The Volkswagen Golf GTI Will Always Be The Ultimate Hot Hatch CarBuzz News Features New Cars Used Cars Sell My Car Shopping Tools Car Reviews Car Finder Compare Cars Best Cars Car Dealerships Used Car Reviews Car Advice Home Features The Volkswagen Golf GTI Will Always Be The Ultimate Hot Hatch
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Will Always Be The Ultimate Hot Hatch
Aug. 11, 2020 4:10 PM ET by Jared Rosenholtz Smart Buy / 9 Comments The sixth-generation model is a particularly good deal. The eighth-generation 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI is set to land in the United States very soon. The new model will pack a ton of impressive features and performance upgrades over the current seventh-generation model, but we suspect it will be quite expensive. We won't be shocked if the upcoming GTI costs more than $30,000 in its base trim, which is more than many enthusiasts can afford for their first performance car. But just because a new GTI boasts all the latest tech, that doesn't mean used examples are any less relevant. There are now seven generations of used GTI models to choose from, but we want to hone in on the sixth-generation model because it combines modern equipment, startling performance, and a bargain price. Volkswagen Volkswagen Volkswagen Why You Should Buy One
Volkswagen offered the sixth-gen GTI in the US from just 2010 to 2014. Though it was marketed as an entirely new generation, the Mk6 car was mostly a heavily facelifted version of the previous Mk5, which is partially why it lived such a short life. So why focus on the Mk6 instead of the cheaper Mk5 or, the faster and more modern Mk7? The Mk5 cars are getting on in age at this point, and the Mk7 model is significantly more expensive. We feel the Mk6 is a solid middle ground and a great starting point for young enthusiasts on a budget. All of the used GTI goodies can be found on the Mk6, including a near-premium cabin, gutsy engine, and plenty of storage space. Looks may be subjective, but we feel the Mk6 is among the most handsome GTI generations and boasted some of the best wheel patterns VW ever made for the car. Volkswagen Volkswagen Volkswagen The Price
GTI pricing has inflated since the Mk6 left production in 2013 as a 2014 model year vehicle. The Mk6 was priced between $25,095 to $30,795 by the end of its life cycle, but a brand-new Mk7 costs anywhere between $28,595 and $37,295. With used examples of the Mk6 now starting to reach the decade mark in age, prices have come down significantly. Used models with over 100,000 miles start under $6,000, and late-model examples with low mileage can hit up to around $16,000. Trim level, door count, and transmission will impact the price. Volkswagen Volkswagen The Performance
Starting with the Mk5 generation, all GTI models use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels only. The Mk6 didn't offer any additional power over the Mk5, with 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque on tap. Transmission choices included either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch, yielding a 0-60 mph time of around 6.4 seconds. The DSG is a bit quicker than the manual car, but both are excellent transmissions. Volkswagen Volkswagen The Interior
It may not have any additional power compared to the Mk5, but the Mk6 boasts a much more premium interior. GTI cabins always feel upscale, and the Mk6 is no exception with a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel, bolstered sport seats, and high-quality cabin materials that wouldn't look out of place in an entry-level Audi. Base models include the GTI's signature tartan (plaid) chairs, while leather is also available. A base radio sits in the dash of most models, but an optional touchscreen infotainment system and a built-in navigation unit were also available in this generation. Buyers could select either a three-door or five-door configuration, with the former looking cooler at the expense of practicality. Despite the two additional doors making the rear seats more accessible, there is no significant difference in legroom or cargo capacity between the two body styles. Volkswagen Volkswagen Volkswagen Volkswagen Verdict
The Volkswagen GTI is all the car most people could ever need and will ever use out on the road, and it's practical too. The GTI formula hasn't changed drastically in the past decade and if you can't afford the latest Mk8 model, we think the Mk6 model is a great starting point without breaking the bank. For between $6,000 to $16,000, you'll be getting a quick hot hatchback with plenty of space, great driving dynamics, and a premium interior. It's a great car for a young enthusiast. Volkswagen Volkswagen Volkswagen Join The Discussion
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Volkswagen Golf GTI Jared Rosenholtz Editor-at-Large After graduating with an MBA, Jared pursued his love of cars by becoming an automotive journalist. An internship with CarBuzz grew into his current position as Editor At Large. Jared now spends most of his time evaluating new vehicles and chasing the latest news stories in the automotive industry. When he’s not attending Cars & Coffee events on the weekend, Jared loves to watch NFL football and cruise around with the top down in his German convertible. Contact Jared @Carsnbites @jar_rosenholtz LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top