In this report, we'll explore the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Golf GTI is one of the most recommended cars for anyone seeking a practical vehicle for daily use, while also caring about the joy of driving. Let's dive into the new GTI and see if it still reigns as the queen of sporty hatchbacks.

Practicality and Space

The Golf GTI offers:

Ample trunk space
Good rear passenger space
A variety of features and technological options

However, the GTI adds real enjoyment for driving enthusiasts, which I will discuss further in the driving experience section later in the report.

Exterior Design

The GTI has always stood out for two key features:

The distinctive headlight shape adorned with a red line stretching across the front of the car into the headlights.
The wheel design, which I have always considered the most beautiful on a dealer-direct car.

Today, the car comes with LED headlights featuring daytime running lights and a design with sharper angles compared to last year, along with carbon fiber accents in a honeycomb pattern. The wheels feature a unique 18-inch design complemented by large red sports brakes.

At the back, the GTI boasts dual exhaust outlets and a roof-mounted spoiler, enhancing its sporty character.

Interior Design

The sporty feel continues inside with:

A flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel
Sporty leather seats with high support
Red accents indicating that we are inside a GTI

The build quality is commendable; the durability of any Golf is notable, especially in the GTI variant.

Technological Specifications

The GTI comes equipped with numerous features including:

A 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
A 12.3-inch display replacing the instrument cluster
A sound system by Dynaudio with 8 speakers and a 400-watt subwoofer
Adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitoring system
A rearview camera hidden behind the Volkswagen emblem

Driving Experience

This year, Volkswagen has increased the horsepower of the GTI by ten, bringing the output from the 2.0-liter turbo engine to 230 horsepower. This mechanical configuration allows the GTI to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.

The GTI features an electric limited-slip differential (LSD) at the front, enhancing the car's grip during turns. In sport mode, you will also enjoy the sound of the amplified exhaust.

The Golf GTI can completely transform for a quieter and more comfortable ride simply by switching the driving mode to Comfort or Eco.

Final Verdict

Undoubtedly, the Golf GTI remains the queen of the well-known hot hatch segment, especially in our UAE market. Some competing options currently available include: