Power comes from the familiar 2.0 liter turbocharged TFSI four cylinder engine, and while it is starting to show its age, the engine is still a very spirited partner with 210 horsepower on tap for base GTIs.

As a bonus, this trim is the least expensive way to get the Performance package, and that should please budget minded enthusiasts looking for maximum bang for their hard earned buck. In addition to the bi-xenon headlights, keyless entry system, and the upgraded infotainment system, it also adds the Performance Package into the equation which allows the GTI to access its full potential. A new addition for the 2017 model year, the Sport trim takes many of the GTI’s most desirable equipment, and blends them into one handy package. Head and leg room were also quite good, though the chunky rear pillars produced blind spots that occasionally had us wish for a blind spot monitoring system.Ī key attribute for our tester was the all new Sport package. Interior ergonomics are also top notch with many buttons and controls positioned within easy reach of the driver. The seats also do a good job providing commendable levels of support and help keep occupants nestled in even during spirited driving. Our tester had the trademark plaid colored cloth seats, and while Volkswagen does offer optional leather thrones in some trims, we recommend avoiding them, especially for those looking for the full GTI experience.

The interior of the GTI also follows the nip and tuck theme, and is still a very upscale place to spend time in. The rear fascia is admittedly bland when compared to rivals like the Ford Focus ST, but the dual exhaust tips do help spruce things up somewhat. The side profile is a bit more on the functional side, but this is true of many hatchbacks, and helps bring out the GTI’s versatility. The front fascia has an aura of confidence, and it benefits from the subtle styling tweaks that Volkswagen designers made to help it look more refined and aggressive. It all starts with the exterior styling which still retains a high level of sophistication, while still being crisp and distinctively boxy. This unique opportunity to glimpse at what could’ve been, allowed us to get better acquainted with some of the attributes that have made the GTI a smash hit for enthusiasts all around the world. But a spring start to pre-ordering, as well as increasingly dire circumstances for my prior vehicle, temporarily curbed those ambitions, and eventually led to the fall purchase of a 2013 Buick Verano Turbo. You see, I almost purchased a GTI several years ago when the current generation Mk7 model was first unveiled to the world back in 2012. That was the very question that this author faced when our Tornado Red GTI Sport tester arrived to spend some time at our humble Michigan outpost.

2017 vw gti reliability ratings