Your Ultimate GTI Buyer’s Guide is here!
In this episode, Tommy and Michael compare a 2015 and 2018 VW Golf GTI. 2018 represents a mid-cycle refresh for the GTI, including a number of aesthetic and mechanical changes. We do an in-depth ultimate GTI buyer’s guide to give you a good idea of all the changes, as well as give you some advice on which GTI is the best buy.
2018 Aesthetic Updates
The most noticeable changes for the Mk7.5 GTI are certainly the aesthetic ones. Starting at the front, Volkswagen completely refreshed front end. There’s a new bumper, new headlights, and some other small tweaks to the front fascia, including a piano black grill and new VW badge. Also included in the aesthetic changes is a new set of standard 18″ alloy wheels. Now named “Houston” (not pictured) rims, these wheels feature the same dimensions as the previous rims, but with slightly different styling. Moving to the back there are some new tail lights, an updated rear bumper, and some larger exhaust tips (which actually sound a bit louder).
Furthermore, the interior, while largely the same, has seen a couple key changes. The trim has changed to a piano black finish and there is a new 8.0″ touchscreen display.
2018 Mechanical Updates
Nothing mechanical is actually different for 2018. The 2018 VW GTI is still powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo that makes 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is still sent to the front wheels through your choice of a 6-speed manual, or a 6-speed dual clutch automatic. However, the way in which you get certain options is quite different, and much more simplified.
2018 Package Updates
Where the 2015-2017 had a number of options and packages, the 2018 model is super simple. You have a choice of three trim levels: S, SE, and Autobahn. Each comes with a different set of standard features. The only real options on the 2018 model are the color and choice of transmission ($1,100 for the DSG). If you buy the SE trim, you can also spec leather seats instead of cloth for $695.
To hear about the trim-specific standard features, and to hear our recommendation on what GTI to buy, be sure to watch the whole video. Check back to TFLcar.com for more news, reviews, and in-depth buyer’s guides! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for all the latest videos on your favorite new (and some old) models!
