Review of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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Getting to Know This Upscale Hot Hatchback

In the world of speedy whips, there are disruptive upstarts who are new to the game and seasoned pros that nail it year after year. But how do you tell which is which?

Simple.Those three little letters – GTI.

“Grand Touring Injection” is what they stand for. It means the vehicle uses a fuel-injection car model variant, first used in 1961 on the Maserati 3500 GTI. Longtime studies of the automobile world will recall those letters appeared on the Volkswagen Golf nearly five decades ago in 1976.

What does GTI mean in layman’s terms? They tell you you should expect the car to go fast.

Most recently, those sacred letters are being used again on the all-new 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Drivers with a need for speed finally have something to look forward to. Let’s get to know a little more about this speedy hatchback and where you can find it when shopping for new cars for sale in Houston.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI – Main Specs and Performance Metrics

Previous iterations of the VW Golf GTI have set the bar incredibly high. The 2022 model was named one of the year’s best new cars by Autotrader. However, the German-based automaker has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and the 2023 model of the VW Golf GTI proves that they always find a way to up their game.

Drivers can select from two different engine options – a 2.0 TSI 7-speed DSG^® automatic transmission with Tiptronic^® and Sport mode or a 2.0 TSI 6-speed manual. Whichever one you choose, you’ll get 241 horsepower and a whopping 273 lb-ft of torque, which makes it the fastest and most powerful Golf GTI ever created. Third-party independent testing revealed that the 2023 iteration of the Golf GTI could hit 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.

Additionally, drivers can look forward to superior handling and responsiveness. The 2023 model has an optimized suspension, brake-based torque vectoring, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Anyone who has driven the 2022 model or previous iterations of the Golf GTI will notice the improvements immediately, especially on tricky turns and curves.

The 2023 VW Golf GTI also does well in the fuel economy department, delivering an estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. With a starting MSRP of just $30,530, this vehicle enables drivers to get a certified speed demon for an affordable price.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI – Notable Features, Warranty, and Trims

Volkswagen always knows how to bring it into the feature department, and the 2023 VW Golf GTI is no exception. No matter which trim level of the three you select, the Golf GTI offers a generous offering of infotainment, safety, and driver assistance features.

IQ.DRIVE is a suite of driver assistance features that will serve as your extra set of eyes while out on the road. Some of the favorites drivers love include adaptive cruise control, emergency assist, an active blind spot monitor, and several different intuitive assistance features. Additionally, select models of the VW Golf GTI come with park assist, dynamic road sign display, and my VW, which provides drivers with even more ways to interact with their vehicle. It’s also worth noting that the new Golf GTI was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The VW Golf GTI also comes with one of America’s leading warranties – Carefree Coverage. The warranty includes several services and coverages to keep your Golf GTI in tip-top condition. It breaks down as follows:

2 yrs. Service – Scheduled Carefree Maintenance. 2 years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first).⁠
3 yrs. Help – Roadside Assistance. 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first).⁠
4 yrs. Coverage – New Vehicle Limited Warranty. 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever occurs first).⁠
5 yrs. Convenience – Remote Features with your my VW App.⁠

As previously mentioned, the 2023 VW Golf GTI is available in three different trims – S, SE, and Autobahn, which is the highest level. Those who want the most elevated version of the VW Golf GTI are strongly encouraged to check out the Autobahn. The following are some features you will get that aren’t included with the S-level trim.

Integrated light bar in front grille with Illuminated door handle recesses
Power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof
12-way power adjustable driver seat, power recline passenger seat
Ventilated front seats
Climatronic^®Touch three-zone automatic climate control with advanced air filter
Leather seating surfaces
Leather-wrapped, heated multi-function touch sport steering wheel
Electromechanical dynamic, progressive power steering system
Multimode DCC and Adaptive Chassis Control
Discover Pro: 10″ touchscreen navigation and AM/FM/HD Radio
Harman Kardon premium audio system
Keyless access with push-button start/stop

The Autobahn clocks in at a starting MSRP of $39,070, which is about nine grand above the S; however, that extra investment pays off in the long run by having the most comprehensive feature package installed on a VW.

Where to Find the 2023 VW Volkswagen Golf GTI

2023 models for all Volkswagen vehicles should be hitting showroom floors of dealerships soon if they’re not there already. The best way to check is by searching the phrase “2023 VW Golf GTI near me,” which will return a listing of the closest ones in your area. From there, it’s a matter of finding one to test drive. Based on what we know so far about this vehicle, come prepared for your life. The new Golf GTI continues to build upon the “living legend” status established by the many decades of game-changing vehicles.

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