Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI review (2012-2020) – interior and technology
Being the same size as the standard Golf means the GTI is a very practical car. Standard tech includes DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and, perhaps most impressively, adaptive cruise control
If you need the extra practicality that rear doors offer, the five-door GTI can oblige. And you’re not alone. The five-door model accounts for about 70 per cent of all GTI sales. The GTI is virtually identical to the standard Golf in terms of size, so it's just as practical as the standard car. There's a generous 380-litre boot with an adjustable floor, making it better for luggage than the Ford Focus ST, but it has less cargo capacity than the Honda Civic Type R and significantly less than a Skoda Octavia vRS.
With the rear seats folded flat the load area becomes even more practical – it's completely flat and the low lip makes it easy to get things in and out. The rear seats are definitely large enough for most adults and there are plenty of storage cubbies around the cabin. Standard tech includes DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and, perhaps most impressively, adaptive cruise control.
The interior changes in the GTI are mostly contained to tech upgrades, with the GTI getting a new 8-inch infotainment system, although the larger discover pro system is available on the options list alongside a new set of digital dials. Both systems help raise the interior wow factor but don't work quite as intuitively as the standard dials or infotainment system.
