Experts say compact hatchbacks often make perfect pragmatic daily drivers, especially when they’re models that effectively combine efficiency and drivability without sacrificing practicality. I know No automaker seems to be the most aware of this dynamic. VolkswagenThis explains why hatchbacks have become sportier since the 1980s to meet the driving needs of different drivers. These days, the VW GTI is his one of the first cars a gearhead thinks of when the term “hot hatch” is mentioned.
The German automaker has been producing sport compacts since the late 1970s and has had plenty of time to get acquainted with the segment. This was demonstrated once again with his Mk8 (8th generation) of the iconic family of his hatchbacks. The redesigned Mk8 is the first model to feature an e-TSI engine with mild-hybrid technology that reduces both fuel consumption and emissions.
The Golf-based performance car is back for model year 2023 with enough momentum to surprise rivals like the Honda Civic Type R, Civic Si, Toyota GR Corolla and Hyundai Elantra N. Practicality that allows you to corner like a champ and razor-sharp athleticism are the key attributes that make this car a great daily driver.
The 2023 Volkswagen GTI is perfect for your daily driving needs
While different drivers have different ideas about what the ideal daily driver is, most experts agree that the best everyday driver should be more than just a commuter car. For example, a driver who works from home thinks differently than a neighbor’s perfect daily driver who commutes every other day.
That said, the 2023 VW GTI hatchback is a niche for everyday drivers thanks to the spirited handling made possible by the robust turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a choice of two efficient transmissions. A strong candidate. In fact, road manners aren’t the only thing that matters when deciding on the right everyday driver, livability should also be considered.
The GTI’s interior is modern, but with a minimalist approach, some of the cabin materials can be described as cheesy. Minimalism also seems to skip over the infotainment system, with few physical controls to improve usability. Conversely, the GTI offers a pretty roomy cabin, plus cargo space that makes you smile.
In summary, the 2023 Golf GTI scores top marks for best-in-class performance, and is compact, incredibly athletic, practical, and a must-buy for a daily driver that can comfortably carry a few passengers. It has become an economical and wise choice for customers.
But if you insist on looking elsewhere, the 2023 Mazda3 has a better interior and more engine options, but sacrifices some of the GTI’s practicality, like a lot of cargo and cabin space. must be Also check out the 2022 Subaru WRX. Because it packs more punch than the GTI and offers AWD. But the WRX doesn’t match his GTI’s grin-inducing handling. Nevertheless, the 2022 Hyundai Veloster N will outshine all three hatchbacks, barring poor fuel economy.
What’s new in the 2023 Volkswagen GTI?
The 2023 Volkswagen GTI has no major changes or upgrades over the previous model year. That means it has the same exuberant handling, quick acceleration, ample cargo space and a long list of standard equipment. That also means negative carryover starting with a relatively high base price, complex infotainment controls and substandard cabin materials.
Ultimately, GTI is not ranked. He ranked fourth in US News’ Best Compact Car category, challenging the Hyundai Veloster N’s segment dominance with an 8.3 out of 10 score. While the model has no notable changes for the 2023 model year, Volkswagen has unveiled a limited edition 40th Anniversary Edition to mark the Golf GTI’s 40th anniversary in the US market. Joins his S, SE and Autobahn trim in his GTI lineup. So which one should you buy?
Unless you don’t want to swap out the GTI’s classic plaid cloth seats for leather, we’re quick to recommend the mid-level SE trim, which seems to be the most cost-effective. The SE unlocks leather upholstery, driver memory settings, upgraded infotainment features, a 480-watt Karman/Hardon audio system, ventilated front seats and a sunroof.
An extra $800 unlocks a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but a more engaging motor experience thanks to the standard 6-speed manual shifter.
How the 2023 Volkswagen GTI will face off against its competitors
The 2022 Hyundai Veloster N is clearly the GTI’s closest competitor. Because the only reason he chooses the 2023 Volkswagen GTI over the Veloster is the Veloster’s poor gas mileage. This is a predictable level of efficiency for performance-oriented models like the Veloster N. That said, both hatchback models transmit power to the front wheels and offer engaging handling with their smooth-shifting transmissions.
The GTI’s infotainment system isn’t as easy to use as the Veloster N, but the Veloster N lags behind the GTI’s more spacious cabin and better fuel efficiency. When the balance is thrown off by Hyundai’s extra horsepower, VW recalibrates it with some premium amenities the Veloster N lacks, like a heads-up display and leather upholstery.
The Mazda3 is another Volkswagen GTI rival with sporty handling and three robust engine choices. Mazda also challenges the GTI’s premium interior, but lags behind the latter’s overall performance and spacious rear cabin and cargo space. Prices for the 2023 Volkswagen GTI start at $30,530 for the base S model, $35,330 for the SE trim and $39,070 for the Autobahn.
The 2023 Volkswagen GTI’s practicality and powertrain are perfect for everyday driving
If you can get past the underwhelming interior due to the presence of crappy cabin materials (which isn’t a problem for a typical gearhead), the 2023 Volkswagen GTI can be a pleasure to drive every day thanks to its decent weight. I understand. Steering, suspension tuned for performance and ride comfort, and a powerful Turbo 4 with a class-leading 241 horsepower.
Both the standard 6-speed manual and the optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic are smooth-shifting transmissions. What’s more, the GTI’s turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine produces an extraordinary amount of low-end torque to delightfully assist the hatchback’s impressive acceleration.
Commuting in the city is usually the idea of daily driving, but the GTI is also plenty powerful on the highway. The GTI’s EPA fuel economy ratings are 24 MPG city, 34 MPG highway with automatic transmission, and 23/32 MPG city/highway with manual gearbox.
Source: Volkswagen, US News
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