The new GTI arrives in June, sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected 4-cylinder engine under the hood. With 210-horsepower 10 more than before the GTI definitely carries on the hot hatch tradition that the original GTI pioneered. For just $1,495 more, buyers can opt for a performance package that features engine re-tuning to produce another 10-horsepower, plus an advanced torque-sensing limited-slip differential.
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: U.S.: OTC
The 2015 launch marks the seventh generation of the VW Golf brand in the United States and the 40th year the car has been sold on these shores. The 2015 lineup signals VW’s intention to make good on its promise to eventually overtake Japan’s Toyota in global automotive sales, and to do so by giving Toyota a fierce run for its money in North America, leading with a Volkswagen product that is a true “people’s car” — affordable, attractively designed, accommodating, comfortable, safe, well-engineered and, yes, fun to drive on city streets and on those rare roads free of traffic.
The segment that the GTI plays in is rather competitive, featuring such nameplates as the Ford Focus ST, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si and Mazda3. Its hard to pick a single winner from the bunch.
The Volkswagen Golf turns 40 this year. Originally designed as a replacement for the venerable VW Beetle, the Golf (as it was known in Europe) came to America with the Rabbit nameplate. Its been marketed under both labels at various times through those 40 years, selling over 30 million units worldwide.
Volkswagens are known for their simple, almost Spartan, interior designs. But while the new Golf family echoes that heritage, it does so with a much improved selection of interior materials. Its no longer a sea of hard plastics, with modern soft-touch materials plentiful. Chrome, aluminum, and piano black accents complete the more upscale environments. Seating is comfortable and supportive, especially in the sport-oriented GTI models. All of the versions driven feature a more natural driving position than before.