2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review - The Best Hot Hatch Ever?

I'm super excited to unbox for you the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI, without question one of the best all-around performance cars on the market.
The first GTI premiered way back in 1975 and over the years VW has simply perfected and refined the segment it literally created - the hot hatchback. This seventh-generation GTI comes powered by a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the Performance Package and power is boosted to 220 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Don't let the GTI's simple exterior and interior designs fool you: this is truly a capable performance machine that's happiest when being driven on a twisty mountain road or at track days. And yet it's such a usable daily driver that's fuel efficient and spacious. Is there anything the GTI doesn't do well? Not much, but check out my full review to find out more details about the greatest hot hatch ever. Enjoy!
TImestamps
Introduction: 0:05
Hot Hatch Background: 0:40
Exterior Design: 1:35
Engine and Transmission: 2:30
Interior: 3:15
Engine Start Up and Sound: 5:00
Performance Specs: 5:30
Infotainment Touchscreen: 6:15
Fuel Economy: 7:05
Interior Details: 7:50
Safety: 8:55
Sunroof: 9:40
What's It Like To Drive? 10:15
Lights: 10:45
Windows: 11:15
12-Way Power Driver's Seat: 11:30
Let's Talk Tires: 12:15
What's The Golf GTI's Competition: 12:40
Rear Passenger Space: 12:55
Trunk Space: 13:10
Safety & Conclusion: 14:15
Pricing: 14:55
Read more about Volkswagen Golf GTI: carbuzz.com/cars/volkswagen/g...
All VW hatchbacks: carbuzz.com/cars/volkswagen-h...
Check out all hatchbacks: carbuzz.com/cars/hatchbacks
See other VW car models: carbuzz.com/cars/volkswagen
Special thanks to the Del Grande Dealer Group (DGDG), located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and to Capitol Volkswagen in San Jose, California, for letting us shoot its 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
www.dgdg.com
www.capitolvolkswagen.com
Vehicles in this review were provided by DGDG.COM, the largest car dealer group in Northern California. All opinions in these reviews are that of CarBuzz, not that of the Del Grande Dealer Group.

[@shanepertzborn3300]

Coilovers and a tune make it completely new car able to crush the completion

[@carbuzzcom]

Tuners have done some amazing things with the GTI. Like you say, with the right modifications, this little hot hatch can be transformed into a supercar slayer!

[@TheLp640fan]

I just bought a 2016 GTI S 2 door about 2 months ago and I absolutely adore it. As a car enthusiast the MK7 GTI fits all my needs, a perfect daily driver that I can haul my shit in and haul ass down a canyon road. I highly recommend this car if your looking for a hot hatch to daily and/or have fun in.

[@carbuzzcom]

I couldn't agree with you more.

[@massiveglove2960]

Good to hear, I have a Boxster S (old one) and a Jeep. I don't need two cars anymore and the GTI is top of my list. Seems better value than the R?

[@TheLp640fan]

MassiveGlove IMO the GTI was the better buy over its competitors but the Golf R isn't as refined (in the US yet) as its competitors.

[@massiveglove2960]

+Jason Guarino When you say refined, as in ride comfort etc? Cheers

[@TheLp640fan]

+MassiveGlove Refined as in thought out and excuted. everything on the GTI feels like it was well thought out and planned

[@flipfloplogic]

I test drove a SE recently. The interior felt very premium. There is no other hatch that combines practicality with sporty fun like the GTI. Thats the secret to its success. Every reviewer I've seen always says its one of their favorite cars and is very fun to drive.

[@brendanfogel4573]

I’ve been deciding between the gti and the wrx. I went to the dealerships about 2 days ago and I was amazed how the gti overall was. I saw the wrx and was happy to see how beautiful it is in person but the interior was ok. The gti does everything great

[@mrhawk1924]

Veloster Turbo Hyundai on my channel

[@jasongluska7782]

I’m stuck between those two as well. What did you end up going with ?

