Volkswagen Golf: The Compact Car Legend

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most active small cars ever made. This little VW has been the poster child for hot hatches and a successful little car.

The final regular model of this small car was the 2022 version, but this car lives on in its GTI and R versions, which are the performance-oriented trims for the Golf. The Golf has been legendary for its active driving dynamics, sporty feeling, and excellent features. Although only continued as a hot hatch, this little VW is still a lot of fun and could be a great choice for anyone looking for something fun and practical to drive.

Two names; several trims

Although this little Volkswagen car only comes in the GTI and R variants, the GTI is offered in six different versions. Technically, it’s three versions with two different transmissions. The 380 package gives the Golf GTI a manual transmission, which is something we don’t see much of in the modern auto market.

All models of the 2024 VW Golf GTI and R models use a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The automatic GTI versions have a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the 380 package gives this car a 6-speed manual transmission for more fun during the drive. The R model can be had with both transmissions as well.

The engine delivers 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque for the GTI models, while the R versions use premium gasoline to deliver 315 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. If you want an FWD version of the Golf, the GTI model is what you’ll drive, while the R version has AWD as part of the standard packaging.

What does each trim give you?

The four different versions of the Volkswagen Golf are GTI S, GTI SE, GTI Autobahn, and R. Here’s what each trim gives you:

Golf GTI S

This base version of the Golf gives you:

• Rain-sensing wipers
• Push-button starting
• 10.25-inch configurable driver information display
• Multicolor adjustable ambient lighting
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED exterior lights
• Automatic headlights
• Heated power-folding outboard mirrors
• Red-painted brake calipers
• Single-zone automatic climate controls
• Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
• Heated washer nozzles
• Cloth-covered heated front sport seats with plaid inserts
• Four USB ports
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• 8.25-inch touchscreen
• 7-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• IQ.Drive technology
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Blind-spot monitoring with steering assist
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Front and rear park assist
• Travel Assist semi-autonomous driver-assistance technology

The 380 package gives the S model:

• 6-speed manual transmission
• 19-inch black alloy wheels
• Black painted roof
• Multi-mode DCC adaptive damping system

Golf GTI SE

The next model in the Volkswagen Golf GTI lineup is the SE version, which gives you:

• Power panoramic sunroof
• Proximity keyless entry
• 10-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Satellite radio
• 9-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Traffic-sign assist

This trim has the SE Leather Seats Package available, which gives you:

• Leather seating surfaces
• 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory
• Ventilated front seats

Golf GTI Autobahn

Move up to the top of the GTI models, and you’ll find the Autobahn trim. This model adds:

• Contents of the SE Leather Seats Package
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Multi-mode DCC adaptive damping suspension
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Heated rear outboard seats
• Head-up display
• High-beam assist
• Parking steering assist

Golf R

The most exciting Volkswagen Golf to drive is the R model. This hot hatch brings you:

• Nappa leather seats with blue accents
• Sport brakes with cross-drilled front rotors
• Blue-painted calipers
• R styling cues
• Unique grille, bumpers, side skirts
• 2-piece rear spoiler
• Chrome-tipped quad exhaust

A car you can love

The VW Golf is the name given to the smallest VW car in the market today. This impressive hot hatch used to be called the Rabbit, which began back in the mid-1970s. During its time in the market this car has matured and evolved into one of the most fun and active cars for driving. No matter how you slice it, this VW has always been cool and fun to drive.

The Volkswagen Golf isn’t offered in as many variations as it once was, but you can still enjoy four different versions of this modern hot hatch. The GTI and R models might be the final hot hatches in the entire market. Which version of this little VW do you want to drive and enjoy every day?