Does the Golf GTI Still Hold the Benchmark for Affordable Hatchbacks?
I was given the keys to a VW Golf GTI Rabbit for a week. Here are my thoughts.
As many people know, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been around for over 40 years, and in that time it has faced some serious competition like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Veloster, and even the new Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Hatchbacks are known to be driver's cars for those who are budding enthusiasts with not-so-deep pockets. Almost every car manufacturer known to man has put their own version of a hatchback into the pool of enthusiasts to bite. Now, well into the 7th generation Golf, or known as the MK7, VW has time and time again set benchmarks for their competition. The Golf GTI Rabbit is no exception for those looking for a hatchback. But, does it still hold the said benchmark?
"...something out of a matchbox set."
The styling of the Golf GTI Rabbit is almost like every Golf except for few things exterior wise. The 18 inch wheels, and the black Vmax rear spoiler and side mirror caps. But, what is one of the most interesting details I noticed on the Golf was the red accent line on the grille and the red GTI badges around the car. The other interesting detail I found was that the VW emblem on the trunk is also the handle to open the rear up to put items in the back. Almost all hatchbacks are built looking like something out of a Matchbox set. The Gold is no different. It is small, but it holds itself up like it takes charge with its stance.
"...is like looking up at the sky at night..."
The Golf GTI Rabbit has a very retro 70s feel to it due to the plaid seats. I am not saying this is a bad thing. I actually like how it blends with the rest of the interior panels. The seats are comfortable and held me in place with great support. I did not feel sore or anything after a 2 and a half hour drive to Gettysburg for the holiday weekend. My only discomfort was the gear knob. Indeed, it is the shape and design is inspired by a golf ball, but it felt so weird to hold. I cannot even describe it clearly. Imagine holding a golf ball between the end of a thick grilling fork. Sure, there is enough room to hold adults in the front but the rear is a bit tricky. A good combination of people going on a drive would work if there was an even amount of tall and short people to be comfortable. My favorite part of the interior has to be at night. Looking at the cluster panel is like looking up in the sky at night and the ambient lighting all around is like the rest of the Milky Way.
So, what is the price tag of this Golf Rabbit GTI? This model is priced at $29,790. It is one of the more expensive of the affordable hatchbacks. So then, what does it come with? For safety, it has 3 point safety belts all around, advanced airbag protection system with 6 airbags, ABS, anti-slip regulation and engine brake assist, electronic brake distribution and hydraulic brake assist, stability control, electronic differential lock, intelligent crash response system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, rear view camera, LATCH tethers for children, and tire pressure monitoring system. For comfort and everything else, this Golf GTI has a tilting and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats with powered reclining, adaptive headlights that turn with the steering wheel, and ambient lighting. The Golf GTI also scored an overall of "5 Stars" on the Government Safety ratings. The only "4 Stars" were given to both rollover and front passenger crash.
"...like a child not wanting to let go..."
How does the Golf GTI Rabbit perform? Well, with a 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lbs. of torque and puts it to the front wheels, it will go from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. But, it is torquey enough to chirp tires in 2nd gear. Braking on the other hand is damn-near immediate. The brakes on the Golf GTI are just so meaty that it does not take much effort to stop the car from doing anything. The clutch is light as is changing gears. Steering is light but also manages to give the feedback from the tires. There is no problem with torque steer as some other front-wheel drive cars have. Suspension holds the Golf GTI in the corners like a child not wanting to let go of their parent on the first day of school. It just takes the corner, attacks it, and holds it there until being released out onto the straightaway. The tires give proper grip. Ride comfort was also great due to the fact that New Jersey is known for its horrible roads. As for fuel economy, with my driving style, I was able to achieve a remarkable 26 miles to the gallon.
So, does the Golf GTI Rabbit Edition still hold the benchmark for hatchbacks? Considering the price I would easily say no. This is not the case. A hatchback is meant to be a driver's car but for a budding enthusiast. It certainly is not a Honda Civic Type-R, but that is in the $40,000 range. In my opinion, it still holds the benchmark for hatchbacks. Why? Because it is everything that makes an enthusiast an enthusiast. Sure, someone can buy a Corolla Hatchback, but they would need a few thousand dollars to upgrade it in aftermarket parts and void all warranties to compete with the Golf GTI Rabbit. The only real competition the Golf GTI Rabbit has to worry about is the Veloster N, Ford Focus RS, and Honda Civic Si. But we all know who has the better reputation in the hot-hatches category of the bunch.
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Comments (36)
''Does the Golf GTI Still Hold the Benchmark for Affordable Hatchbacks?'' It didn't for allmost four decades, why would it suddenly have been the benchmark in all those years? This is highly revisionist.
Well it's a debate. Some journalists would agree. Some won't.
I think I’d rather have the new Focus ST
That's a car I have yet to drive!
The GTI is not even the best golf, R, R32, VR6.
I say affordable.
You can get a R for £16k, the pics on the article seem to be mk7 so im assuming you we're pricing it on a mk7 GTI.
Thanks for posting! There was a time when the golf outshined everything else- 1982 I think.
Modern cars are so close in quality and performance that the golf seems like a nostalgia purchase more than anything else
Maybe.
For me, the Golf has always been all things to all men. It’ll do almost everything that you ask of it reasonable well. It might not be the absolute fastest car but when your mate needs to move apartments in a hurry or needs a lift to their airport, it’s perfect for the job. I’ve actually managed to fit a pub pool table in the back of one, and shut the hatch! As a fast car, it’ll always put a smile on your face but as a “car” it’ll never make you frown.
That's insane!