The Volkswagen Golf GTI, now starting at €59,470 in Ireland, is a hot hatchback that has had it's ups (price) and downs (no more manual).

The mark 8.5 has improved ergonomics over the mark 8, including the re-addition of physical rather than haptic buttons and the temperature sliders are now backlit so you can see them at night. And every single trip you will take in the GTI, no matter how mundane the route, will be made all the more special by this all time hot hatch favourite.

Physically, there’s a new front bumper, new choice of alloys and badging with LED lights front and rear. And while the 7 speed DSG has always been the best at both worlds, sadly there is no longer a purely manual version available to option.

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