By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 7, 2020) Over my several decades career as an automotive journalist, I’ve been very lucky to drive some very expensive and very high-performance cars. One of my all-time favorites is the Volkswagen GTI.

There are few cars at any price and in any segment that can check every box: affordable performance, practicality, precision build quality, safe, spacious and fun, and oh, Clark Plaid cloth seats and dimpled golf-ball-shaped gear shift knob.

Before we tell you what it’s like sitting behind the wheel, let's first cover some of the particulars and specifics of the GTI. While the final assembly point of the GTI is in Puebla, Mexico, this is a German sedan that’s in its seventh generation. Much of its content —specifically the 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged and direct-injection 228 horsepower four-cylinder engine — is shared with other brands of the Audi and VW family. The same is true with either the six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automatic transmission. The driver can also choose from four different driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom, selectable via the center dash touchscreen. All trim levels are front-wheel drive only.

For 2020, the GTI is available in three trim levels: S, SE, and Autobahn. All trim levels are four-door sedans with a rear lift hatchback. Our test GTI was the base S, with a six-speed manual shifter and a base price of $28,595, void of any options. The DSG automatic transmission is $1,200 extra. The mid-level SE starts at $32,195 and Autobahn, $36,495. Destination charge is an extra $920 to all prices.

Standard equipment on our S trim GTI included the classy Clark Plaid cloth upholstery that’s only available on the S trim; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; a flat-bottom, red-stitched leather multifunctional steering wheel; ambient cabin lighting; heated front seats; rear seat air vents; hill hold control; tilt-telescoping steering wheel; 60/40 split folding rear seat; stainless steel pedal cluster, and more.

Standard technology and convenience features include a composition color 6.5-inch touchscreen that operates the six-speaker AM/FM radio and USB port infotainment system, VW App-Connect® for smartphone integration and interface that incorporates Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. There’s a color multifunctional display with trip computer, power door locks with panic button, cruise control, and heated outside rearview mirrors. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is not available on the S trim and is standard on SE and Autobahn.

Standard safety features include forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection (front assist), blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, automatic post-collision braking system and intelligent crash response system. This system
shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions. All Golf GTI models feature a standard rearview camera.

The SE trim adds LED fog and headlights, leather seating, keyless access, panoramic tilt and slide sunroof, and eight-inch touchscreen. Autobahn includes all of the aforementioned equipment, plus the DCC active damping system, dual-zone climate control, auto dimming rearview mirror, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, park distance control, and park assist self-parking.

We think the S is the preferred model choice. It gives you a lot of bang for the buck, is well equipped and includes most all of the essential features. Plus, we can’t say enough about the appeal of the sporty Clark Plaid upholstery. 

The interior is comfortable with a noticeably refined with exceptional build quality and is one of the nicest in its class. Most controls have a high-quality feel, with solid detent clicks when operating. The audio system is basic but proved more than acceptable. For its size, the GTI seats five people and proves surprisingly accommodating for
taller drivers; I’m 6-6 and appreciated the excellent head, hip, shoulder and leg room with thanks to the steering wheel’s generous telescoping range. There’s good visibility out over the hood and rear of the vehicle.

Seats are well shaped, and offer firm cushions, lots of support and ample seat bolstering. They are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives.

There’s 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. That’s enough for several sets of golf clubs or luggage. Folding the second-row seats increases cargo space to 52.7 feet. Few other compact vehicles can match that amount of capacity.

Behind the wheel, the GTI feels resolutely German and certainly more Audi than VW. As with other “hot hatchbacks” in this class, the ride is on the firm side with a suspension that responds promptly to steering inputs and exhibits very little body lean through corners. It feels solid, confident and controlled, even through fast corners. It relays a direct connection to the front tires, with precision handling that allows the driver to carve through the corners and fine-tune the cornering line. We recorded a 0 to 60 mph time of just 6.0 seconds from a standing start. While the ride is generally smooth on highway surfaces, it does feel harsh over rough pavement.

While few buyers today opt for a manual transmission, we found it preferable to the automatic. 
With its precise easy shifting and lively acceleration, it’s one of the most fun-to-drive cars at almost any price. It had everything we wished for when carving twisty, winding mountain roads in our Arizona testing region.

Overall, it’s nearly impossible to beat the brilliancy that is the VW Golf GTI. It seems to be the one I recommend more often than anything else when asked “What should I buy?” You simply can’t go wrong.

One final note worth mentioning is that Volkswagen recently announced that they will be introducing the eighth-generation Golf GTI as a 2021 model. The new GTI will feature tweaks to the current 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that will increase horsepower to 241 horses. Other changes will be a redesigned front end and freshened rear end. It’s rumored that there will be improvements to the car’s handling dynamics.

There’s also better tech, including a new digital gauge cluster, automatic climate control, a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive multi-function controls. What will carryover for 2021 is the plaid-pattern seats and golf-ball-style shift knob for the manual-transmission models.

You’ll need to decide if you should grab a 2020 GTI now or wait for the 2021 to arrive.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $29,515
Price as Tested: $29,515
Engine/Transmission: 2.0-liter turbocharged 228-horsepower four-cylinder paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Fuel Economy: 24/32/27 mpg, City/Highway/Combined – Premium unleaded recommended
Seating: 5

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Overall “Good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and overall highest possible 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Where Built: Puebla, Mexico

Competes With:
Honda Civic Si
Hyundai Veloster N
Subaru WRX
Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Fab Features
Most “bang-for-the-buck” fun car you can drive
Plaid seat fabric and golf-ball shift knob
Roomy, upscale interior with tons of cargo room