Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback (2013-2020) - Practicality & boot space

One of the attractions of hot-hatchback ownership is that you don’t have to sacrifice practicality for performance. The Golf GTI is no different, offering the same amount of storage and passenger space as the standard Golf hatchback. It’s just as easy to get in and out of and the boot is exactly the same size. Bear in mind, though, that access to the rear seats is considerably more challenging in the three-door version.

If you want even more practicality from your performance car, Volkswagen offers estate versions of the diesel Golf GTD and more powerful Golf R. The Golf GTI itself is not available as an estate, however its direct rival the Ford Focus ST is.

Volkswagen Golf GTI interior space and storage

No matter where you sit in the GTI, there’s plenty of room to get comfortable. The Golf hatchback has space in the rear for three adults at a push, although two will be far comfier – the sizeable transmission tunnel running down the centre of the car eats into the middle rear passenger’s foot space. Legroom is otherwise impressive, even when tall front passengers have their seats pushed back, while headroom is decent, too. The Skoda Octavia vRS does offer a slightly more usable space here, with a smaller transmission tunnel.

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Storage spaces and cubbyholes are everywhere in the GTI, as there’s a large cooled glovebox and door bins that pass our tough ‘big bottle test’ with ease. There are even storage spaces under the front seats and a small drawer by the driver’s right knee.

Boot space

The GTI has the same 380-litre boot as the standard Golf, which is only trumped by the likes of its Skoda Octavia vRS sister car and the Peugeot 308 GTI. The Hyundai i30 N has the same size boot as the GTI, but the now-discontinued Ford Focus ST was well and truly beaten, as it only offered 316 litres.

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The GTI’s seats fold flat easily and it features some other neat practical touches, too. There’s a lip that makes sure the rear seatbelts don’t get caught when the seats are being folded, as well as a moveable boot floor for additional space.