The redesigned Golf GTI ratchets up the performance over the outgoing version with more power and sharper handling, while preserving the civility that has long made Volkswagen’s sporty hatchback a polished daily driver. Unfortunately, the new infotainment system is a usability nightmare, making it complicated for the driver to perform even common audio and climate tasks.
The GTI’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine now produces 241 horsepower, a 13-hp increase over the previous model. It pulls strongly no matter what gear you’re in, accompanied by a baritone engine note. The standard six-speed manual transmission is nearly perfect, with such a light and precise feel that sometimes you find yourself shifting gears just for the heck of it. The optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission barely dilutes the driving thrills. The GTI is plenty quick, needing only 6.4 seconds to scoot from 0 to 60 mph with our tested manual model. Fuel economy is decent, too, managing 28 mpg overall on regular fuel.
With its quick, communicative steering and tied-down suspension, the front-wheel-drive GTI gobbles up corners with enthusiasm and poise—it feels like the driver is connected to the pavement. It also proved capable and enjoyable when pushed to its limits around our test track, exhibiting tenacious grip and a balanced, forgiving behavior. Some ride quality was sacrificed in the name of handling, but it doesn’t beat you up like in the much-stiffer Honda Civic Si, a direct competitor.
The cabin is nicely finished, and most versions come with plaid upholstery—an ode to the original Rabbit GTI from the early 1980s. The comfortable front seats have large side bolsters with grippy suede material that give fantastic lateral support. The hatchback body style makes for extra versatility, and rear-seat headroom is plentiful, though foot space underneath the front seats is tight.
But there’s a huge gulf between the GTI’s lusty driving experience and its frustrating infotainment system. Common tasks are packed into a confusing, slow-responding touch screen, and a lack of backlighting on the controls situated just below the screen make it difficult during nighttime driving to adjust the climate temperature and audio volume. It’s also too easy to inadvertently change the configurable instrument cluster’s current view with the steering-wheel controls.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control all come standard.
Those seeking even more power and cornering capability should consider the all-wheel-drive Golf R.