First Drive: 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
When it comes to hot hatches, Volkswagen has this tribal knowledge that keeps the Golf GTI true to form, and that is clearly evident in the updated 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI. It helps that VW has been honing the concept for, oh, about 35 years. Several years after its original launch in Europe, the first GTI appeared in the U.S. 1983 with Rabbit for a first name. With a 90-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine under the hood and 60 mph arriving in nine seconds, that first U.S.-spec GTI wouldn鈥檛 seem to be the kind of car that would start a fanboy following lasting four decades. Four decades after its inception, VW鈥檚 Golf GTI is still the hot hatch deal to beat. Soon thereafter, the Rabbit GTI evolved into the Golf GTI in the U.S. And the GTI became the standard by which other hot-hatch entries would be measured. Volkswagen has the GTI formula down to a science and a core of loyal buyers nets the company about 20,000 U.S.
For all of Volkswagen鈥檚 troubles with diesels and missed opportunities with SUVs, the compact hot hatchback is something the company does exceedingly well. And now with a few key tweaks and updates, the 2018 Golf GTI model is even more so. VW simplifies the GTI lineup for 2018 with a base S, midlevel SE and everything standard Autobahn trims. The base S model shown here is the killer deal. For the 2018 model year, VW boils down the GTI lineup to three trims: base S, midlevel SE and range-topping Autobahn. Last year鈥檚 Sport model is dropped as is the 3-door hatchback version. 1,100 upcharge over the standard 6-speed manual gearbox. All 2018 GTIs get upgraded with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps and LED taillamps. The latest models now incorporate an aggressive-looking front fascia and a longer, more sloping hood. Standard rain-sensing wipers, a backup camera and automatic headlamps are also part of the program.
The top-line Autobahn trim brings leather seating, a power driver鈥檚 seat, a navigation system, a Fender premium audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive shocks, dynamic cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams and electronic parking aids. With organic, driver-focused controls, superbly supportive (and Clark Plaid) seats and updated infotainment including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2018 VW GTI checks all the hot hatch boxes. While all GTI models present a compelling price/value proposition for the hot hatch buyer, the base GTI S is an absolute steal. It remains closest to the original GTI formula, right down to the Clark Plaid cloth covered seats and golfball-inspired manual shifter handle. Although the driver has to manipulate separate manual seat height, fore-aft, lumbar adjustment and power seatback recline controls, the S model鈥檚 standard sport seats have the same effective-but-not-too-aggressive bolstering as the leather chairs in the more-expensive Autobahn model. They鈥檙e heated as well.
In this age of complicated digital climate controls with multiple menus, the S model鈥檚 three analog dials are refreshingly simple. Same goes for the S model鈥檚 keyed ignition, a rarity these days, but one that gets away from the oddly placed pushbutton start on the console of higher trims. A grippy, well-contoured leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard. There are both digital and analog speedometers on duty to help you keep your hot hatch from gathering too much attention from law enforcement. Going with the base S model means foregoing SiriusXM satellite radio, but the touchscreen infotainment system is now enlarged to 6.5 inches. Also, the VW Car Net App-Connect feature standard on all GTIs enables users to run smartphone apps such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto directly on the infotainment screen. Thoughtful touches include a huge glovebox, dual cup holders with spring-loaded fingers and even a gas strut for the hood鈥攏o awkward prop rod to deal with as with some competitive makes.
There鈥檚 nothing awkward about riding in the Golf GTI either. It鈥檚 a five-seater with plenty of dignified space for four full-grown adults. The back seat, a split 60/40 fold-down with center pass-through, is as usable as the front, and offered plenty of legroom for my 6-foot, 2-inch frame without stealing space from the front seat. A square, upright design means plenty of glass area with good sightlines to all quarters. And even though the GTI measures only 168 inches nose to tail, a 17.4 cubic foot cargo bay that鈥檚 larger than any midsize sedan鈥檚 trunk expands to a crossover-like 53.7 cu.-ft. Under the cargo floor, you鈥檒l find more storage and a real mini-spare tire instead of some can of goo and an air pump that may or may not get you back on the road. With output boosted to 220 horsepower for 2018 and a deep well of torque, the GTI鈥檚 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder can knock off sub-6-second 0-60 runs yet deliver up to an EPA-estimated 33 mpg on the highway.
