2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review: Bold Original Hot Hatch

I love the cornflower blue color of the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI.  Because it’s not at all quiet.  And reflective of the car’s potency.

But there’s more to what makes the overall package so enticing.   Because of what the car costs, it shouldn’t perform as well as it does.   Plus it shouldn’t look as good as it does.  And it shouldn’t be so darn fun to drive.

So my Top-3 for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI probably come as no surprise.

My friends at Ontario Volkswagen provided me with the gorgeous GTI pictured in this article.  And that is the Southern California Volkswagen dealership you want to work with – for sure!

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2021 VW Golf GTI Prices & Trims

For 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers three trims; the S, SE and, Autobahn.  The European carmaker indicates that all trims this year include special styling cues.  And these cues are to indicate the final model year of the seventh-generation Golf GTI.  For sure they are subtle.

But like any artwork, you have a greater appreciation, once you know.  So, what are they?  Simple gloss black painted side-view mirrors and rear lip spoiler.  Nice. :0)

 

Engine, Transmission & MPG

No matter which of the trims you go with your engine will be the same.  It’s a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that puts out 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Additionally, regardless of trim, you have two transmission options.  And that’s either a fun 6-speed manual or an almost as fun 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.  My advice would be to let your commute decide.  So, if daily gridlock is your reality then go automatic because it also includes Tiptronic.  Which is basically a clutchless manual.  So, you get most of the fun without the work of the manual.

But for me personally, I still love manually shifting sporty cars like GTI.

GTI’s curb weight varies only slightly.  And that’s due to the transmission option.  So a manual transmission clocks 3,133 pounds while the automatic weighs 3,210 lbs.

What’s It Look Like?

The final model year of the 7th generation VW GTI is unmistakable in appearance.  It’s pure Volkswagen.  And pure hot hatch.  Especially in the cornflower blue color with the trademark red GTI accents.

VW first introduced the cornflower blue in the 2019 Golf GTI Rabit Edition.  And I was immediately captivated by the color.

Thankfully, the good folks at V-Dub wound up with a few extra gallons of this gorgeous hue.  It’s in high-demand and tough to find.   Other, more readily available ’21 GTI colors include; dark iron blue metallic, deep black pearl, pure white, and tornado red.

 

Inside The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

A flat-bottom steering wheel and a driver-focused cockpit are expected features for an enthusiast’s vehicle.

And like the outside, the inside of the 2021 GTI is clearly a VW.  But a marginally educated car-gal/guy could slide into the driver’s seat blindfolded and know it’s a GTI.  Why?  Massive, contouring and confidence-inspiring seat bolsters.

Of course, the GTI’s interior highlights Volkswagen’s detailed fit and finish.  And the carmakers legendary engineering maximizes interior space even though it’s a small car.

The original hot hatch, GTI seats up to five adults surprisingly comfortably.  And four adults can definitely road trip in the 5-door – minus luggage.  Or too much luggage anyway.

Because with 17.4 cubic-feet of cargo space with the backseats in use, you still have room for stuff.  And with the backseats down, Golf GTI offers 24.8 cu-ft of stuff-space.

Driver Assistance, Technology & Safety

VW’s MIB infotainment touchscreens are included in all trims.  An 8.0″ with navigation is standard in the SE and Autobahn.  With a 6.5″ standard for the base-S trim.

And if kicking (or simply crisp) sound is on your must-have list.  Then you’ll appreciate the Fender premium sound system included with the Autobahn trim.

Plus GTI comes with a solid line-up of driver assistance tech.

 

’21 Volkswagen Golf GTI: Top-3

So, back to my Top-3 reasons to buy the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

1. Value: At the price-point, in this class, with this level of fit and finish, and performance there is no comparison to GTI.  Best bang for the buck for sure.
2. Performance: GTI is the original hot hatch.  I normally am not a big fan of front-wheel drive performance vehicles but I love GTI.  Great acceleration and even better handling.
3. Exterior design: GTI’s trademark red accents always look good.  But on the cornflower blue, with the wheels and the red calipers.  Sweet!

If I had a Top-4 instead of only Top-3 the interior could easily slide into position too.

Ontario Volkswagen: Your SoCal VW Dealer

For your 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI in cornflower blue (hurry) connect with my friends at Ontario VW.  Southern California’s family and enthusiast driven Volkswagen dealership.

 

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