The 2021 Volkswagen GTI (Mk8) debuted last month, ahead of its original unveiling time and location of the 2020 Geneva Auto Show, which was cancelled. The new model boasts a stronger engine, updated styling, and new technical gadgetry, however, that doesn’t mean that buyers need to go for what’s shiny and new. In fact, there are still plenty of 2020 Volkswagen GTIs (Mk7) to go around and if you’re in the market, you shouldn’t be afraid to pick one up.

Styling

Yes, we know that looks are subjective and the seventh-generation GTI looks a lot like the previous models, albeit with sleeker body lines and overall styling. But have you seen the new Mk8 GTI? It looks largely the same from the rear and the front end makes it look like it’s sleepy. It looks like a cat that just woke up because you made a loud noise upon entering the room and it wants to give you an evil glare before retreating back to its much-needed slumber.

OK, so maybe it’ll grow on us after a while, but we think that the current GTI looks a little better. And the interior of the Mk7 isn’t half bad either; the infotainment system is easy to use and there’s ample room for five people. Luckily, the subtle and simple styling that Volkswagen tends to use holds up well over time, and if you were to purchase a current GTI, you more than likely won’t get too sick of sitting in it over time.

Engine

The current Volkswagen GTI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that puts out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The new Mk8 GTI will be powered by the same sized engine, however, it puts out 245 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Let’s be honest, 17 horsepower isn’t enough to really feel a huge difference, especially in a car that weighs slightly over 3,000 pounds.

However, if you really want more power out of any GTI, especially a 2020 model that you just bought, then you can always look into aftermarket tuning options that will more than make up for the deficit between the current and new model.

Tech

In addition to the newer interior, the new GTI will be available with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit display – as found in other Volkswagen models – in place of the traditional gauges and also have a Vehicle Dynamics Manager that allows for further changes to the handling characteristics of the car. That sounds fancy, and the current GTI might not have that, but let’s be real. How often are you going to change around your suspension settings to go to the store or run errands? Probably never.

Now is a great time to buy

With the recent drop in car sales and the nearly nationwide “stay at home” orders, it’s a no-brainer that now is actually a great time to purchase a new car if you have the means. There are a lot of 2020 Volkswagen GTI models currently sitting on dealer lots and we’re pretty sure that they’ll want to get rid of them in short order, if not due to the current virus crisis, then definitely to make room for the new model. If you’re in the market for a Volkswagen GTI, don’t be afraid to buy the 2020 model, it’s still just as fun as ever.