By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photo VW Media
For 2015 the seventh generation Golf GTI is bigger, lighter, faster, and more fuel efficient than the previous generation, with room for five with a larger trunk than any mid size sedan.
The latest version of the car that defined the term hot hatch, builds on a classic formula; refinement, style, power, and playful performance, a package that has met with great success since the GTI’s U.S. debut in 1983.
Exterior
The 2015 car is wrapped in sheet metal that is totally modern yet equally unmistakable as a Volkswagen Golf GTI. The shape and design elements remain as defined as ever, with a distinctive C-pillar and roofline framing classic Golf GTI side windows, but the striking new front end and steeply sloped hood leave no doubt this is an all-new model.
Dimensionally, the Golf GTI has grown in all directions but up. Overall length has increased by 2.1 inches, while width has gained 0.5 inches. Overall height has decreased, however, by 1.1 inches, making the car look more ready to pounce than ever. Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship between the front-wheel centerline and the pedal box, the front wheels now sit 1.7 inches further forward, giving a premium cab backward aesthetic.
A stand alone Lighting Package is available for $995 for all three Golf GTI trim levels: it consists of Bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, as well as Volkswagen’s Adaptive Front-lighting System. This system swivels the main headlight beams by up to 15 percent as the steering wheel is turned to help illuminate bends in the road more effectively at speeds of more than 6 mph. Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers are now standard on SE models and above, along with automatic headlights.
Interior
The all new Golf GTI takes a further step upscale with its interior. In all regards, it’s a larger, more mature cabin with an emphasis on comfort and a substantial features list. Despite the Golf GTI’s lower overall height, interior space has been increased all around, with 93.5 cubic feet of interior room compared with 92.9 for the previous GTI.
In addition to the added space, many of the driver controls have been repositioned for optimum ergonomics and usability. The seat position is now 0.8 inches further back, while the height of the GTI shifter and the spacing between the pedals have all been fine tuned as well. This new driver-centric design focus is evident from the center stack, which is now angled towards the driver a trait frequently seen in premium luxury or performance vehicles.
One of the most significant advances in the all-new Golf GTI comes in the form of its new touchscreen infotainment center, standard on all models. At 5.8-inches in size, the display utilizes a capacitive touch sensor rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling gesture controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming.
The Driving Mode Selection feature is new for the Golf GTI. There are three modes on cars with the standard sport suspension: Normal, Sport, and Individual. The DCC adaptive damping system adds a Comfort mode. Normal and Sport have a different steering heft and throttle response, while Individual allows a driver to tailor the steering and throttle to their own liking, as well as adjust the front lighting on cars fitted with the Lighting Package. On cars with the DSG transmission, the Sport mode gives more aggressive shifts. With the DCC system, Comfort mode puts the dampers in their softest setting for a smooth highway ride and to their firmest setting in Sport for better cornering performance.
Engine and Transmission
In classic Volkswagen style, the Golf GTI is powered by a compact turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged and direct-injection unit that powers the new Golf GTI is a member of the latest, third-generation EA888 engine family.
The new EA888 engine produces 10 horsepower more than the engine it replaces, topping out at 210 horsepower at 4,500 rpm. It also brings a massive boost in peak torque, from 207 pound-feet to 258 lb-ft, beginning at just 1,500 rpm and lasting until 4,500 rpm. The available Performance Package modifies the engine programming to hold peak torque for an extra 200 rpm, enabling the EA888 to produce an extra 10 horsepower for a total of 220 at 4,700 rpm.
Despite this increase in horsepower and torque, the new Golf GTI is more fuel efficient than previously. When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the Golf GTI records an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, compared to the previous-generation GTI’s ratings of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. When equipped with the optional six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the fuel economy improves from the previous model’s 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway to EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The DSG transmission also incorporates a launch control feature.
Safety
To help keep the occupants safe, the new Golf GTI provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. The Golf GTI has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features no fewer than six airbags as standard along with a number of electronic and mechanical driver assistance and safety systems, including standard Electronic Stability Control. All Golf GTI models are available with the Driver Assistance Package, which adds a Forward Collision Warning system and front and rear Park Distance Control systems.
Summary
The SE lies in the middle of the Golf GTI range, beginning at $27,785 for the two-door model and $28,385 for the four-door version. As with the Golf GTI S, the six-speed manual transmission can be replaced with the DSG automatic for $1,100. The SE includes all the features of the S and adds: a power tilt and slide sunroof; Keyless access with push-button start; a rearview camera; automatic headlights; rain-sensing windshield wipers; the Fender Premium Audio System; and leather seating surfaces. The DCC adaptive damping system is available with the Performance Package for an additional $800 at this trim level.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
