S

$32,000 (est)

$37,000 (est)

Autobahn

$41,000 (est)

Although the “base” GTI S comes with a restricted slip differential, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch wheels and a ten.3-inch digital instrument panel, we really feel the leap to the SE is a worthy transfer because it provides a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen (the S has an 8-incher), a 480-watt Karman/Hardon audio system, a cool illuminated grille, keyless entry, pushbutton begin, and a sunroof. The usual six-speed guide is the enterprise, and including the seven-speed dual-clutch automated prices $800 so let’s fake it doesn’t even exist, lets? (For a first-hand account of how the bottom S stands as much as the SE and Autobahn, take a look at our 40,000-mile long-term take a look at of a 2022 GTI S.) The SE may also be fitted with leather-based upholstery, ventilated entrance seats, and reminiscence settings for the driving force’s seat, however which means ditching the GTI’s conventional material seats and their plaid design. We’d by no means try this.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

The 2024 Golf GTI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated for 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. A rise of 13 horses and 15 pound-feet versus its predecessor, the output is routed to the entrance wheels via both a normal six-speed guide transmission or an optionally available seven-speed dual-clutch automated. In our arms, the present GTI with dual-clutch automated romped to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds–0.7 faster than a last-gen Rabbit GTI version with the automated. That straight-line efficiency is buttressed by sharpened reflexes and heightened ranges of dynamic efficiency, each born from its revised suspension, electronically managed limited-slip differential, and brake-based torque vectoring. Certainly, the chassis tuning is a research in compromise, its deft dealing with current with out the burden of a very stiff journey in regular conditions. The highest-spec Autobahn mannequin provides adjustable adaptive dampers paired with 19-inch wheels (18-inchers are normal) sporting summer season tires for these prepared to drop the coin on a extra versatile and customized chassis. Braking motion is equally inspiring, with the GTI in Autobahn trim requiring simply 151 toes to cease from 70 mph.

Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG

Twenty years in the past, manual-transmission outfitted automobiles have been virtually all the time extra gas environment friendly than their auto-equipped counterparts. These days are over, and probably the most environment friendly Golf GTI has an automated transmission. It’s EPA-rated for 25 mpg metropolis and 34 mpg freeway, whereas the guide extracts 1 mpg in every metric. Shifting for your self is nicely definitely worth the tiny mpg penalty in our opinion. That mentioned, the final GTI automated we subjected to our 75-mph freeway gas financial system route, which is a part of our intensive testing routine, returned 38 mpg, beating its EPA freeway estimate by 4 mpg. For extra details about the Golf GTI’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

The Golf GTI’s inside is a mixture of fashionable touches and a few refined and tasteful nods to its storied legacy. Bolstered entrance seats that includes iconic plaid inserts on the highest and backside cushions and pink trim accents round their outer edges are the obvious visible cues. together with the golf-ball shift knob. The GTI’s three-spoke steering wheel is a well-known delight, and boasts a closely contoured rim and touch-sensitive controls. There’s a ten.3-inch gauge cluster show, however we expect conventional analog meters could be extra at residence on this utility. Sadly, not like the high-quality environs of the earlier era, the brand new inside is marred by some chintzy finishes and arduous plastics. The newest GTI grew by an inch general and noticed its wheelbase stretch by 0.6 inches, which solely furthers its spectacular passenger lodging and cargo area.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The GTI’s infotainment system runs via an 8-inch display screen within the S and 10-inch on the SE and up. Although the massive display screen is less complicated to see and extra featureful, its contact capacitive “slider” controls for the audio features are a headache in real-life operation. The S will get a much less intensive 8-inch display screen, however retains tiny quantity and tuning knobs, so it’s a tossup. There are 4 USB-C ports, two in entrance for information and energy and two that present energy within the rear. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are additionally included, the acquainted telephone apps and menu buildings serving to to offset VW’s in any other case busy and probably distracting interface.

Security and Driver-Help Options

The GTI comes with a bunch of ordinary driver-assistance expertise in addition to optionally available upgrades. Notably, VW’s IQ.Drive system is offered on all trims and, along with conventional options reminiscent of automated emergency braking and lane-keeping help, consists of Emergency Help, which brings the automobile to a cease and activates the hazards within the absence of driver enter. For extra details about the Golf GTI’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:

• Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Customary lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
• Customary adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

VW consists of an above-average restricted guarantee, however its powertrain safety trails behind most rivals. The corporate does sweeten the take care of complimentary scheduled upkeep that’s just like what Toyota provides.

• Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary upkeep is roofed for 2 years or 20,000 miles

Extra Options and Specs

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