The 2023 Golf GTI

The side view of the GTI is punctuated by striking wheel designs, with standard 17” or available 18” option. However, if you’re looking for an even sportier look, you can upgrade to 19” alloy rims—a first for GTI. 

The Golf GTI has standard LED headlights with a slim, sleek profile that extends around to the fenders. The optional Performance LED headlights incorporate Light Assist that automatically turns the high beams on or off when needed

Standard LED fog lights help you see more clearly through fog, heavy rain, and snowfall. They also help you stand out for all the right reasons, as part of the new 5 “X” design integrated in the bumper—a look that just screams GTI. 

When you approach your Golf GTI with your key fob, you’ll be welcomed by the available illuminated LED strip just below the iconic red line, and guided to the driver’s seat with light projections from the headlights, tail lights, side mirrors, and door handles. 

In keeping with GTI tradition, fully-functional dual chrome exhaust outlets in the rear bumper provide a sneak peek of the performance that lies within.

This 8th generation Golf GTI is designed to be the most aerodynamic iteration yet, with optimized exterior mirrors, a bespoke GTI roof spoiler, extensive underbody panels, and more.

Make the most of GTI’s broad power band with the standard 6-speed manual transmission or Volkswagen’s lightning-quick 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG®).

Think of the new “Vehicle Dynamics Manager” (VDM) as the conductor of GTI’s performance orchestra. With the help of the  electronically-controlled limited slip differential and electronic stability control, VDM constantly monitors driver input to optimize vehicle response. The result is a neutral balance with minimal understeer.

In models equipped with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers, VDM can adjust individual wheel damping rates 200 times per second for exceptional lateral agility and stability.

This 8th generation comes with the option to upgrade to a 19-inch wheel—a first for GTI. These 19-inch Adelaide alloy rims come wrapped in high-performance summer tires* for maximum lateral grip and more precise steering response, to help you stay in better contact with your favourite winding road.

^{*The use of winter tires is mandatory in some provinces. Proper winter or all season tires is recommended for wet, snowy or icy conditions.}  

The Vorderachsquersperre (or VAQ) is a torque-sensing, electro-hydraulic limited slip differential that’s electronically controlled for ultimate precision. Working in concert with the Golf GTI’s Vehicle Dynamics Manager, VAQ controls torque distribution across the front axle. When accelerating out of a corner or in slippery conditions, power can be precisely shifted left-and-right for improved traction and path control.

Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) continuously reacts to the road surface and driving conditions to adjust the suspension damping rate for optimal performance. Pre-set profiles include Comfort, Eco, and Sport, while Individual mode offers customization even beyond these parameters. The DCC system can adjust individual wheel damping 200 times per second, helping keep the tires where they belong: in contact with the road.

A conventional steering system operates on a fixed gear ratio meant to strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The progressive steering in the GTI brings more bandwidth, using a variable steering rack and pinion gearing, as well as a more powerful electric assist motor. When parking and maneuvering, steering effort is significantly reduced for easy operation. On winding roads or at higher speeds, the steering can adjust to a more direct ratio for a confidence-inspiring on-centre feel matched by immediate and accurate response.

New racing-style front bucket seats with integrated headrests feature a red wrap-around accent, GTI embroidered logos, and impressive side bolstering that’s firm enough for the track without sacrificing everyday comfort. Classic GTI plaid cloth seating surfaces, in a new pattern called "Scale Paper", are standard. For those who appreciate this part of GTI’s heritage, cloth seating can also be selected optionally even in the top Performance trim, where Vienna leather is standard. In a further nod to the GTI lineage, two-tone black and grey surfaces are complemented by classic red accents.

Choose your path with GTI’s classic sport steering wheel, now with a standard heated feature for colder climates. A novel new touch control interface incorporates haptic feedback, allowing the driver to easily access various navigation, audio, and driver assistance features. Ergonomically-contoured, the wheel features perforated inserts, a flat bottom, a GTI red clasp at the 6 o’clock position, and shift paddles for DSG-equipped models.

Volkswagen’s 10.25" Digital Cockpit Pro is now standard in every Golf GTI. By default, the sport layout puts a large tachometer front-and-centre. The layout is widely configurable with views focusing on driver assistance, a classic two-dial style, or even a minimalist approach. Important operating information like oil and coolant temperatures is always close at-hand.

When paired with the available 10" Discover Pro navigation system, a navigation view allows the map to be shown in both screens concurrently, creating the "Innovision Cockpit."

The interior of the Golf GTI is as precisely designed as the exterior, from the high-quality materials to the classic GTI honeycomb pattern on the dashboard. The adjustable LED ambient lighting and high-res displays in the interior puts light accents in all the right places and even ties into the graphics of the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro. The stainless steel pedals prove that every detail of the cabin was imagined with an eye for design.

The Harman / Kardon® audio system available in the GTI provides the perfect musical backdrop for any drive. Find just the right balance with 8 speakers, a subwoofer, a centre speaker, and a 12-channel amplifier. 

Enjoy the peace of mind and convenience that comes with the Car-Net®  app, and it’s suite of over 20 connected features.

Use location services to remember where you last parked, or to find parking before you arrive at your next destination. You can even set boundary and speed alerts to let you know what’s happening when you’re not the one behind the wheel.