Hot hatches are incredibly popular cars all over the world. These practical, compact cars come in all shapes and sizes, with a few designed specifically for those who want a bit more performance in their daily driver.
When it comes to performance hatchbacks, the Golf GTI is the industry leader. This iconic hatchback has been around for decades, with the latest model coming with a completely redesigned, all-digital interior. Interested in learning more about the Volkswagen GTI? You’re in the right place. Here are a few reasons why we love the Volkswagen GTI.
10 A Modern Exterior Design
The latest Golf GTI comes with a slightly upgraded exterior design. The front end of the GTI is dominated by the adaptive headlights that are connected by the signature, red pine stripe. The front bumper of the GTI houses the LED fog lights, adding to the wide stance of the hatch.
The rear of the Golf GTI also got upgraded from the previous model. The rear lights resemble the new Polo and feature dynamic animations as well. The GTI also features dual exhaust pipes, adding to the performance aesthetic of the hatchback.
9 Adaptive, LED Headlights
The Golf GTI comes with IQ.LIGHT technology. Unlike some other models, every Golf GTI comes standard with powerful matrix LEDs that can automatically dim for oncoming traffic. This means that you can drive in comfort without having to manually switch off your high beams.
As mentioned above, the Golf GTI comes with hidden front fog lights. These fog lights seamlessly fit into the front grille so that you don’t see them when they’re not on. This helps give the front of the GTI a seamless, modern look.
8 245 HP Powertrain
The Golf GTI comes with a 2-liter TSI engine that can produce around 245 HP. This innovative engine is incredibly efficient while still being able to accelerate the hot hatch from 0 to 62 in just 6.2 seconds.
The overall performance of the GTI is impressive as the hatchback boasts a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. While the engine is powerful, Volkswagen also makes relatively efficient powertrains as well. The new GTI can get around 24 miles per gallon in the city and up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway.
7 The Iconic DSG Dual Clutch Gearbox
The Golf GTI comes with a few different options. The hot hatch is available in various trims but can also be configured with a manual or automatic gearbox. The manual gearbox is an efficient six-speed that comes with an incredibly stable clutch.
However, if you want to get the ultimate performance out of your GTI, you’re going to want to go for the DSG model. The DSG gearbox is paired perfectly with the paddle shifters to help give you an incredibly sporty feel behind the wheel.
6 All-Digital Infotainment System
The interior of the Golf GTI has been completely redesigned. The center console is dominated by the touchscreen infotainment system, while the driver’s gauge cluster has also been fully digitalized. This system is connected so that you can get all the info you need right in front of you.
The infotainment system in the Golf GTI comes with impressive connectivity features. This means that you can pair your phone wirelessly through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to accept phone calls and play music directly through the car. You can even opt to include a wireless charging pad for your smartphone to make life that much easier.
5 Innovision Cockpit
The Golf GTI comes with the Innovision Cockpit. As mentioned above, the driver’s display is completely digital, but Volkswagen did not just stop there. The Innovative Cockpit pairs with the central infotainment system but offers you a wide range of data on the car that’s being updated in real-time.
This means that you can dynamically view your vehicle stats like never before. You can also customize this view to include the gauges and information that you want. In this way, you can have full control over what you see and can even set things up differently for the various drive modes.
4 Premium Interior Finishing
The new Golf 8 GTI is not just modern on the outside, it’s plush and elegant on the inside as well. The new GTI comes with high-quality, premium sports seats that come in a unique, sophisticated design. These seats are also automatically operated, allowing you to set them up with ease.
The interior of the car is covered in soft-touch materials, adding to the comfort and luxury inside. Volkswagen also managed to blend technology and luxury in the Golf GTI as they included tons of tech to help make your experience that much better with a heads-up display, digital dials, and smartphone integration as standard.
3 High-Tech Connectivity
The new Golf GTI is a performance hatchback, but it also comes with the latest in connectivity. The new model pairs with the VW app to let you see vital information about the car remotely. With this app, you can view how much fuel you have in the car along with other driving stats.
The app also comes with a built-in logbook function to help you keep a record of all your trips. In this way, the app will let you see where your car is, where it has been, and when last it’s been refueled. This level of convenience makes your life that much easier every day.
2 Driver Assist Technology
Volkswagen has been steadily investing in its cars for the last few years, especially when it comes to driver technology. The German automaker managed to include auto parking features a few years ago but has since expanded to a whole host of self-driving features.
This includes lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and emergency braking. In this way, the new Golf GTI is one of the safest performance hatchbacks on the market today.
1 An Affordable Hot Hatch
As you can see, the Golf GTI is a seriously impressive hot hatch. The GTI comes with an impressive 245-hp engine that can help accelerate the hatch from 0 to 60 in just 5.1 seconds. However, the GTI comes at an incredibly reasonable price, which makes it one of the best deals on the market.
The Golf GTI starts at under $30,000. Even if you add a few luxury options to the hatch, you’ll walk away with a bill of under $35,000. Volkswagen also offers a performance version of the GTI with all the extras you can think of for just under $40,000.