Taut, agile and quick, this version of Volkswagen's venerable hot hatch is fun to drive and so much more. The GTI is one of the most practical choices among sporty cars. It's quiet, civilized and doesn't wear you out on long drives. The interior is very well finished, with luxurious materials, comfortably supportive seats and a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use infotainment system. Now in its seventh generation, the GTI has matured into a capable, refined and sophisticated piece of machinery with the latest electronic features.
Power comes from a 210-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, matched to either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automated manual transmission. The engine provides plenty of grunt with either transmission, although the DSG lacks the finesse of a conventional automatic around town. We recorded 29 mpg overall with our manual transmission car, which is commendable for this kind of performance.
While handling is agile and precise, this generation feels less edgy than the previous GTI. The ride is firm, but it doesn't pummel you.