The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is affordable, practical, andmost important to folks like usa brilliant driving machine. Hence its spot on our 10Best and Editors' Choice lists. While the current generation is nearing the end of its life cycle, it still continues to impress: It has won our annual 10Best award multiple times, including making the most recent list. With a sprightly 228-hp four-cylinder engine and terrific manual and automatic transmissions, this front-driver is wonderfully speedy. Of course, quickness doesn't equal engagement. Thankfully, Volkswagen has ensured this hot hatch provides nimble handling and communicative feedback placing it Number 1 on our Best Sport Compact Car List Eric StaffordCARandDRIVER.
Edmunds saidThe Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of our favorite hot hatchbacks thanks to its artfully executed blend of performance, comfort and utility. At its core, the GTI is a performance-oriented variant of the Golf compact hatchback, but the GTI also offers a more comprehensive set of features than the standard Golf. GTI does a wonderful job of splitting the difference between sporty and comfortable. The GTI's front seats are spacious, with excellent head-, legroom and shoulder room.
The GTI is one of the few remaining hatchbacks on the market, a boon for those looking for performance and fun in a practical package. The cargo area packs 22.8 cubic feet of storage, more than just about every other compact hatchback around. With the rear seats folded flat, the space opens up to 52.7 cubic feet.
The base S trim starts you off with 18-inch wheels, a Limited-slip differential for better acceleration, Performance brakes, Heated front seats with plaid upholstery, 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Blind-spot monitor, Forward collision mitigation.
The SE steps things up a bit with LED headlights, Leather upholstery, a Panoramic sunroof, Keyless entry with push-button start and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system