The 2020 GTI gains the next generation of VW's Car-Net telematics system along with Wi-Fi hotspot capability (so long as you pay for a subscription). Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard. Two trim levels are offered for 2020: S and SE. The Autobahn trim has been reduced to a package offered on the SE.
While every 2018 and 2019 VW came with an impressive 6-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that was fully transferrable, VW has reduced this to 4-years/50,000 miles for 2020. See the 2020 Volkswagen GTI models for sale near you
A loaded 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI with the Autobahn package is pricey, but it comes with virtually everything the GTI has to offer, making it into arguably the best front-wheel-drive small car on sale today. It's good to see that the basic S trim comes with a good array of standard equipment, but we still think the basic SE trim is a good middle-ground choice. If only you could get it with the awesome plaid interior that comes in the S. Find a Volkswagen GTI for sale
The GTI comes in two different trim levels for 2020. Each trim comes standard with Wi-Fi capability, provided you subscribe to a data plan.
The S trim ($29,515) gets the ball rolling with 18-in alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, LED fog lights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, a rear spoiler, heated side mirrors, heated front washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, air conditioning, plaid cloth upholstery (a GTI specialty), aluminum-look pedals, heated front seats with manual adjustment and power recline, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, 60/40-split folding rear seats with a central pass-through, a trip computer, a 6.5-in touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a 6-speaker audio system, a USB port, a rearview camera, satellite radio and a new version of VW's Car-Net telematics system, which offers automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle location and geofencing, which lets parents establish limits for teen drivers.
For 2020, the S gains forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard. High-performance summer tires are a no-cost option.
SE ($33,115) adds a powered tilt-and-slide sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, leather seating surfaces and an 8-in touchscreen infotainment system.
There's no Autobahn trim level in 2020 -- it's now a package available on the SE trim. The $4,300 package brings navigation, a 12-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment, automatic dual-zone climate control, a self-dimming rearview mirror, DCC adaptive damping (which includes adjustable shock absorbers and a larger rear anti-roll bar), a Fender audio system, a navigation system, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, automated parallel and perpendicular parking, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.
| Hatchback | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf GTI 2.0T Autobahn DSG | $37,295 / $35,802 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 228 | 24 / 32 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T Autobahn Manual | $36,495 / $35,034 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 228 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T S DSG | $29,395 / $28,219 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 228 | 24 / 32 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T S Manual | $28,595 / $27,452 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 228 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T SE DSG | $32,995 / $31,675 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 228 | 24 / 32 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| Golf GTI 2.0T SE Manual | $32,195 / $30,907 | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 228 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
The GTI comes standard with automatic emergency braking with forward-collision alert and pedestrian detection plus blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Autobahn package adds front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control. The basic safety equipment also includes anti-lock disc brakes, automatic hill hold, stability and traction control and front-side, side-curtain airbags and a driver's-side knee airbag. Volkswagen also includes as standard a post-collision braking feature that automatically applies the brakes after an impact to reduce the chances or severity of a second accident.
The GTI scored the maximum 5-star overall rating in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, scoring four stars in front-impact tests and five stars in side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the GTI its highest score, Good, in all its major categories and named it a Top Safety Pick.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 7 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Maintenance | 2 Years/20,000 Miles |
2020 Hyundai Veloster N -- The Veloster N was new for 2019 and was the first bonafide performance edition of Hyundai's quirky 3-door Veloster hatchback. With an optional Performance Pack that nets a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, a variable exhaust system and a 25-hp bump (for a total of 275 hp), the Veloster N is tough to beat. And don't forget about Hyundai's industry-leading warranty.
2020 Honda Civic Si -- The Civic Si's engine isn't turbocharged and cranks out 205 horsepower -- modest by today's standards. A 6-speed manual is the only transmission. Sedan and coupe body styles are offered.
2020 Subaru WRX -- The WRX is sedan-only. All-wheel drive is standard, which is useful in bad weather and through corners. It has a lower-rent interior, though, and as a whole is badly in need of a redesign.
Used Volkswagen Golf R -- The Golf R is more powerful, and AWD comes standard. Otherwise, outside of some mild stylistic filigrees, the features are virtually the same as the GTI's. Given the typical reliability of an out-of-warranty German car, look for one with a warranty.
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