Research GTI Prices & Specs
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI has been refreshed with an updated exterior design, a new multimedia system with a larger touchscreen, and more power on the base trim. The high-performance Golf R also gets new standard features including Volkswagen鈥檚 Digital Cockpit and an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic replacing the six-speed unit. The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI is the performance-focused variant of the Golf hatchback and slots above the less potent standard model. In addition to the front-drive GTI, the Golf R model has more power and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The 2018 Golf GTI鈥檚 2.0-liter turbo-four is rated at 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and can be paired to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic. A 2.0-liter turbo-four also powers the 2018 Golf R but is rated at 292 hp and 280 lb-ft. Transmission choices for the Golf R include a standard six-speed manual or a new-to-the-model seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The EPA hasn鈥檛 rated the 2018 Golf GTI for fuel economy yet but the 2017 model was rated at 24/34 mpg city/highway with the manual and 24/32 mpg with the automatic. The more powerful Golf R is rated at 21/29 mpg with the manual and 22/29 mpg with the automatic. The Golf R comes standard with features like Volkswagen鈥檚 Digital Cockpit, full LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/start, heated front seats, a 12-way power driver鈥檚 seat, and leather upholstery. The NHTSA gave the 2018 Golf GTI and Golf R a five-star overall safety rating (out of a possible five stars). The IIHS has yet to test the 2018 Golf GTI but a 2017 model received a Good score on all crashworthiness tests and a Poor score on the headlights test (Good is the highest possible score). On the SE trim and higher, the Golf GTI comes standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is only available on the range-topping Autobahn trim where it comes standard. The Driver Assistance package on the Autobahn trim adds lane keeping assist, automatic park assist, and high beam assist.
The Golf R is also available with the same active safety features as the GTI but they鈥檙e exclusive to models equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control and navigation where they come standard. Although we haven鈥檛 tested the 2018 Golf GTI, we have reviewed the pre-refresh model. In a 2014 comparison test that also included the Mini Hardtop Cooper S, Subaru WRX, and the previous generation Honda Civic Si, the Volkswagen Golf GTI won thanks to its blend of daily drivability and performance. At the track, the Golf GTI proved to be an excellent companion thanks to its sporty chassis and a stability control system that wasn鈥檛 very intrusive. Despite its excellent handling, the Golf GTI doesn鈥檛 have a rough ride and is surprisingly comfortable as a daily driver. Overall, the car feels more expensive than it actually is. The more powerful Golf R won a 2015 comparison test against the WRX STI because that pre-refresh model takes the GTI formula up a notch but doesn鈥檛 come at the cost of daily drivability. At the track, however, the Golf R understeers too much when pushed to its limit. Out on public roads, the Golf R shined because it felt composed and stable thanks to its solid chassis.
The Polo GTI can also be identified by typical GTI characteristics at the rear. Black is also a stylistic element here; a trait that has carried over from the first Golf GTI of 1976 to the new era. The 2018 version has an enlarged, two-piece roof spoiler of the new Polo GTI that is painted in black (high-gloss on top; underside in black matt). Other GTI characteristics at the rear include a high-gloss black diffuser and the chrome dual tailpipes of the exhaust system integrated on the left-hand side. Located in a direct line above the tailpipes is the GTI signature on the boot lid. Another standard feature of the Polo GTI is its LED tail light clusters that provide for a very distinctive light signature at night. At the heart of every GTI, and therefore of the new Polo GTI, there is the engine. In recent times the GTI has always been powered by high torque turbocharged engines. In the case of the new Polo GTI, it is a two-litre direct-injection petrol engine with an output of 147kW/320Nm. Like the Golf GTI, the new Polo GTI will be represented in the 2.0-litre turbo class for the first time.
The new Polo GTI engine launches with a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) as standard. The Polo GTI with DSG accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Today's most powerful Polo reaches a top speed of 237km/h. Despite its power output, the Polo GTI can be driven very economically thanks to its efficient drive technology. The combined fuel consumption of the DSG version is 5.9 litres/100km. The Polo GTI is offered with two different running gear configurations. It is based on a sport suspension; while the optional 'Sport Select' suspension with active dampers is available as an option. Like all Polo models, the GTI is also equipped with electromechanical power steering and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Also on-board is the XDS differential lock, which further refines traction when cornering quickly. The 147kW Polo, which like all GTI cars features front-wheel drive, has coil spring struts and lower wishbones with a track-stabilising scrub radius. The front running gear additionally features an anti-roll bar. The front suspension consists of coil springs with telescopic gas-filled dampers; the elements are integrated in the spring struts.
