The Volkswagen Golf Gti has long been heralded as the quintessential hot hatch, a benchmark against which all others are measured. For 2023, the GTI returns with its familiar turbocharged engine and sporty demeanor. However, this particular test drive presented a unique twist: an automatic transmission. For purists, a Golf GTI without a manual gearbox might seem like a compromise. But beyond the transmission, there were other aspects of the 2023 model that left us with mixed feelings.
Let’s delve into the positives first. Under the hood, the 2023 Golf GTI boasts a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a healthy 241 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels, and while a six-speed manual is available for those seeking maximum engagement, our test model was equipped with the seven-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy was respectable, hovering between 25 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway in combined driving conditions. The 2023 GTI lineup includes the S, SE, and Autobahn trims, with a special 40th Anniversary edition also on offer. Our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line Autobahn trim. The base price starts at $39,870, and our test model, with options, came in at $41,360.
While the Golf GTI offered adequate acceleration and pep, the ride quality proved to be a significant drawback. Every imperfection in the road surface, from minor potholes to slight road divots, transmitted harsh jolts into the cabin. The ride became so jarring that certain roads, normally navigable in other vehicles, were consciously avoided in the GTI. Adding to the less-than-stellar experience was the infotainment system. The navigation and sound system proved to be frustratingly convoluted and poorly designed, ultimately leading to complete user abandonment during the test period.
Further compounding the audio experience was the lack of enabled SiriusXM Satellite Radio. For discerning listeners who appreciate high-fidelity audio and genre-specific radio, being limited to over-the-air AM and FM stations with their compressed audio quality and limited genre selection (country, pop, classic rock, classical, and merengue were the only easily discernible categories) was a significant disappointment. The interior materials also contributed to a somewhat downmarket feel. Despite offering ample space for taller occupants, the overall comfort level and material quality felt reminiscent of budget-friendly accommodations. The red stitching accents provided a minor visual upgrade, and the hatchback configuration did offer practical cargo space, mitigating some of the interior shortcomings.
However, the intangible element of excitement, that adrenaline rush one anticipates when driving a new hot hatch, was noticeably absent. Despite its performance credentials, the 2023 Golf GTI simply failed to ignite that passionate driving enthusiasm.
On the safety front, the Golf GTI fares considerably better. The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with the High Beam Control (Light Assist) system. Furthermore, a comprehensive suite of standard and optional driver-assistance technologies is available. Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive system, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, is available across all GTI trim levels, enhancing the vehicle’s safety and driver-assistance capabilities.
The most memorable, and perhaps unfortunate, incident occurred on the final night of the test drive. Opting for a notoriously rough highway – a stretch of road under seemingly perpetual construction – to save time, the reviewer proceeded cautiously. However, nearing the end of this challenging section of road, an unusual “flippity-flippety-flippety” sound emanated from the front right tire. Initial suspicion pointed to a flat tire. Pulling over at the nearest gas station revealed a more dramatic situation: the tire was gone. Somewhere along the bumpy stretch of highway, between the initial sensation of a flat and reaching the gas station, the tire had detached completely. Fortunately, a spare tire was located in the trunk, and after a 30-minute roadside tire change, the journey could continue.
In conclusion, the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI presents a mixed bag. While it retains the GTI’s hallmark turbocharged performance and boasts commendable safety features, the jarring ride quality, frustrating infotainment system, and somewhat underwhelming interior detract from the overall experience. And while losing a tire is certainly an unusual and extreme event, it does perhaps symbolize the somewhat deflated feeling this particular GTI test drive evoked. It’s a capable hot hatch, but perhaps lacking some of the magic that has historically defined the Golf GTI.
