Volkswagen has redesigned its GTI model with the promise of ensuring a fun drive. With increased passenger and cargo space to getting better acceleration and smoother handling, the Volkswagen GTIis definitely a car to watch out for. It is one of the pioneers in the hatchback niche. The new version has a lot more style, uplifted interiors, and it’s one of the foremost speed boxes-on-the-wheels. These five reasons tell why the GTI is all about fun.
Speed and performance
The latest version of the GTI is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that gives 241 HP and 273 pound-feet torque. The power gets to the front wheels through the transmission, you have the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or the 7-speed automatic transmission. From 0 to 60 mph, the car takes less than 6 seconds to get through. Although it’s more agile in all respect than the earlier version. The brand has revised the suspension of the vehicle and the torque vectoring has also got an uplift that makes it pretty set on racing tracks and bumpy roads.
The ride quality is perfect, there’s a utopian balance between a soft and a firm ride. When speeding, you have the soft brake pedal with robust stopping power. The fuel economy is a decent 25 mpg in the city and on the highway about 34 mpg. So, when it comes to performance, this one definitely has a brilliant scorecard.
Remarkable infotainment system
For the new-age riders, the Volkswagen GTI is promising and embedded with amazing new technological specs. The 10.0-inch touchscreen has touch-sensitive sliders that make it pretty cool. There’s scope for improvement here though as the touchscreen does lack intuitiveness. The touchscreen has charging ports, and of course Android Auto and Apple CarPlay options. The car’s dashboard is exciting and for sure going to get you all set for the drive ahead.
Safety
This is a competitive contention point for all automobile makers these days and Volkswagen does not disappoint in this regard. In the driver’s seat you have ample driver-assistance technology to support you. There are some upgrades at additional charges but the standard features are good to go. The IQ Drive system from Volkswagen is a part of all the trims available in the market. Some of the other standard features included in the cockpit are the lane-keeping assist and the automatic emergency braking system. Pedestrian detection is an added feature with a lane-departure warning in-built. And, the modern adaptive cruise control or ACC that has your back; automatically brings the brakes or accelerates whenever the system detects the need to do so.
Comfortable interiors
The interior is all about a modern-day plush and luxurious feel. The three-spoke steering wheel has touch-sensitive controls and a densely-contoured rim. The front seats are bolstered with red accents on the edges of the outside. Then there are the GTI iconic plaid inserts present on the cushions, top, and bottom. The Crowl is lower which provides the driver and passengers a better look at the road ahead. The new version is taller than the previous ones. Consequently, the wheelbase gets 0.6 inches more space and height which supports more cargo and passenger space.
Additional features
There’s voice recognition, navigational support on the dashboard, wireless smartphone integration, satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Harman Kardon 9-speaker premium stereo. Plus, there’s 30-color ambient lighting in the interior and an automatic climate control feature. To top it off, you have a sunroof, keyless entry, and automated climate control.
Conclusion
At $29,880 price for the base model, the Volkswagen GTI is definitely full of dreams and promises in the compact car category. If you are looking to have some fun on the road, and are wanting a good practical car, this one should top your list.
