What can be better than an affordable and fun car? Volkswagen GTI started the “hot hatch” segment and it aims to continue with the 2015 VW GTI. This seventh generation car maintains the virtues of the ancestors. It has a classically styled, yet modern and comfortable interior. You get three pedals on the floor, six speeds in hand, and a good-old lever emergency brake. This GTI is all about driver engagement and fun.
The 2.0L turbocharged four is back but with more power: 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm in its base form. That is a lot of twist that comes in early. Considering that the curb weight of the base GTI is 2,972 pounds, it makes for a fun driving experience. This hot hatch still wants to dance.
The starting MSRP for the Mk7 GTI is $24,395 before shipping and handling charges. It’s EPA rated at 25 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, so you can be economy-minded if you can keep your right foot out of the floor.
You can still get a four-door version of the GTI, and also load it up with options for a price slightly north of $30K.
Watch this fun and informative TFLcar first drive of the 2015 VW GTI and Emme and Roman take the car for a spin in Virginia.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.
