Overview

Volkswagen completely redesigned the exterior of the compact hatchback GTI with a more aggressive front end, cleaner side profile, and sleeker hatch area for the year 2011. The 2012 Volkswagen GTI exudes its sporty nature like never before and the car maker has now simplified the entire GTI lineup and all trims now come with voice controlled Bluetooth technology and 18-inch Detroit alloy wheels. The RNS 315 navigation system, Xenon head lamps with Adaptive Front Lighting (AFS), a leather multifunction steering wheel and Dynaudio 300W are among the premium packages available. Available in both two-door and four-door body styles, the GTI comes in four trim levels.

Powertrain and Performance

The GTI gets power from a proven 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder gasoline engine churning out the power of 200 horses with 6-speed manual transmission delivering an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg in city driving. With an optional automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission, it delivers an EPA estimated 32 mpg in highway driving, and 24 mpg in city driving.

Build and Styling

The GTI is an icon entering a new decade with a more aggressive front end starts with the hallmark black honeycomb grille. New angled teardrop headlight housings, 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all season performance tires and the optional full-power tinted glass sunroof are other key highlights. The interior accommodations delight both driver and passengers. Heavily bolstered sport fabric double stitched seats, easy entry system for improved access to the rear seats, three-spoke flat bottom steering wheel and a redesigned instrument cluster are noticeable. An 8-speaker sound system with an AM/FM/Sirius satellite radio, touch-screen in-dash six-disc CD changer with MP3 format readability, theft deterrence, and auxiliary input jack along with an iPod adapter, and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling with a paired mobile phone is standard. For increased audio fidelity and enjoyment, the 300W Dynaudio Lite premium sound system can be ordered.

Safety Features

The 2012 Volkswagen GTI includes a number of safety features and enhancements, like air bags, a three channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Anti-slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Braking Assist (EBA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP). New for this sixth generation GTI is the standard Electronic Limited Slip system, named XDS that electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction.