2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Test Drive Review: The Do-Everything All Star

The seventh-generation #Volkswagen # Golf #GTI is nearing the end of its lifecycle with an all-new model set to be introduced. But VW's hot hatchback still has a few tricks up its sleeve to stay competitive.

2019 brings a new Rabbit Edition, which is great value at $28,895. Our Autobahn tester starts at $35,995 but rang in at $37,990 because of the optional DSG transmission.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque going out to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch. Fuel economy is a respectable 25/31/27 mpg city/highway/combined and 0-60 mph takes just 5.7 seconds.

At 1:43, the GTI actually has a seven-speed DSG for 2019.

[carbuzzcom]

1:40 Volkswagen has changed to a seven-speed DSG for 2019

[stephenhendricks]

Unusually perceptive review of the GTI. I was especially impressed by the references to the DSG and the fact that it's a far better choice for tuning. No need to upgrade and/or replace the clutch periodically. A Stage I (APR) tune adds about 30% HP and torque compared to the stock version. In my experience it drops the mpg's by a couple but that depends greatly on one's driving style.


A few additional points.


() I've yet to see a reviewer note that the GTI's DSG can be "locked" in manual mode by moving the console shifter to the right. Once that is done individual gears can be selected either with the paddle shifters or the console shifter. The selected gear will remain all the way to the GTI's red line. It's also true that the DSG can be moved from "auto" to "manual" mode simply by using the paddle shifters without locking the manual mode. But in that mode the transmission will return to "auto" mode as the accelerator is engaged. Having long been accustomed to MT vehicles, I drive my DSG GTI in "locked" manual mode about 60% of the time. The fact that I can change to "auto" mode in heavy, slow moving freeway traffic, though, is a great feature.


() It's true that the GLI has more rear legroom. Not surprising given that the GLI is about a foot longer than the GTI. The GTI, however, has a unique advantage from my perspective. In addition to its greater maneuverability the GTI earns a major discount on Washington State ferries available to vehicles 14' long or less. It's also true that the GLI has about 1 cubic ft more overall cargo capacity (with the rear seats folded). But the fact that the cargo space of the GTI is not impeded by the bar that separates the interior from the trunk, the GTI's cargo space is significantly more versatile when large objects need to be carried. Finally, sometimes small issues can be dealbreakers. For me the GTI's rear seat AC vents are an example. The back seat of my GTI is my big dog's second home and I wouldn't buy any car that doesn't give him a cool breeze after a romp at the dog park. Unfortunately, the vents aren't available in the GLI. Finally, the GLI does offer VW's digital cockpit that's not available on North American GTI's. (It's available in Europe.) That's not unusual. VW routinely limits content of their vehicles to contain their already premium prices. And while it's disappointing that the GTI lacks the digital cockpit, it's worth noting that it's a matter of eye candy; the GTI's less colorful cockpit provides all the same functionality.


() MSRP's can be very misleading compared to real world pricing. A year ago I cross shopped the GTI and Golf R. What I found here in the Pacific Northwest was a serious shortage of Golf R's. Looking at virtually every dealer within a hundred miles of Seattle, I found only three Golf R's available. Two of the three were priced between $1K and $2K over MSRP. The third was priced at the $41K MSRP but it was sold within 24 hours after arriving at the dealer by a buyer who flew a thousand miles to buy it. In contrast I purchased a fully loaded DSG Autobahn with an MSRP of slightly over $38, 000 for $32, 043 plus TTL. Thus, the real world price difference was not a couple of thousand bucks but about $10, 000 or more. The Golf R is an awesome vehicle, imo, but its advantages compared to the lighter, more nimble GTI weren't worth $10, 000 to me, especially since a Stage I APR tune provides nearly the same usable HP and torque as the "R" for about $800.



OF course, my experience can't be generalized everywhere or a year later but before assuming that the price difference between a fully loaded GTI and a comparable Golf R is only a few thousand dollars, it's worth checking real world pricing arrived at through negotiations with a dealer.

[rocketkid]

Let's shame vw into getting rid of the plastic oil pan and water pump.

[driller]

1:40. I thought they updated it to 7-speed DSG??

[bh]

I don't know why anyone would pay money for this. At 27k to 38K for something new that looks 20 years old is just crazy. I go with the Cooper JCW because first it looks better, has a better exaust note, handling and it has style and character unlike this boring grocery cart.