The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T Autobahn Review by David Colman +VIDEO


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T Autobahn

At twice the money this car would be a deal...it's that good

By David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T Autobahn
The GTI has been a legend enshrined in the enthusiast's hall of fame since its introduction in 1975. The 2019 version, the 8th evolution of the Golf, does nothing but burnish the GTI's sterling reputation. This 4-door, front wheel drive sedan is so good at going hard and going fast that you will hate to arrive at your destination. Consequently, my last drive in the GTI had no destination at all. The point of the trip was to drive the car, not arrive anywhere. Driving as an end in itself has no finer tool than the 2019 GTI. Fast? Check. Agile? Check. Handsome? Check. Affordable? Check. If ever there were a single car that checked all my personal boxes, it would be this one.

What distinguishes the GTI from all the other performance wannabes? Balance. The engine never overwhelms the suspension or the brakes. All three elements work harmoniously to make the GTI the best back road weapon you can buy. At twice the money, this car would be a deal. At the current base price of $35,995 it's an absolute steal. VW has managed to extract a few more ponies every year from the 2.0 liter turbo 4. Direct fuel injection, twin overhead cams, and 16 valves help produce 230hp and 258lb.-ft. of torque. While 230hp may seem piddling in a world of 500hp muscle cars, that's more than twice the horsepower of the original 1975 GTI. More importantly, each horsepower in the 2019 GTI only needs to propel 13.7 pounds of weight, because this VW weighs in at just 3,155lbs. That makes for a very lively power-to-weight ratio. And the motor's wonderful exhaust makes you want to play the same intoxicating tune over and over.

Unlike so many high performance cars, where engine output overwhelms all other considerations, the GTI's Zen-like balance involves more than simple acceleration. The four wheel independent suspension, backed up by responsive and sticky Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires (225/40R18), bobs and weaves like a boxer to insure you never lose adhesion. The diminutive flat bottom steering wheel commands directional changes instantly. There is no slop in the steering or suspension of the GTI. Even the most minute turn of the steering wheel puts the GTI exactly where you intended it to be. Capping off the driving experience is 4 mode adaptive chassis control. Chose the Sport setting for greatest handling precision.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T Autobahn
The capstone of the GTI formula is its 6-speed manual transmission. Yes, you can buy this VW with a dual clutch automated gearbox, but why would you want to dilute the fun by deferring to artificial intelligence when you can have all the decision making joy yourself? The dimpled golf ball controlling the shift mechanism slots from gate to gate with finely balanced ease. Clutch actuation is light and engagement is instant. If you slip the clutch at all, the drivetrain issues a skunk-like odor of reprimand. So be precise in your footwork when driving a manual transmission GTI.

VW has upgraded the GTI brakes this year, with ventilated discs front and rear, and red calipers peeking through the five bold spokes of each alloy rim. The brakes, like the clutch, are quite sensitive to pedal pressure. You quickly learn not to pitch your passenger through the windshield by insensitive brake application. Once you've mastered the engagement point, the brakes are spot-on terrific. Another asset missing from most cars these days is a reputable horn. The GTI's stentorian dual tone blaster is a welcome addition to the performance portfolio.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T Autobahn
GTI comes with such an extensive list of attributes that we have room only to highlight a few of our favorites here. The black leather front seats are race-worthy supportive, well heated and handsomely stitched in contrasting red thread. The 8 inch wide touchscreen on the dash is particularly commendable for ease of use, especially when programming SiriusXM favorites and when selecting those favorites while on the go. About the only reservation we had in daily driving was the flimsy headlight beam stalk, which had to be prodded more than once to change from low to high beam. But the LED headlights of the adaptive front lighting system provided excellent black road illumination. VW also provides LED fog lights with low-speed cornering lights. So this petite daytime bomb carries its own torch at night too.

2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI 2.0T AUTOBAHN

    ENGINE: 2.0 liter inline 4, DOHC, 16 valves, Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharged
    HORSEPOWER: 230hp
    TORQUE: 256lb.-ft.
    FUEL CONSUMPTION: 24MPG City/32MPG Highway
    PRICE AS TESTED: $36,890

HYPES: This Family Sedan Outperforms Most Sports Cars

GRIPES: Zero

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10