It's easy to understand the appeal of a compact hatchback. It combines the small footprint and thrifty fuel efficiency of a compact car with cargo capacity to rival the appeal of some big sedans. Yet that practicality doesn't have to be attached to a car that is boring. The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI falls into a subgenre of the compact hatchbacks once dubbed the "hot hatch." These variants had more gusto under the hood and refined, sport-tuned chassis to enhance athleticism and deliver driving thrills. And this performance bent comes at no loss to versatility.
The GTI represents the latest chapter in a story that dates back to the 1980s, when the GTI first appeared in the U.S. and arguably started the hot-hatch era. Through rabid enthusiast clubs and forums, the GTI has achieved cultlike status over the past three-plus decades. Spend time behind the wheel of the latest GTI, and you'll understand why its fans are so enthusiastic.
Based on VW's Golf, the GTI shares its roomy interior, impressive materials and commendable build quality. From there, the GTI adds sizzle in the form of a feisty turbocharged engine, a taut suspension, and sporty cabin upgrades such as heavily bolstered sport seats and a thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel. Visual effects include 18-inch alloy wheels, a unique lower front fascia and a chrome-tipped dual exhaust.
Whether you opt for the manual or the dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GTI is both swift (0-60 mph in the mid-6 seconds) and fairly fuel-efficient. The EPA estimates range from 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway) for the automatic transmission and 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway) for the manual. As you might expect, the GTI has a noticeably firmer ride than the standard Golf. But this is the trade-off for increased athleticism.
The GTI is available in three trim levels, ranging from the base S to the loaded Autobahn. The S comes with a generous standard features list, highlighted by heated front seats and a rearview camera. The Autobahn offers features such as a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and an adaptive suspension, which allows both a softer ride for commuting on rough roads and a tighter setting for curvy roads. The SE trim sits in between.
However you might want to equip your ideal GTI, you will end up with a car that draws a nice balance between driving enjoyment and everyday practicality. Let Edmunds help you find the perfect GTI for your driveway.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Overview
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI is offered in the following submodels: Hatchback. Available styles include SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), and Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM). Golf GTI models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 Golf GTI comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automated manual. The 2018 Golf GTI comes with a 6 yr./ 72000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 6 yr./ 72000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33535. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is trending $6799 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6799 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $26736.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is 20.3% below the MSRP.
We are showing 68 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $31740. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $8068.7 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8068.7 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $23671.3.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 25.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 79 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27685. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $6788 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6788 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $20897.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 24.5% below the MSRP.
We are showing 44 S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37340. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is trending $6469.5 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6469.5 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $30870.5.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is 17.3% below the MSRP.
We are showing 54 Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $28785. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is trending $6552.6 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6552.6 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $22232.4.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is 22.8% below the MSRP.
We are showing 41 S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36240. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $6311.5 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6311.5 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $29928.5.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 17.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 12 Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Golf GTI featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Golf GTI a 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Golf GTI.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 377 new and 144 used and CPO 2018 Golf GTIs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 24999 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 8408 on a new, used, or CPO 2018 Golf GTI available from one of 2634 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf-gti safe? The 2018 Volkswagen Golf-gti earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.5 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Available Volkswagen Golf GTI 2018 Submodel Types: Hatchback
Available Volkswagen Golf GTI 2018 Trims: SE, S, Autobahn, Autobahn w/Performance Package, Sport, SE w/Performance Package, S w/Performance Package
Exterior Colors: Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, Tornado Red, Dark Iron Blue Metallic, Night Blue Metallic, White Silver Metallic, Carbon Steel Gray Metallic, Great Falls Green Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic
Interior Colors: Titan Black w/Clark Plaid cloth, Titan Black w/Red Stitching leather, Titan Black leather, Titan Black w/Red Piping leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Post-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Back-up camera, Power Driver Seat, USB Inputs, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Aux Audio Inputs, Keyless Entry/Start, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Pre-collision safety system, Leather Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Navigation, Auto Climate Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Parking sensors
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
