Volkswagen Golf GTI (2019-2021)
- Sold in the USA: 2019-2021
- 8th Generation Pre-facelift
- Status: Facelift introduced for 2022
Volkswagen Golf GTI Price in the USA in 2021:
| Volkswagen Golf GTI S | Starts at: $33,660 |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI SE | Starts at: $29,690 |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn | Starts at: $37,940 |
1983 was the year when the USA got the GTI which was launched back in 1975. Ever since its launch in the states, the GTI has received so much appreciation and love from car nerds, and journalists to those driving the car from point A to B. The GTI indeed has been a treat for everyone for years. Golf GTI carries the heritage of its ancestors and lives to the expectations of everyone. Various car journalists and websites have placed Volkswagen Golf GTI #1 on the list of Compact Car Categories. Therefore it really is the best vehicle you can buy. It’s faster, lighter, safer, and more equipped with tech. In other words, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the one-stop shop for all your needs whether it involves driving in the city or pulling up on the highway.
Over the course of years, Volkswagen Golf GTI has matured and transformed into a better vehicle be it in terms of safety, speed, performance, or technological advancements. The Volkswagen Golf GTI thus sustains the heritage of the original 1975’s Golf GTI.
What upgrades 8th generation model has?
New Year brings more power. Thus the Volkswagen Golf GTI now gets ponies in the engine. However, the major update appreciated by everyone is that now it comes with a limited-slip differential as standard along with improved brakes. The Volkswagen Golf also returns with Rabbit edition for GTI that stands above the simple S and SE model and just below the Autobahn trim. The GTI is essentially an appearance package that has to do with things like black exterior trim, unique badging, and turning LED headlamps synchronized with turning of the steering wheel.
In addition, the basic S model now has a driver assistance package to it with features such as auto emergency braking and of course blind-spot monitoring. The next up-to-chain SE model now has leather seats and it can be equipped with adaptive dampers and a premium audio system under the Experience package.
Exterior Photos:
Engine & Power:
Volkswagen Golf GTI with a 2.0-liter engine Generates a maximum horsepower of 228 hp @ 4700 rpm with maximum torque of 258 nm @ 1500 rpm.
Let’s talk about the horsepower:
While it may seem like a daily driver car, I kid you not the GTI version in Golf is fast as compared to other normal cars on road. Thanks to a slick manual transmission and smart automatic gearbox combined with clever handling and great ride quality, the Volkswagen Golf GTI will actually cross you on occasions you do not expect it to.
This performance comes from a 4-cylinder Turbocharged engine which delivers quick acceleration at any rpm range. Yes the Volkswagen Golf GTI is not as “quick” as a BMW M2 or some Mercedes C class, but it gets the job done for most of us which are what a car needs to. The clutch on the manual is lighter making shifting easy whereas the dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts quickly and provides a good amount of acceleration. The steering wheel is quick and grabs to the speeds and responds well thankfully.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is not as quick or sharp as the Golf R, which I believe no GTI will be in the future unless Volkswagen announces the R version for all the car enthusiasts however it is fair enough on the road.
Mileage on the road:
The Volkswagen Golf GTI mileage differs for different models however it does gives an outstanding mileage of 36 mpg which actually exceeds the EPA rating by 2 mpg. Henceforth the Volkswagen Golf GTI mileage in the real world is surprisingly the most efficient in its league.
Interior & options:
The latest model of Volkswagen Golf GTI brings heated front seats as standard for every trim. You get a lot of cargo space, spacious legroom, and few luxuries on board. Other options and features include dual-zone automatic climate control and 12-way adjustable leather seats. The infotainment screen is standard in all trims but somehow it’s slow in response to touch however not horrifically bad. The much-needed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard too.
Interior Photos:
Major Competitors:
- SKODA OCTAVIA VRS
- FORD FOCUS ST
- HYUNDAI I30 N
- HONDA CIVIC TYPE-R
- MAZDA 3
- BMW 128 TI