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2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI: What's New

Vehicle Overview

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a high-performance sibling of the Golf. It comes as a two- or four-door hatchback and has room for five people. Competitors include the Ford Focus ST, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S.
What’s Special

  • 210-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Thin honeycomb grille with red stripe
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual tailpipes 
  • Plaid cloth upholstery; leather available
  • Performance Package raises engine output to 220 hp and includes larger brakes and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential
  • Available adaptive suspension 
  • Backup camera now standard

Here’s info on the regular Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is available as a two- or four-door hatchback, or as a wagon. Power comes from a gas or diesel four-cylinder engine, and the five-seat Golf competes with the Mazda3 hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT and Mini Cooper. Volkswagen’s performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R are related, as is the e-Golf electric car.

(Skip to details on the: Golf R, e-Golf)
New for 2016
A newly available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car’s dashboard screen. The S trim level gains a backup camera while the SE adds keyless access with push-button start.

A Driver Assistance Package for SE and SEL trim levels includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parallel and perpendicular parking.  
Significant Standard Features

  • 170-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Split-folding rear seat with pass-through
  • Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Air conditioning
  • Touch-screen stereo with iPod connectivity
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 236 pounds-feet of torque
  • Heated front seats
  • Fender premium stereo
  • Navigation system
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Power sunroof

Golf R
The Golf R is a range-topping performance hatchback based on the Golf and Golf GTI. It competes with the Subaru WRX STi and Ford Focus ST and employs all-wheel drive — a key difference from the front-drive Golf and Golf GTI. Drivers can choose a new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What’s Special

  • 292-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Xenon headlights with horseshoe-style LED daytime running lights
  • Quad exhaust pipes
  • Adaptive suspension

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e-Golf
Volkswagen joined the growing list of automakers offering all-electric cars with the debut of the e-Golf last year. Based on the Golf four-door hatchback, the e-Golf has an EPA-estimated range of 83 miles.
What’s Special

  • New value-oriented SE trim level
  • Unique grille with blue accents
  • Touch-screen that offers a deeper look at the electric powertrain’s operation
  • 115-hp electric motor
  • Lithium-ion battery pack that’s located in the floor under the seats
  • Available 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger can replenish the battery in less than four hours
  • Three regenerative-braking programs

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