to find 7,000 – 18,000 ₺
    Complete side mirror (used part) Bodywork / Lighting Easy to find 6,000 – 15,000 ₺
    Thermostat + water pump housing Cooling Easy to find 5,000 – 12,000 ₺

    Prices are estimated ranges as of 2026-10-01; confirm the current price with the seller.

    Source: Volkswagen, ADAC, AMS, angurten.de, KBA 15269R, Euro NCAP 2019 (2026) · Last updated: 2026-10-18

    Is something wrong here?