[@brendanfogel4573]

@@jasongluska7782 look at my profile pic lol. I got the subie

[@ZAKCRI..]

Wow I was stuck between the gti or the sporty mx5. I’ve made my final decision to fk wit the gti for two reasons. I’m only 24 and I’m not tryin to drive a slow wannabe muscle car and look like a old grandpa bc I’m sorry only ppl who drive mx5 r old people😂my second reason is bc I need a daily driver and the only reason I even wanted the mx5 is bc it’s a drop top. I wouldn’t never had considered it if it wasn’t. but the gti is such a vibe fr. It looks so dam cool on the inside and outside and comes with a cute turbo. It’s def faster then the mx5. Also I respect the community for the gti u guys always lookin out for each other and trying to help each other upgrade ur stuff. Kinda reminds me of the sport bike community

[@ZAKCRI..]

@@brendanfogel4573quick question. Wat made u make the final decision on the subie instead of the gti. Both cars r cute and I love em but I jus gotta kno bc my two options were the mx5 or gti

[@rawthentic.]

I’ve had every generation golf to date minus the mk7/7.5 (this month I will) I always try to go a different route but they check all the boxes in what I want. Hands down the best package for the money.

[@telemaq76]

i ve mine for 3 monthes, a 2015 one with leather interior, manual gearbox, really love it. Great car for sure.

[@carbuzzcom]

Glad you're enjoying it. Also cool that you went with the manual instead of the dual-clutch.

[@mikeu.s.n.9099]

Any issues with the car?

[@kanastleone8248]

I bought mine 4 months ago and I love it let me tell you I have managed to get 35 mpg with the dsg I'm my daily commute great video btw!

[@carbuzzcom]

Thanks for the nice feedback! Impressive MPG you're getting, too.

[@carlosloyola4585]

Still have the car? Any new updates? Still getting the same, better or worse MPG?

[@EncinitasLokal]

Updates?

[@xThe_Chief]

I can second this, I have a 2016 golf GTI autobahn with the performance package and dsg and it’s averaging 36.6 mpg (in Florida)

[@robcohen7678]

this interior is found on something more expensive, when you load up the base 25k car with options it ends up being like 35!

[@thehighlander8952]

yes i've had mine for 2 years now , best car i have ever owned . performance pack nav pro leather reverse camera adaptive chassis control the only bad bit has been the depreation but i guess thats the price you pay for buying a brand new car great review keep it up

[@carbuzzcom]

Let me tell you a little secret: ALL German cars depreciate faster than they should. Subarus, by comparison, depreciate the least, FYI.

[@CHPSUY_]

2:20 “Once you get the whole car in view.. they just look so... GOOD🥴”

[@WookieeRage]

Thank you for the review. Hey, the headlights moved when you started the car?!? I did not know they did that. (going to google that!)

[@carbuzzcom]

Your welcome!

[@mburke1211]

Hey man, excellent review. Very thorough, and I think you hit all of the right points. I have a GTI almost identical to the one you reviewed. I'll add one other very minor complaint - fuel capacity/range should be increased. I am getting about 32 mpg on my daily commute, but effective range is still a little under 300 miles.

[@carbuzzcom]

Thanks, man! Really appreciate your feedback (positive or negative). As far as range, I went by the official EPA figures on the car's sticker. I'm aware that mileage among individuals varies, but I wanted to be precise here.

[@robinwright8547]

if you're getting 32mpg you should be getting at least 320 miles per tank. If you fill right when the gas light pops up it takes 10 gallons to fill. 320 miles on 10 gallons is great. I get 300-380 a tank.

[@Gunsforfreedom]

Its even better tuned! My '16 GTI is stage 1 APR tuned. 316hp 380tq. Plus it has the DSG tune. Really fun to beat other 'sport cars' at red lights that don't have a clue what you are driving.

[@carbuzzcom]

You're right on how tunable the GTI is (and always has been). But here's the thing: VW has engineered the latest GTI to be so good stock that I don't think everyone will even want to modify them.

