Overview
The 2012 Volkswagen GTI, which originally debuted in 2010, continues this year with nothing but minor trim changes. The GTI's Convenience and Sunroof package now adds a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, premium stereo and in-dash CD changer to the package. The GTI's Sunroof and Navigation package builds on the previous package, and adds amenities like LED daytime running lights. The GTI's Autobahn package also adds LED daytime running lights, and gets new 10-spoke 18-inch "Serron" alloy wheels.
The 2012 Volkswagen GTI, which originally debuted in 2010, continues this year with nothing but minor trim changes. The GTI's Convenience and Sunroof package now adds a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, premium stereo and in-dash CD changer to the package. The GTI's Sunroof and Navigation package builds on the previous package, and adds amenities like LED daytime running lights. The GTI's Autobahn package also adds LED daytime running lights, and gets new 10-spoke 18-inch "Serron" alloy wheels.
Six generations ago, the GTI burst on the scene to become the car that created the hot hatch segment. The current Volkswagen GTI carries the flame well. It's powered by a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 making 207 lb-ft of torque, hooked up to a slick-shifting six-speed manual, or a rapid-fire six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
While the GTI may not produce the power of its competitors, it's an incredibly refined and premium package that for many is worth the extra buck or two over its competitors. The GTI is not only a great all-round performer, but it's comfortable and features a high-quality interior bound to put smiles on its owners' faces.
The Range
Body styles: Two-door hatchback, four-door hatchback
Engine: 2.0L turbo I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch auto
Models: Volkswagen GTI 2-Door, Volkswagen GTI 4-Door
What's New
The 2012 Volkswagen GTI gets nothing but minor trim changes this year. The GTI's Convenience and Sunroof package now gets a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, premium stereo and in-dash CD change, in addition to the sunroof. The GTI's Sunroof and Navigation package builds on the previous package, and adds amenities like LED daytime running lights, and a GPS navigation system. The GTI's Autobahn package also adds LED daytime running lights, and gets new 10-spoke 18-inch "Serron" alloy wheels.
Exterior
Like its more pedestrian stablemate, the Golf, the 2012 Volkswagen GTI is available as a two- and four-door hatchback. The VW GTI builds on the Golf's basic trimmings with a more aggressive honeycomb grille with the GTI's signature red piping around the edges. The GTI also gets black side skirts, and 18-inch wheels, which help visually lower it compared to the Golf. Out back, the GTI gets smoked taillight covers, a subtle spoiler, a blacked-out diffuser, and unique chrome-tipped split dual exhaust.
Interior
The Volkswagen GTI's interior is mostly a standard Golf affair, with some unique touches. The GTI features an abundance of soft plastics, and has a premium feel that makes the GTI feel as if it costs much more than its price point. The GTI's interior is further differentiated from the Golf's by its steering wheel, cloth seats, and manual transmission shift knob. The GTI gets a unique leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with a racy-looking flat bottom. The GTI's seats have a plaid pattern, and its shift knob is (you guessed it) a golf ball.
Performance & Handling
While we're huge proponents of rowing your own gears, we must give Volkswagen credit with its six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is one of the best in the business. When the GTI's 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 is bolted to the dual-clutch transmission, the GTI is capable of a 5.8-second 0-60 mph time. The GTI isn't all about 0-60 mph times though; it's an absolute joy in the corners. One of our editors described it best when he said of the GTI, "This is a bantamweight MMA fighter ready to kick you hard in the head with the way it grips and goes. A fantastic drive."
Safety
The Volkswagen GTI comes standard with front, and front side mounted airbags, and side air curtain airbags both front and rear. The 2012 GTI also comes standard with ABS, electronic brake pressure distribution, hydraulic brake assist and a traction and electronic stability control system. The GTI also features Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System, which will unlock the doors, turn off the fuel pump, and activate the GTI's hazard lights in the event the vehicle's airbags are deployed.
EPA Fuel Economy
GTI 2-Door: 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway (manual); 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway (dual-clutch auto)
GTI 4-Door: 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway (manual); 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway (dual-clutch auto)
You'll Like
Driving the original hot hatch
Upscale interior
Hot hatch fun without the "look at me!" stigma
You Won't Like
Others are quicker, for less
Can get pricey with options
The Range
Body styles: Two-door hatchback, four-door hatchback
Engine: 2.0L turbo I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch auto
Models: Volkswagen GTI 2-Door, Volkswagen GTI 4-Door
What's New
The 2012 Volkswagen GTI gets nothing but minor trim changes this year. The GTI's Convenience and Sunroof package now gets a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, premium stereo and in-dash CD change, in addition to the sunroof. The GTI's Sunroof and Navigation package builds on the previous package, and adds amenities like LED daytime running lights, and a GPS navigation system. The GTI's Autobahn package also adds LED daytime running lights, and gets new 10-spoke 18-inch "Serron" alloy wheels.
Exterior
Like its more pedestrian stablemate, the Golf, the 2012 Volkswagen GTI is available as a two- and four-door hatchback. The VW GTI builds on the Golf's basic trimmings with a more aggressive honeycomb grille with the GTI's signature red piping around the edges. The GTI also gets black side skirts, and 18-inch wheels, which help visually lower it compared to the Golf. Out back, the GTI gets smoked taillight covers, a subtle spoiler, a blacked-out diffuser, and unique chrome-tipped split dual exhaust.
Interior
The Volkswagen GTI's interior is mostly a standard Golf affair, with some unique touches. The GTI features an abundance of soft plastics, and has a premium feel that makes the GTI feel as if it costs much more than its price point. The GTI's interior is further differentiated from the Golf's by its steering wheel, cloth seats, and manual transmission shift knob. The GTI gets a unique leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with a racy-looking flat bottom. The GTI's seats have a plaid pattern, and its shift knob is (you guessed it) a golf ball.
Performance & Handling
While we're huge proponents of rowing your own gears, we must give Volkswagen credit with its six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is one of the best in the business. When the GTI's 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 is bolted to the dual-clutch transmission, the GTI is capable of a 5.8-second 0-60 mph time. The GTI isn't all about 0-60 mph times though; it's an absolute joy in the corners. One of our editors described it best when he said of the GTI, "This is a bantamweight MMA fighter ready to kick you hard in the head with the way it grips and goes. A fantastic drive."
Safety
The Volkswagen GTI comes standard with front, and front side mounted airbags, and side air curtain airbags both front and rear. The 2012 GTI also comes standard with ABS, electronic brake pressure distribution, hydraulic brake assist and a traction and electronic stability control system. The GTI also features Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System, which will unlock the doors, turn off the fuel pump, and activate the GTI's hazard lights in the event the vehicle's airbags are deployed.
EPA Fuel Economy
GTI 2-Door: 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway (manual); 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway (dual-clutch auto)
GTI 4-Door: 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway (manual); 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway (dual-clutch auto)
You'll Like
Driving the original hot hatch
Upscale interior
Hot hatch fun without the "look at me!" stigma
You Won't Like
Others are quicker, for less
Can get pricey with options
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