Volkswagen's Golf GTI is all-new for 2015. Perhaps the original hot hatch, the new GTI boasts an all-new chassis, more powerful engine, new interior and exterior styling and additional safety and convenience features. Only slightly larger than the model it replaces, the new subcompact Golf GTI remains a 2- or 4-door hatchback and competes with vehicles like the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Type R, MINI Cooper S, Subaru WRX for enthusiasts' dollars.
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and 6-speed automatic is optional. Regardless of transmission, the Golf GTI is front drive only.
Three trim levels are offered: S and SE are available with 2 or 4 doors, the line-topping Autobahn is only available as a 4 door. The S lists for $24,995 and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED foglights, a rear spoiler, heated mirrors, a sport-tuned suspension, cruise control, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rear 60/40-split folding rear seats with a center pass-through and a 5.8-inch touchscreen audio interface with Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, satellite radio and iPod integration. Four-door versions of the GTI S also receive power reclining front seats.
Stepping up to the $27,995 GTI SE adds a sunroof, automatic headlights and wipers, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, leather upholstery and a Fender premium audio system. The 4-door only GTI Autobahn lists for $29,595 and adds a navigation system, a 10-way power driver seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, automatic hill-hold, stability and traction control, front-side airbags, side-curtain airbags and a driver-knee airbag. Front and rear park distance control and a forward collision warning system are part of a driver-assistance package. Blind-spot alert is not available.
Available options include leather seating surfaces, navigation system, Fender audio system, automatic climate control, keyless access and starting, HID/LED headlights, sunroof and rear-view camera. Also available is a performance package, which adds 10 extra horsepower, larger brakes and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI has a $995 destination charge and is assembled in Mexico.
Get Up and Go On paper, the GTI's turbo four doesn't match up well against some competitors higher horsepower ratings, however, what lacks in horsepower it makes up for with nearly 260 lb-ft of torque. From a stop, the manual-transmission model car will race to 60 mph in a tick under 6 seconds when prodded. Automatic models, even though they get a standard limited-slip differential, take a little longer at about 6 seconds flat. Those times are more than respectable in the class. More importantly, the engine's torque is readily available and provides ample passing power when called upon.
The 6-speed manual is a joy to shift. The clutch is heavy and has a smooth take up and shifter throws are short and crisp -- thankfully lacking that traditional VW rubbery feel. The automatic transmission eschews the traditional torque converter for a dual-clutch setup. In the past, these transmission have lacked the smoothness of conventional automatics, but that's not the case in the GTI. The automatic pulls away from stoplights nicely and downshifts crisply when more power is needed.
EPA Fuel economy ratings come in at 25 city and 34 highway with manual and 25 city and 33 highway with automatic. Both models have a combined rating of 28 mpg overall and require premium-grade gasoline. Real-world fuel economy is dependent on the driver's right foot. Drive like an Indycar racer and you'll likely see about 20 mpg overall. Opt to be a bit more responsible and you can easily top 30 mpg in mixed suburban commuting. Your numbers will likely fall in between. It's too bad that you have to pop for the extra 30 cents a gallon for premium-grade fuel.
On the Road GTIs have never been the quickest car in the hot-hatch class, but they have always offered tremendous ride-and-handling balance. Thankfully, the new GTI takes this tradition to a new plateau. The suspension, while certainly Euro-firm, is never harsh -- even on badly broken roads. Minor impacts are silenced and larger bumps are appropriately softened. Even at high speeds, there is little float and bob that's common on this class of car.
On the flipside, the taught suspension provides confidence inspiring handling. There's still a bit of VW's trademark body lean, but the tires have great wet and dry grip and the brakes have ample stopping power. Special note should be paid to the electric-assist steering. It's got a very natural feel and just the right amount of boost, regardless of speed. Highway on-center feel might be the best of any electrically boosted steering. Combined, the suspension, brakes and steering give the GTI sporty and agile handling and inspire confidence when the road grows twisty. Kudos to VW for spending the time and engineering to maintain he GTI's long-held ride-and-handling balance.
Interior noise levels are only upset by the engine's slightly elevated burble. Wind and road noise are among the lowest in the class and on par with some luxury rivals.
Behind the Wheel The GTI sports an austere and functional interior that's only slightly interrupted by chrome and aluminum highlights. Materials are top notch and assembly is great. Thoughtful soft-touch surfaces abound and most controls have a solid and meaty feeling.
Drivers face a traditional twin-dial setup with an information center between the two. Center stack is thoughtfully arranged and places controls up high and well within reach. The available navigation system absorbs some of the climate and radio controls but not to the point where things get confusing. Regardless, VW thankfully provided proper volume and tuning knobs for the audio system and large dials for the climate control system. About the only gripe is a display screen that seems like it could be a bit larger given the housing. Ancillary controls are well positioned and the steering wheel has redundant controls for audio and phone.
Front seats are a model in support and comfort. Larger drivers might feel a little confined in the shoulders as the side supports are more intrusive than on most cars. Driver and front-seat passenger are treated to great head and leg room. Visibility is excellent and the driving position is quite upright.
Rear seats are impressively comfortable for the class -- though that's not saying much. Two adults can sit in a modicum of comfort provided the front seats aren't moved all of the way rearward. The cushions themselves are nicely bolstered and it's easier than expected to get in and out of the back seat on 2-door models thanks to tip/slide front seats.
Given its hatchback design, cargo space is quite good. There's 22 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52 cubic feet if you fold the rear seats. Interior storage is plentiful with lots of bins and cubbies throughout.
Bottom Line The GTI is a narrow-focus car that won't likely appeal to buyers looking for a new appliance to fill out garage space. It will, however, appeal to drivers looking to add a little spice to their daily commute. Volkswagen did an excellent job of accentuating the previous car's handling traits without ruining the ride quality. In addition, the new turbo four works very well with either transmission to provide good performance and excellent fuel economy. As with any hot hatch, prices are higher than you might expect. At least with the Golf GTI you get a fair amount of standard equipment and a truly refined driving experience.
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