[@Gunsforfreedom]

+CarBuzz - Unboxing Everyday Cars and Supercars IMO the stock tune needs help. Even a simple piggyback module does wonders for the engine output. My local VW dealer is also a APR dealer. Made it an easy decision to get it tuned before delivery. There are a lot of dealers offering tunes and other mods for VW owners nowadays. It's a wonderful time to be a car enthusiast!

[@carbuzzcom]

Totally agree! It is a great time to be car enthusiast! Let's hope it stays that way.

[@alexvan1337]

316 hp, crazy. What modifications do you have on your gti

[@sherrynaleszkiewicz1357]

The emblem in the back is what opens the hatch

[@rootstrue99]

Great vid..why so many dislikes?

[@carbuzzcom]

No worries) we are focused on positive feedback.

[@mkygod]

Because generally car reviews involve driving and viewers are expecting to hear about the way the car drives. Since this is an "unboxing", theres none of that.

[@1gsrtom]

The GTI IS20 turbo is the best feature on the car , yes it might have a little lag but that turbo puts down an average on 250-270 whp with just a stage 1 tune basically you just add a air intake and a simple reflash. It's the best factory turbo in it class and is on par with an STI turbo. But if your going to keep it stock , I think the focus ST has a better interior.

[@maj0raw3s0m3]

APR Stage 1 gest you around 316whp and 370wtq and thats with no mods other than the tune. completely stock.

[@wtfarethesehandles]

i have a red one. it’s a great car!

[@USAl0rd98]

Have the same exact car. It's a beast.

[@MrBolt07]

How is the road noise? Is it quiet or loud? I have a civic, and the road noise is loud as hell. Drives me nuts.

[@USAl0rd98]

+Cobalt07 the road noise is great, especially in normal driving mode. In sport, it sounds so beautiful.

[@carbuzzcom]

Glad you like it! You're right, it's one hell of a car.

[@d.akhtar9080]

whats the reliability on one of these like? Ive been hearing mixed reviews on VW

[@carbuzzcom]

Reliability has improved a lot for all VWs. I know that in the past the brand suffered from fuel pump failures.

[@car6691]

I think your wrong about the Mechanical fuel injection. I believe the BMW Tii had the Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection 1972 in America, don't know when it came out in Europe.

[@lousassole3145]

8:10 my man called it for the new mk8s

[@Great_America]

I noticed the unit in this video didn't have the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). My 2017 Golf GTI Autobahn has it and WOW, what a difference it makes!

[@carbuzzcom]

Indeed it does! The DCC is something I recommend to any GTI buyer. It's very much worth the extra money. Glad you understand.

[@Great_America]

Thanks for the feedback CarBuzz! Also, something altogether different that I wanted to mention was that I test drove several other vehicles before finally choosing my 2017 Golf GTI Autobahn...the interior build quality of all those cars was so much worse than the Golf. The 2016 Honda Civic Touring sedan and the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport were very cheap and plastic with no sound insulation whatsoever. The Ford Focus ST and Titanium were cheap plastic interiors as well. The Subaru WRX Premium was a much closer call, albeit at $32K, and I was still expecting better build quality. But the WRX still felt more like a matchbox and just didn't have the maturity and high build quality of the Golf. I will admit had I not been able to get my 2017 Golf GTI Autobahn (with DSG and DCC) for $30K I might not have bought it - and definitely not for $34-36K. Getting a $4K discount off from what even the True Car value app had it listed for within my zip code was just insane. I really made the right choice and really love my Golf GTI!

[@arcticape445]

Dan, how do you like your GTI now? Also any tips on how you were able to get the $4K discount?

[@sherrynaleszkiewicz1357]

This is exactly, to speck, my dad’s car.

[@Alan89.]

What colour is that?

