VW released an all-new eight-generation GTI for 2022, and we thoroughly enjoyed its great fun to drive qualities and practicality. But time doesn’t stand still, and with the recent introductions of serious performance competition, including the Hyundai Elantra N and the Toyota Corolla GR we were wondering if the Golf GTI can still wear the hot hatch performance crown. Time for another road test!
Welcome to the Evolution
Changes are few since last year, so let’s recap what you get. Although this 8th gen is an all-new design, it couldn’t be anything but a GTI. Look at a previous gen model, and you’ll realize how conservative VW stays in updating the GTI. But while it looks familiar, the updates keep things crisp and fresh.
The front is a nice mix of old and new – the familiar horizontal red strip in the grille, the GTI letters nestling below. Standard LED headlights give a strong display, while five LEDs on each side of the bumper create a signature X-shaped fog lights with a large honeycomb grille that spans the width of the front and wraps around.
The profile is pure GTI – a 5-door hatchback design with crisp, squared-off lines Few crossovers have that sense of rightness like the GTI’s well-massaged lines. There’s a sharp cut-in line at the bottom, and a nice rake that runs from the headlights to the taillights. While those lines are tasteful and subtle, the 18-inch alloy wheels have a twisted 5-spoke design with a polished finish that’s bold and bright. Red calipers behind each wheel promise performance.
The rear features LED taillights that flow into a nice horizontal line, with a familiar large VW logo in the center, which is home for both the lever to pop the hatch and the rearview camera. Our favorite parts are the large dual exhaust pipes – not only do they look great, but they also pump out a rich full exhaust note.
Finishing of our tester was a handsome Atlantic Blue Metallic – the same color as our 2022 tester – that still looks upscale and shows off the tasteful lines in a low-key way.
Welcome to The Digital Age
While the exterior is evolutionary, the interior is a bit more revolutionary.
Open the door and you’re greeted by well contoured front sport seats, covered in plaid cloth inserts that we love. Our eagle eye noticed that our ’23 tester had GTI logos embroidered in the front seats which our ’22 didn’t. A small touch, but a nice one.
VW stays state of the art combining a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster paired with an 8.25-inch info-tainment touchscreen. It creates a seamless flow across the dash and reminds us of Audi’s esthetic.
VW calls the gauges Digital Cockpit Pro, and it serves up an impressive menu of info-goodness, with three views and 21 viewing options. Our favorite is the center display with a massive tachometer and digital speedo for a quick read.
In the center console you’ve got a nice high-res 10-inch touchscreen that features…. ta da! Knobs for volume and tuning. Here’s an interesting fact, only the entry-level S gets those knobs, the upgrade audio system is full touch screen only – a good reason to consider staying with that S trim.
Outside of those two knobs, you realize that everything else is handle by touch switches. That does make using the info-tainment system a bit challenging – you call up many of the screens by the way of a small touchpad with buttons for Assist, Menu, Climate, and Driver modes.
Last year we felt that the touchscreen system was less than intuitive, but a little familiarity with other VW products, and we now find it’s easy to use and have no complaints.
Speaking of the entry-level S trim, it’s still loaded with standard goodness like heated seats and steering wheel, auto climate control, multi-color (30 choices!) adjustable lighting and pushbutton ignition – but you’ll have to use the keyless remote to unlock the doors.
The rear seat is adult friendly, and with them up, you’ve a nice cargo space. Fold those rears and you could challenge small SUVs for capability. That’s the kind of real-world practicality that’s always made the GTI such a useful vehicle – and could make you think twice about needing a crossover or SUV!
Class-Leading Drive
Stylish and practical to be sure. But it’s the driving experience that keeps the fans loyal since the first GTI rolled onto our shows as 1983 model 40 years ago.
Powered is served up by a turbo 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, and in the GTI, it’s a polished gem, kicking out 241 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,750 rpm. It starts up with a deep rasp that turns into a contented hum.
Those dual exhaust pipes are tuned to perfection, and it sounds rich, deep and powerful as you run it up to redline. Riding a wave of turbo boost it feels especially strong off the line, and it’s perfect to slice and dice traffic.
And it’s not just around town fun – we found loads of power at freeway speeds – this little GTI wants to run on the Autobahn! That said, once you reach cruising velocity the cabin is quiet and refined, the high-quality European product you’ve come to expect.
Like our previous tester, the ’23 came equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch and transmission lever have that well-oiled slickness we expect from a German machine, and while the throws are a little long, they are light and precise.
If you don’t want or need a stick, you can opt for VW’s DCT dual clutch automatic that is one of the very best, with lightning-quick shifts and intuitive shifting.
The automatic is a notable advantage too, with competitors like the Honda Civic and Subaru WRX offering a CVT transmission option – but it’s no contest in driving enjoyment versus the VW’s DCT.
Another advantage over the Honda and Subie are the wonderful European road manners. The ride is sublime, comfortable but well controlled, perfect for the commute, and still firm enough when you want to take it to the local autocross. And you can call up 4 different driving modes from Comfort to Sport to fine-tune the experience.
The steering feel is wonderful too, with that fat leather-wrapped steering wheel giving you tactile precision as you dive into turns that makes slicing up traffic a grin-inducing affair. The brakes are partners to all the fun with excellent feel and control.
One of the things that make the VW feel so polished is the balance between the controls – the steering, shifting, braking all feel as one, and it’s a synergy that makes the GTI exceptional to drive whether it’s on your favorite twisty road, on ramp or just tackling the daily commute.
How Much for a 4-Season Pass to Driverland?
Surprisingly affordable! Our tester was the entry-level S model, starting at just $30,530. With no available options, and $1,095 for destination, we rang the bell at $31,625.
If you want to upgrade, it’s not cheap. There’s a new for 2023 40th Anniversary Edition that’s stylish and starts at $33,055, and if you want things goodies like panoramic roof, upgraded info-tainment, Harmon Kardon audio and more, you’re looking at the SE for $35,33. We like a lot of those features, but we’re not sure $5K worth.
Competitors would have to include the all-new Corolla GR. It’s a serious piece, but at $39,659 notably more expensive, and can’t match the GTI’s livability. There’s also the new Civic Si at $28,800. The Honda is a sweetheart, and if you keep your vehicles for 8-10 years, the reliability is worth considering. But for sheer driving enjoyment, the GTI wins. The new Elantra N, is a strong competitor and comes standard with a boatload of additional features but you will pay $34,465, and even though it has a folding rear seat, it can’t match the GTI’s practicality.
An amazing blend of fun, function and Euro goodness – the 2023 VW Golf GTI 2.0T S is the hot hatchback that can do it all. And affordably too!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.