2018 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn new car reviews

The Volkswagen GTI might not be all-new for 2018, but it does get some updates this year, including a 10-percent bump in power. Output is now 220 horsepower.

We sampled the top-of-the-line Autobahn model. While it doesn’t get any more power, it does receive the Golf R’s brakes and what Volkswagen calls “an electronically controlled, torque sensing, limited-slip VAQ differential.”

Here’s more from the release:

“This electronically-controlled differential works in concert with the existing stability systems (including the related brake-based XDS+ electronic differential lock) to help improve traction and performance. Tests at the Nürburgring Nordschleife track have shown lap-time improvements of more than eight seconds compared to Golf models without the differential.

“The VAQ acts as a traditional limited-slip differential—which reacts by transferring a set amount of torque to non-slipping wheels when others lose traction—but adds to its effectiveness by monitoring the data from each wheel sensor at all times. Since this data includes both vehicle and wheel speed, as well as yaw and lateral g- force, the system can make precise adjustments to help maintain an optimum torque balance between the left and right front wheels. Up to a full 100 percent of torque can be transferred to either side, as opposed to the fixed “best guess” percentage seen in traditional limited-slip differentials. The result of this proactive (rather than reactive) system is the reduction of the understeer and torque steer that can afflict sporty front-wheel- drive cars.”

The Autobahn model also receives standard navigation, premium auto, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise, 12-way power driver seat. Where the Golf GTI line starts at $26,415, the Autobahn starts at $35,070. Add another $1100 for the DSG, as our car was equipped.

Other staff views

JG Pasterjak
Production/Art Director

The current iteration of VW’s iconic GTI is perhaps the best $29,000 hot hatch available today… that just happens to cost $38,000. Yes, if there’s any glaring faults in the GTI’s otherwise stellar package, it’s a price that’s more in line with an upscale sports sedan or luxury tourer.

Ignore the price, though, and there’s a lot to like. Driving dynamics that equal or better anything else in the class, a seating position that’s as close to perfect for a wide range of body types as you’re likely to encounter, and a go/stop/turn envelope that only a few yers ago would have been unthinkable on something with four doors and a hatch.

Admittedly, for that price you get a lot of content—our GTI loaner was loaded to the gills with technology and features usually found in those aforementioned luxe tourers—but $38,000 is still a used Miata away from where this car probably really needs to be price wise.

David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

Yeah, that’s a lot of bread for what, at the end of the day, is a fancy Golf. I know, I know, we’re all about hot hatches. There’s a reason: They offer(ed) tremendous performance on a budget. They were true giant killers for the rest of us.

But the prices have constantly trickled upward. On one hand, yeah, it’s nice to see premium small cars. On the other, nearly $40,000 for a hot hatch seems at odds with the mission statement.

Like J.G. said, though, the latest Golf GTI does a lot well. The interior might not be bathed in premium materials, but the drivetrain is spot-on while the DSG transmission is a delight.

For a daily that you could track and autocross some, the GTI nails it. Personally, though, I’d probably be happier with the “regular” GTI or a new MX-5 or BRZ–while pocketing about $10k in the process.

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