[@illskill3]

i have a mk5 gti, and going to buy a mk7 soon. my biggest question, dsg or manual? which is better

[@carbuzzcom]

Look, if you like to row your own gears then by all means go for the manual. Sure, the DSG shifts faster but a manual makes the GTI a true driver's car. Honestly, you really can't go wrong with either. Good luck!

[@jbiv1971]

You couldn't find any plastic anywhere in the interior?! Really?! lol

[@carbuzzcom]

I meant cheap plastics.

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

It's beautiful 😍

[@nsoper19]

prefer the manual handbrake on this version. the UK model has an electric one. no hand brake turns.

[@carbuzzcom]

Agreed.

[@peeyo100]

Just bought mine for16,000!

[@filipeacafrao2043]

Hey can you please do the 2017 Audi S3 Sportback?

[@carbuzzcom]

Great idea! I'll see what I can do.

[@thehighlander8952]

depreciation typing too quick 😊

[@kellyjenkins3304]

You know you can edit the voiceover audio track, right?

[@massiveglove2960]

We don't get power seats in the UK! Very cool

[@TheLp640fan]

we only get them on the driver seat and thats only if its a 4door lol 2doors have manual seats

[@carbuzzcom]

Really? No power seats in the UK? Never knew that, thanks.

[@SAS-qf3qh]

Think you made a mistake here the Gti surely has a faster top speed of 124 mph

[@carbuzzcom]

Electronically limited top speed is a different thing. Owners can remove the chip.

[@SAS-qf3qh]

Oh mybe its different in the US then because here in the UK they come out the factory limited at 155 mph.

[@trindermon]

Its just flat wrong, US or EU. The none PP Version does 152, and the PP is limited to 155. The 0/62 times are also off. They are around 6.5 (for the none PP). The MPG between DSG and Manual is also wrong in this "review" - its basically pretty ill informed unfortunately.

[@c0Ld]

PhotoSensitive you sure about that? because caranddriver reports differently: Top speed (governor limited): 126 mph www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/golf-gti

[@billystutz55]

@@c0Ld I have one. It's definitely not 126 LOL

[@TomesEsq]

The GTI has an 8" touchscreen when gotten with Navigation. NOT 6.5". Source, I own one.

[@carbuzzcom]

Thanks for pointing that out. How do you like the car?

[@TomesEsq]

Love it. Perfect blend of fun and practicality. Quick as shit, fun in straight lines and in cornering, and I can still be comfortable, park in small spots, and carry stuff home from Home Depot and Costco. I have the '16 Autobahn in Carbon Steel Metallic (same color as your tester), with Performance Package, Lighting Package, and Dynamic Chassis Control. I also have the 6-speed manual, which I HIGHLY recommend over the DSG.

[@gustavopaulette3496]

Still have the GTI?

[@quinceybrown6788]

Volkswagen electric 2016 reviews in 2024

[@bmb280]

How much is the light package?

[@carbuzzcom]

I believe it's an extra $995.

[@0barrington0]

its a shame the dealer didn't clean the car properly :( I have the same colour GTI and admittedly its a PITA to keep clean.

[@carbuzzcom]

Thanks for taking note. I'll be sure to pass on your comment to the dealer.

[@0barrington0]

DUMBEEZY Games yes, looks awesome if you keep on top of detailing it. But gets dirty real quick almost as bad as black.

[@thehighlander8952]

its o_60 in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 155 from mk7 golf gti performance pack owner

[@carbuzzcom]

Thanks for clarifying. I assume you're enjoying the car?

[@isaacairoes]

In germany this car has ELETRONIC BREAK

[@carbuzzcom]

That's interesting. Good to know.

[@RickDanner]

I test drove this car a 2016 GTI manual shift and I loved it !!! BUT everyone is telling me including my mechanic not to get a VW because they burn oil right from the get go , they are not as reliable as a Honda or Toyota (see customer reports) and they are real expensive to fix . I have a 16 1/2 year old Honda civic SI that I am still driving . I have tried the civic turbo which was nice and I like the hatchback but it is so ugly to me compared to this GTI . I might just pull the trigger and get the GTI I love driving it , the way it looks and the hatchback configuration . Any opinion about my comment? Thanks

[@carbuzzcom]

Your friends and mechanic are right but if you like the GTI the best then do what's right for you. It's your car in the end, not their's.

