Reflecting on a Year with the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI: A Memorable Farewell

It’s time to say goodbye to this hot hatch after a year with the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI. This is a car that’s famous for its dynamic performance and engaging driving experience, so it’s no surprise that the GTI left us with many fond memories. It wasn’t without its flaws, but this compact powerhouse proved to be a practical and exciting companion, making it hard to say goodbye.

Performance That Packs a Punch

Driving the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a treat to handle thanks to its aggressive 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. The unit produced 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, offering extremely strong acceleration and highly responsive performance whether overtaking highways or carving through twisty roads.

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was a perfect fit for the engine, as it shifted quickly and emphasized the car’s sportiness. We did miss the six-speed manual at times, but the automatic turned out to be surprisingly good fun and very reliable. The GTI handled quite nimbly, particularly on winding mountain roads that brought out its hot-hatch spirit. However, the firm suspension, particularly with the optional 19-inch wheels, sometimes made for a rougher ride on uneven pavement.

Versatile and Compact Design

The GTI’s compact dimensions make it especially useful for maneuvering city streets and parking spaces where room is limited. What we were not prepared for in this small car was for the interior to surprise and impress us with its variability. Folding the rear seats down made the hatch open up into a cargo compartment that was more spacious than expected. One airport trip included three large suitcases, one carry-on and three passengers as evidence that it can get things done.

Areas for Improvement

Although the 2023 Golf GTI performed as advertised, a few aspects were disappointing. The ride was affected, despite the adaptive suspension set to its most comfortable mode, by the larger 19-inch wheels. Maybe a smoother ride was available in the smaller 18-inch wheels standard on other trims.

The interior design was functional but sparse for the price point. A small 8.3-inch touchscreen, lack of keyless access, and infotainment glitches sometimes caused frustration. While we appreciated features such as Apple CarPlay, USB ports, and the digital driver display, the cabin lacked standout elements.

Maintenance and Costs

During 18,283 miles, maintenance costs for the GTI were reasonable. Routine maintenance was covered by Volkswagen’s complimentary two-year/20,000-mile service plan, so we paid only $29.95 for a tire rotation. We replaced the factory-installed Hankook tires after 15,342 miles with Bridgestone Potenza S005 tires for $637.76, plus $114.08 for installation.

Another area where the GTI shone was fuel economy. The car averaged 29.6 mpg throughout the year, beating competitors such as the Honda Civic Type R and Subaru WRX Limited in efficiency.

A Fond Farewell

Saying goodbye to the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI wasn’t easy. This hot hatch delivered memorable driving experiences, blending performance, practicality, and charm in a way few vehicles can match. While its imperfections were evident, the GTI’s legacy as a fun-to-drive and versatile car remained intact.

As we move on to our next automotive adventure, we will carry the memories of this Tornado Red GTI and the joy it brought every time we got behind the wheel. It is no wonder that the GTI continues to hold its place as a beloved icon in the world of hot hatches.