2011 Volkswagen Gti in Verona, NJ - $5,900

The car that defined the term “hot hatch” embodies a classic formula: refinement, style, power, and playful performance. For 2018 the Golf GTI returns with a host of enhancements that continue the tradition of affordable performance it has built since its American debut in 1983. Available in S, SE and Autobahn trim levels, the seventh-generation car is wrapped in sheet metal that is modern, yet equally unmistakable as a Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The look gains new sharpness this year with standard LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and, on SE and Autobahn models, LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). A bright-red horizontal strip visually connects the headlights to a revised grille and bumper. Those reworked fascias carry a strong character line that travels along the side and all the way back to the taillight clusters, only breaking for the wheel arches. These subtle body lines help create a poised yet elegant appearance.

In addition to the red horizontal highlight on the grille, the GTI has several other visual differences from its conventional Golf brethren. The lower front fascia incorporates standard LED fog lights housed within a series of horizontal strakes on either side of a unique mesh pattern grille. Red-painted brake calipers peek behind bespoke GTI wheels and subtle side skirts help to give it a more planted appearance. Around back, bright exhaust tips sit on either side of a unique rear diffuser, while a roof spoiler and LED taillights further differentiate the car.

Power is generated by a EA888 2.0L TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The prime mover can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission. The DSG transmission also incorporates a launch control feature and a new Start-Stop System designed to save fuel.

The GTI’s “go kart” handling and control is enhanced by a lower center of gravity and a more dynamic stance than the regular Golf, thanks to a sport suspension that lowers the car by 0.6 inches.

The A7 Golf GTI was the first U.S.-market vehicle built on Volkswagen’s MQB modular platform. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, and utilizes technologies such as the laser clamp welder, which produces “wobble seam” welds in a wave pattern to maximize strength in a limited space, offering significantly more strength than a traditional spot weld. The Golf GTI’ stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage high-strength, hot-formed steel. This technology allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without loss in strength.

Control hardware features a strut-type front suspension with lower control arms and a multilink rear suspension, both of which are controlled by coil springs with telescopic dampers. The front suspension includes a 24-millimeter anti-roll bar while the rear has a 20-millimeter version, 2 mm larger at the front and 1 mm thicker at the back compared with a regular Golf TSI model.
The Golf GTI Autobahn features the latest version of the DCC® adaptive chassis control system, which manages the suspension’s rebound and compression rates individually, helping to improve vehicle dynamics.

Inside the large mature cabin, there is an emphasis on comfort and a substantial features list. There is plenty of interior room, along with impressive luggage space up to the parcel shelf. The versatility of the load space is enhanced by a trunk floor that can be raised or lowered, while the 60:40 split backrest can be folded to give an almost flat cargo area that can easily accommodate a full-size bicycle.

In addition to the spacious interior, the driver controls are positioned to help optimize ergonomics and usability. The seat position, height of the shifter and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for increased driver comfort. This new driver-centric design focus is evident from the center stack, which is angled towards the driver—a trait frequently seen in premium luxury or performance vehicles.

The GTI’s premium performance personality is further accentuated from the regular Golf model by the red ambient lighting and illuminated door sills; black headliner and trim inserts; buttons and switches that are backlit in white; and the use of premium materials and soft-touch plastics throughout. A GTI-specific instrument cluster, sporty aluminum-look pedals, the unique shifter knob, and the flat-bottomed sport steering wheel also ensure differentiation from its less-sporty siblings.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 103.6; overall length: 168.0; width: 70.8; height: 57.8
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder turbo – 220 hp at 4700 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1500 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed DSG automatic with Tiptronic
EPA Fuel Economy: 25 city/33 highway (manual); 24 city/32 highway (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 52.7 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual front/rear side-curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assistant, electronic brake pressure distribution, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock, electronic stabilization program, hill-hold assist, anti-intrusion side door beams, rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights, automatic post collision braking system, intelligent crash response system, VW Car-Net Security and Service, alarm system, engine immobilizer, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rearview camera, and tire pressure monitor. SE adds KESSY keyless access with push-button engine start, LED headlights with adaptive front-lighting system, limited-slip VAX differential, forward collision warning system, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring

Autobahn adds park distance control with maneuver braking system, parking steering assistant, lane departure warning, high beam control, navigation system, and adaptive cruise control.

Warranty
Basic: 6-year/72,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper limited warranty

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback starts from $26,415 for the S manual upto $36,170 for the Autobahn automatic. Destination charges add $850.