[@kanastleone8248]

Rick Danner yes Sir I bought this car 5 months ago I haven't had any problem I just did the first oil change the oil is supposed to last 10000 but I did it at 5000 parts are a bit expensive, many owners of mk6 told me that i would be going through the check engine light during winter will see.

[@Great_America]

kanastle one The 2016 MK7 Golf GTI uses a new engine vs. the MK6 Golf GTI, so I wouldn't worry about it ;-)

[@RickDanner]

your comment makes me not want to buy one . I would rather have less problems

[@Great_America]

+CarBuzz - Unboxing Everyday Cars and Supercars No, they are not right - not with the new MK7 EA 888 gen 3 TSI engine. I've not read any kind of issues regarding oil consumption or other problems whatsoever. Maybe with the MK6 series...?

[@aydensiah3862]

I have this car

[@sasca854]

I'd get one if anyone actually had a friggin' S trim with the lighting package. I live in Phoenix, AZ-- I don't _want_ the leather interior. But unfortunately I have to get the SE model if I want the HID lights. I think the halogen lights that come in non-lighting package models looks a little too... pedestrian.

[@TheLp640fan]

i had to settle for halogens on my S too, they didny have any within 300miles. Deutsch auto parts sells aftermarket housings that look oem though

[@sasca854]

Jason Guarino I'll have to take a look. Are they Xenon lights w/ tracking? Or just better looking housings for the halogens?

[@TheLp640fan]

They are just oem look, no tracking or anything but they have projector lenses and the led DRLS, all the bulbs are included except low beam (which you just transfer over) but to add HID low beam bulbs isnt that difficult from what i understand. i asked the dealer if they could add the lighting package to my non LP gti and they said it would be possible but many thousands of dollars, because retrofiting wiring and the housings and the bulbs and such things. If your really want a Lighting package S youll probably have to wait for 2017s then custom order it which takes a few months to be made and delivered.

[@carbuzzcom]

Welcome to the world of German automaker packaging. Annoying sometimes, isn't it?

[@hyperrat12]

top speed 124? I've gone over that in my stick mk6...

[@carbuzzcom]

Awesome! Apparently VW needs to update some specs.

[@Great_America]

hyperrat12 meh, nothing an APR Stage 1 ECU Flash can't fix ;-)

[@huskytales9839]

APR state 1 tune gets you up to 155 top speed I believe.

[@smallnuts2]

I'm trying to decide between this or a Subaru Forrester.

[@gustavopaulette3496]

Dom what did you get??

[@Ersy90]

What seats are those? cause im buying a mk7 gti this year

[@carbuzzcom]

Those are the optional leather seats, not the standard plaid seats. Personally, I dig the plaid over the leather.

[@johncrane3493]

You can only get the plaid in the S (base) model of GTI in 2016.

[@quinceybrown6788]

Electric Volkswagen 2016 reviews

[@mac-]

Seats aren't actually leather. They're "leatherette" aka vinyl. Edit: My mistake. In the higher trim GTI, they are leather. In the higher trim 1.8 TSI's they're leatherette.

[@carbuzzcom]

I believe they are leather in the GTI and "leatherette" in other models, like the Jetta.

[@mac-]

You know what, I think you are actually right about that. My mistake. The Golf 1.8's all have leatherette even in the best trims, but looks like they stepped it up to leather in the better GTI trim (just looked on the VW website).

[@threeer02]

And...you lost me the second I saw the auto trans

[@Matty_1985]

DSG is hardly your typical auto… do some research

[@marklange1614]

240hk

[@lariosmendoza]

I love these nazi Oktoberfest cars