Volkswagen has been making cars for over 80 years. Although their start and funding came from a time best avoided, the longevity of "the people's car" has reached every corner of the globe. Through years of trial and error and serious innovation, a car rolled off the Volkswagen production line that would completely change the world of motoring. That car was the Golf.
The Golf was groundbreaking. Small, affordable, and an absolute blast to drive. It was nimble enough to get a move on but safe enough to have the kids in the back. It ticked all the boxes from the very get-go. Now, after 8 generations, the Golf is still going. The product today is an incredibly complete package for a somewhat affordable price, and there is a trim and engine option for everyone.
The most notable and influential of all Golfs has always been the GTI. It's the original hot-hatch that molded the minds of a whole generation of petrol-heads, and what's best, it's still being made. The new GTI has moved on from the common man's car that it was. It is now kitted out with all the latest tech, but despite all this, the magic is still there. Here are the pros and cons of living with a 2021 VW GTI.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Driving Enjoyment
The new GTI still has it. Unlike its "sportier" sibling, the Golf R, the GTI has a 3-pedal option on the order sheet. This, combined with its lusty 2.0-liter turbo engine that makes 242HP and 273 LB-FT of torque, combine to create some great fun when it comes to the physical act of driving. Don't get me wrong, the DSG auto box is also fantastic and would give most sports cars a run for their money. The manual option though is smooth, sharp, and clicks into place with a level of satisfaction that has to be felt to be appreciated.
The engine is responsive, and the ride isn't too stiff nor is it too squidgy. It walks a fine line between comfort and giving you enough confidence to nail it into a corner a bit quicker than you should, but knowing that you'll come out the other side alive. It's refreshing that in 2022, a time when EVs are gaining traction and emissions regulations continue to tighten, we can still enjoy the simple pleasures of a small (ish) engine and a manual wand.
Cost Of The Volkswagen Golf GTI
I won't beat around the bush. The new GTI is expensive. With a base price of $29,545, there are a lot of things that you could get for that kind of money. It's also important to note that by the time you've ticked the right boxes on the spec sheet or picked a higher trim level, you'll probably be looking more at $37-40k.
For this price, you're in last-generation BMW M3 territory, and while this won't get you a new car, it will certainly get you a lot of car for the money. Maybe a lightly used one could be the answer for this, but GTI's tend to hold their value quite well if they're looked after properly, which could be the price's silver lining.
Jack-of-All Trades
The GTI does everything. When you're needing to drive a 2-hour stint down a highway, it will easily hit 40+ MPG while keeping you and 3 adult passengers very comfortable (plenty of legroom). And as soon as you get to some twisty back lanes, the GTI absolutely comes alive. Sharp handling and sticky rubber equate to something extremely confidence-inspiring. These chameleon-like characteristics don't seem to get boring, either.
Despite the badging and external details depending on trim level, there's really not much that meets the eye that distinguishes the GTI from any other Golf. And another thing, you'll never look out of place in a GTI. 5-star hotel, Michelin star restaurant, or the school car park, the GTI fits in anywhere and will never attract unwanted attention.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Rivals
The price point of the golf puts it right against the Honda Civic Type-R. And that's a problem because as we know, the Civic Type-R is quite possibly the best hot hatch for pure driving enthusiasts that money can buy right now. The drive of the civic is firmer and more direct than the golf, making you really have to weigh up your priorities when making the decisions. While the build quality on the golf is of German precision, the Honda benefits from Japanese craftsmanship. It must be noted that the Golf is much better equipped for daily life.
The infotainment also lets the GTI down. VW's new system is complicated and not at all intuitive. The menu takes forever to sift through, and the old system felt much better. When but against rivals like the Audi S3, A35 AMG, or even the BMW M135i, all these systems are much more ergonomic and responsive.
Despite the cost and the tricky infotainment, the Golf GTI is a proper driver's car. The smooth and pokey engine combined with fantastic transmission options were always going to be a success. The Cost hurts, but values do hold quite well. If you're in the market for a hot hatch that can easily sit a family of 4, sit on adaptive cruise control, and see 40 MPG but all the while being able to leave most things for dust in a traffic light Grand Prix, this is the car for you.