Like religious humans, automobiles have their altars. For Jeep, it’s the Rubicon trail. Corvettes do their best work at LeMans and as pace cars in Indianapolis. But, Volkswagen was born for one road — Germany’s famed Autobahn. Fly GTI with the 2015 Golf’s Autobahn edition and you’re getting the full ride.
We’re looking at a new generation of GTI, but as with the past several generations, you have to be a near-expert in Volkswagenology to spot it. It’s a little more streamlined with extra detailing on the facias, but it is clearly the two-box hot hatch design that’s nearly as iconic as the Beetle that preceded it. The 18” alloys with summer performance tires stick it while Bi-Xenon headlamps and LED running lights put points on it. Go for red paint so others see you streaking by in the left lane (of course, the boys and girls with flashing lights might slow your roll).
Master the left lane from the left seat. It all starts with deeply-bolstered heated leather seats, sporty three-spoke steering wheel, and dimpled shift knob. From the moment the door thwamps closed, you feel the seriousness. Still, designers dressed up the interior with red accent stitching, faux carbon fiber on the dash/doors, and driver-focused center stack. Analog gauges are super simple, but feature a multi-function display between them. Five real humans actually fit inside. Flip down the rear seats for the space of a small crossover.
I’d buy the GTI just for the 400-watt Fender audio system that is as clear and crisp as a Nashville bluegrass concert. I’d also buy it for the easy-to-use infotainment system. Unlike in the Bentley Continental I just tested, there’s an iPod connection below the dash. Click and go – everything automatically syncs. Push button starting, keyless entry, rearview camera, auto headlights, and rain-sensing wipers are also nice. Our car’s Autobahn Package adds navigation, 12-way power seats, and automatic climate control.
Within the smoothed-over front box is a 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo-four that whips up 210 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque – 20 horsepower and 51 lb.-ft. more than the last generation GTI. No way would we get an automatic transmission in a car like this. Choose the six-speed manual, rev it up, and let it rip. Behave and you’ll see 25/34-MPG city/hwy. Don’t behave and you’ll see the aforementioned flashing cherries.
Even on American freeways and Interstates, it’s easy to imagine the joy of running the GTI at the Autobahn’s limits. The sport suspension seemingly steps over every crack and crevice, but never feels harsh. Grab a gear, step into the turbo, and the car cruises effortlessly at any speed you should ever attempt stateside. As practical as it is with flip-down seats and large cargo area, the GTI is a most-enjoyable car to drive.
Thinking all Golfs are pretty special, Motor Trend magazine just named the entire Golf family its 2015 Car of the Year. I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment.
In America, roads were built for cars. But, in Germany, the Volkswagen was built for the Autobahn. Can I have an Amen? With a base price of $24,395 or $31,410 as-tested, competitors include the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Si, Dodge Dart GT, and Audi A3, and Mercedes-Benz CLA. None completely share the GTI’s altar.
Storm Forward!
2015 VW Golf GTI Autobahn
Five-passenger, FWD hatchback
Powertrain: 210hp 2.0-liter I4, 6-spd. manual trans
Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind
Wheels: 18”/18” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr
Must-have features: Performance, Utility
Fuel economy: 25/34 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Puebla, Mexico
Base/As-tested price: $24,395/$31,410