
Over the past four decades the Golf and GTI variants have gone through a carefully orchestrated evolutionary process. The 2018 Golf GTI is even better than our recent 2017 Golf GTI long-term test car, with interior and exterior tweaks. Our 2018 Golf GTI 5-Door Autobahn edition test car is equipped with the White Silver Metallic exterior (no-cost option), Clark Cloth interior (no-cost option) and the Driver Assistance Package ($1,750 option). The base GTI starts at $30,595 with the 6-speed manual, or $31,995 with the optional 8-speed DSG transmission. The base GTI Autobahn starts at $35,895 with the 6-speed manual, or $37,295 when equipped with the DSG. With the optional $1,750 Driver Assistance Package, our test car’s MSRP is $39,045 plus freight, PDI and taxes.
Performance
The GTI’s Sport Suspension is slightly stiffer and lower than those of the non-GTI Golf models. The Cross Differential System (XDS) works seamlessly and moves power to the outside wheel when cornering if the system anticipates wheel spin of the inside wheel. This car really does deliver quick, sporty and precise cornering. The DSG will out-accelerate the 6-speed manual by a few tenths of a second with both cars scampering from 0 to 100 km/h in the low to mid six second range.

Discover Media 8″ Touchscreen Display
Driver Assistance Package

Adaptive Cruise Control

Sunroof

Fender Premium Audio System

Our Take

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn Edition
Exterior:
- 18″ Milton alloy wheels with all-season tires (225/40 R18)
- Front fog lights with cornering lights
- LED headlights with Adaptive Front-light System (AFS)
- Panoramic power sunroof
Infotainment:
- Discover Media 8.0″ touchscreen with proximity sensor, CD player, voice control satellite navigation, and 2 SD card slots
- Fender Premium Audio System – 8 speakers plus subwoofer
Technical:
- KESSY – keyless access with push-start button
Driver Assistance Package
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert
- Front Assist – Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian monitoring Lane Assist
- Light Assist (High beam control) Park Assist
- Park Distance Control (PDC)
Clark Cloth Package
- 8-way adjustable front seats with power recline and manual lumbar support

Fun Facts
- GTI stands for Gran Turismo Injection
- The original 1976 Mk I Golf GTI was available in either Diamond Silver Metallic or Mars Red
Seven Generations of the Golf GTI
- Golf GTI MK I 1976–1983 110-112 hp 462,000 built
- Golf GTI Mk II 1984–1991 107-160 hp 628,000 built
- Golf GTI Mk III 1991–1997 110-150 hp 327,000 built
- Golf GTI Mk IV 1998–2003 110-180 hp 164,859 built
- Golf GTI Mk V 2004–2008 200-230 hp 181,800 built
- Golf GTI Mk VI 2009–2012 211-235 hp 199,903 built
- Golf GTI Mk VII 2014-present 210-290 hp currently in production
Golf GTI Anniversary Editions
- 20th Anniversary model had BBS rims and was offered in 1996
- 25th Anniversary model was limited to 3,000 units and released in 2001
- 30th Anniversary model had 230 hp and was offered in 2006
- 35th Anniversary model had a top speed of 247 km/h and was offered in 2011
- 40th Anniversary Clubsport model had 290 hp and was offered in 2016