2019 Volkswagen GTI First Review
As new as the seventh-generation Volkswagen GTI seems to us here in the United States, it can be difficult to imagine a refresh of the German hot-hatch staple was in order. In reality, the changes made to the 2018 Volkswagen GTI make for a vehicle that competes with almost anything in its class (and above); not only in everyday use but also around the race track. Exterior alterations to the 2018 GTI are subtle but enough in total to make previous MkVII models seem a bit dated; the most obvious being the new, fully LED, lights all around. Under the hood the 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder engine receives a modest boost in power, up to 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft from 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft in the previous model. The most impactful revisions in the 2018 GTI are found on the inside, where an optional large display combines with the already excellent interior to deliver an experience that competes with entry-level luxury vehicles.
The bump in power found in the 2018 GTI is small enough that you won鈥檛 likely notice a difference if you鈥檝e spent any significant time in a previous MkVII version. Don鈥檛 be let down, though: the GTI was already a close-to-perfect everyday performance car, and the 2018 lives up to that standard with aplomb. Driving a 2018 GTI in SE trim with the DSG automatic transmission equipped, we found quick throttle response and even acceleration. The 220 horsepower isn鈥檛 overwhelming but the 258 lb-ft of torque is everywhere; more than enough to handle highway speeds while giving you the option to cut loose and have a little fun where you can find it. Aiding that fun is the 鈥淰AQ鈥?electronically controlled front differential found in the Performance Package, standard in SE and Autobahn trim levels. The differential shuffles the torque between the front wheels as deemed necessary. A bit of time on the track brings out a bit of predictable front-wheel drive understeer, found whether the nannies (we mean driver assist systems, of course) were on or off.
The horsepower bump in the 2018 GTI may not be huge, but the TSI engine is strong; after dozens of laps around the race track on a muggy summer day, it never felt out-of-breath due to heat-soak. The big Golf R-sourced brakes (also a part of the Performance Package) did suffer a little near the very end of the day, but nothing out of the ordinary considering the kind of usage they were getting. Overall, the driving dynamics of the 2018 GTI are very similar to those of the 2017鈥攚hich is to say, excellent. It doesn鈥檛 have the spastic turn-in and puppy dog eagerness found in, say, the Ford Fiesta ST, but performance is hardly lacking. At the same time the GTI offers a level of interior refinement that simply cannot be matched by any other hot hatch in its price range. What you won鈥檛 find in the 2018 Volkswagen Golf or GTI lineups is the TDI diesel engine option. This is relevant, because thanks to the fallout from 鈥淒ieselgate鈥?you鈥檙e looking at a refresh that offers more car than ever for the price, and the prices might be impossible to pass up. An Audi A3 or A4 may be more luxurious, but a well-optioned GTI can get you almost all the way there for much less.
Know what you wish prior to deciding to step foot in a dealership. You might be coping with professional salespeople, so have your mind made-up about what you really are prepared to pay, what you would like and what you really are not thinking about. 2019 Jeep Wrangler Release will make it unlikely to allow them to sway you. Just use reviews on the internet being a general guide. A lot of people if they have difficulties with an automobile will post negative reviews on the web. So examine all the reviews for common problems as opposed to a general ranking. If you have an issue with a serious component, then probably get a different vehicle. When buying a pre-owned car, use caution about how exactly clean the vehicle is. Many car salespeople have professional cleaners who can create a piece of junk look completely new. Always obtain the car checked by way of a mechanic. Even if it looks fantastic, a mechanic can spot any major issues.
