History / Overview
The Volkswagen GTI is one of the auto industry's best-known sport compact nameplates. It arrived in Canada more than 40 years ago as a performance-oriented version of the Rabbit compact car. The current, seventh-generation model arrived in 2015.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
For 2020, the only change is the addition of VW's dynamic chassis control suspension as standard kit in the uplevel Autobahn trim; it also gets black mirror caps to replace last year's body-colour pieces.
Available Trims
VW offers the GTI in base and Autobahn trims. Both use a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine, which comes either a 6-speed manual transmission, or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Standard Features
The base GTI's exterior and mechanical kit includes LED fog lights, auto on/off headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, 17-inch wheels, dynamic chassis control suspension, heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, and heated windshield washers. Automatic models also add an engine start/stop system with regenerative braking.
Among the GTI's standard interior and convenience are cruise control, an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6-speaker stereo, satellite radio, heated front sport seats with power recline and manual lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, and plaid cloth upholstery.
GTI's safety package comprises tire pressure monitoring and rain-sensing wipers.
Autobahn trim adds front cornering lights, passive keyless entry, an 8-speaker stereo, navigation, adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch wheels and tires, a panoramic sunroof, power front-seat lumbar, leatherette door trim, and leather seating.
Key Options
An advanced driver assistance package bundles the GTI's active safety features: front and rear park assist, forward collision warning/pedestrian detection/automatic braking, adaptive cruise with stop and go, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
Autobahn trim can also be optioned with the base car's plaid cloth upholstery in place of leather.
Fuel Economy
Volkswagen's fuel consumption estimates for the GTI are 9.8/7.3 L/100 km (city/highway) with the six-speed manual transmission, and 9.7/7.5 L/100 km with the seven-speed automatic.
Competition
GTI competitors include the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai's Elantra GT Sport, the Subaru WRX, Acura's ILX, the Mazda3 Sport GT, the Mini Cooper S, and the Toyota 86.
