2019 VW GTI Adds Rabbit Edition, Standard LSD, Higher Price
VW GTI is in for a variety of updates, most of which are quite welcome. The big addition is a limited production trim level called the Rabbit Edition. Volkswagen says it's inspired by the original GTI, though the adaptive LED headlights, black wheels, spoiler and mirror caps are the only exterior changes, and they don't seem particularly related to the original car. Inside it gets Rabbit tags on the seats, red-stitched floor mats, push-button start, plus standard forward collision prevention, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Arguably more exciting than the retro Rabbit Edition is a new standard feature on even the base-level VW GTI: a mechanical limited-slip differential, which supplements the exisiting electronic, brake-based system. On 2018 GTIs, it was only standard on the mid-level SE and top-end Autobahn. In addition to the differential, all GTIs now get beefier Golf R brakes. Besides the performance inclusions, all GTIs also come with standard forward collision prevention, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. SE trim levels get leather seats and an available "Experience Package" that includes a Fender audio system and adjustable shocks. Of course, all this extra standard equipment does mean that the GTI's base price goes up. The only prices released so far are for the base S trim. 1,180 increase for both trims.
So the Volkswagen Golf GTI(with Car DVD) is your 2015 North American Car of the Year. At least that鈥檚 what the jury of 57 journalists that handed it a decisive win over the excellent Ford Mustang and Hyundai Genesis thinks. I wasn鈥檛 on it, but I generally agree with the assessment that the seventh generation GTI offers lots of utility, refinement and performance per buck. You鈥檒l need 25,605 of them to get into it. That buys you a two-door GTI with a six-speed manual transmission. 1,100 for the six-speed dual-clutch automatic and you end up with the car I tested. The GTI looks familiar, but it鈥檚 an all-new car that鈥檚 built on VW鈥檚 innovative modular platform, which can be stretched or shrunk to accommodate a variety of vehicles that range in size from subcompact sports car to midsize SUV. In this case, you have a compact hatchback that鈥檚 lower, longer, wider and a few pounds lighter than the model it replaces, with crisp lines and a high quality interior that wouldn鈥檛 look out of place in an Audi showroom.
These are all good things. It also has a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque that would make a small pickup truck envious. What about install an Android Car stereo? The boxy GTI could almost pass for one with all the room it has, even more than before. The plaid-upholstered seats provide plenty of support and legroom, and if you drop the ones in the rear, 52 cubic feet of space is yours for the filling. Of course, the latter also applies to the run-of-the-mill Golf. You buy the GTI to drop the hammer. Do that, and you have a moment to catch your breath as the turbo spools up, then smoothly launches you forward like you鈥檙e being tossed from a trebuchet. It鈥檚 all very controlled; there鈥檚 no torque steer twitching the wheel in your hands, as is the case with many powerful front wheel drive cars, and the excellent traction control system makes quick work of any slippery surfaces. It鈥檚 almost too sophisticated and quiet, but darn it if the little guy doesn鈥檛 feel fast. If you must, and you might as well, the GTI has a Sport mode that turns up the aggression and the volume, pumping engine noise into the cabin via a device VW calls a soundaktor. Most turbocharged cars these days have something like this, but the VW鈥檚 is among the best. If installing a VW navigation in your car, that would be great!
Those looking for a luxury-branded convertible with a low price tag should turn toward Audi's A3(with an Android Car Stereo) Cabriolet. Those looking for a luxury-branded convertible with a low price tag should turn toward Audi's A3(with an Android Car Stereo) Cabriolet. Best of all, the A3 Cabrio ranks third best in fuel mileage among all American convertibles, behind the much smaller Smart Fortwo Passion Cabrio and Mini Cooper convertible. The federal government says it gets 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, and judging by the fuel-sipping nature of the test vehicle, those numbers are achievable, averaging just over the 28 mpg combined city/highway rating. Drivers who aren't interested in the muscle-car look of the Camaro and Ford Mustang will find much to like in the Cabrio, which, true to Audi custom, looks business-like but with a sense of craftsmanship. The interior gauges and controls are well-placed, the plastic pieces look upscale and the firm seats and right-sized steering wheel help make a driver feel comfortable.
It has a power-operated ragtop roof instead of the heavy-feeling metal roofs. It takes 18 seconds for the top to open or close, even if traveling at city speeds of 31 mph or less. The test car felt lively, as the engine and six-speed transmission worked to deliver power with just a bit of a lag from the turbo engine. Its front-wheel drive takes off with gusto from stoplights and makes swift passes on country roads. Horsepower peaks at 170, so it's not close to the 323 horses found in the Chevy Camaro's V-6. The test A3 Cabrio Premium Plus moved like a solid piece of metal, even over railroad tracks where lesser convertibles might shake. The car sits lower to the pavement than SUVs and trucks, so there's not a great view when the Audi is stuck in traffic. But the lower center of gravity and responsive steering made for fun driving when taking curves and turns. It鈥檚 perfect that if installing a car dvd player in your car.
