The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI has been on sale in Europe for more than six months, but in the United States, the car will only arrive early next year as a 2015 model.
Given that the GTI is traditionally a high-volume seller in the U.S., Consumer Reports was acquainted with an Euro-spec model to find out what buyers should expect from the new GTI when it launches next year in the country.
As far as the design is concerned, the publication noticed the car has retained its understated looks, with only GTI enthusiasts recognizing that it’s a new model when seeing it on the street. First driving impressions are positive with CR praising the car’s “phenomenal” grip and describing it as a grown-up GTI that knows how blend fun and refinement.
The engine gets good marks too, although it doesn’t offer as much power as some rivals, while the double clutch gearbox receives credit for quick and smooth shifts. Scroll down to watch the review.
By Dan Mihalascu
VIDEO