2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI: A Buyers Guide

Volkswagen is one of the world's most recognised car manufacturers and the Golf GTI may be what raised them to such heights. This vehicle has really made its mark on the world of cars and immediately comes to mind when one thinks of cars that have managed to blend performance, style and functionality.  

Now it’s 2023, we’re going to take a look at the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI in this buyer's guide. 

We’ve broken down our ultimate buyer's guide on this beaut of a car into 5 main sections…

1. Cost/value for money
2. Safety technologies
3. Driving experience 
4. Looks and design
5. Accessories and tech

But first, a quick peep of general specs and further information about what’s under the hood in the Golf. 

Manufacturer: Volkswagen

Build Country: Germany

Model: Golf GTI 2023

Body Type: Hatchback

Fuel Type: Petrol

Transmission: 7 Speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch

Drive Type: FWD

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 

Engine Size: 2.0 L

Fuel Economy: 23 / 32 mpg

Horsepower: 241@5,000

Torque: 273@1,600

Doors: 5

Seats: 5

Warranty: 5 Years / Unlimited km

Safety: 5 Star (2019)

Currently, the Volkswagen Golf GTI costs between $30,530 and $43,669 before on-road costs. You’ll need to pay more for some of the best features, too. Of course, that’s not to say the base model isn’t worth it. There are a ton of great features included in the vehicle, which we’re going to get into later on in this buyer's guide. 

Fair Market Price (Potential figures which include taxes and fees): $33,712

S Automatic

MSRP: $31,330

Fair Market Price: $34,565

40th Anniversary Edition - Manual

MSRP: $33,055

Fair Market Price: $36,404

40th Anniversary Edition - Automatic

MSRP: $33,855

Fair Market Price: $37,257

SE - Manual

MSRP:$35,330

Fair Market Price: $37,257

SE - Automatic

MSRP: $36,130

Fair Market Price: $39,682

Autobahn - Manual

MSRP: $39,070

Fair Market Price: $42,816

Autobahn - Automatic

MSRP: $39,870

Fair Market Price: $43,669

Fuel consumption

The fuel consumption for the Golf GTI is 10.0 liters per 100 kilometers. This places the Golf GTI in the range for good fuel efficiency, not great, but acceptable. However, it’s important to remember that how you drive will determine your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, as driving habits affect how much fuel is consumed. 

On-road costs

We’re referring to stamp duty, compulsory third-party insurance, registration, and dealer delivery charges when we discuss on-road costs. For the Volkswagen Golf GTI, you’re looking at on-road costs that push the price tag closer to anything between $40,000 and $50,000. 

Does driving a Golf GTI to feel as damn good as it sounds?

The short answer is yes, but let’s take a deeper look at why that’s the case. 

Absolutely! The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a reliable car that comes from one of the most prestigious manufacturers in the automotive industry. This vehicle has been made with safety at the forefront of Volkswagens' minds. 

The Golf GTI has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and that’s thanks to a host of included safety features such as:

• Automatic emergency braking.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Active lane control.
• Electronic stability control and travel assist.
• Blind-spot monitors.
• Parking sensors front and back.
• Anti-lock brakes.
• Front, side, and overhead airbags.
• Distinctive light signature to make the Golf more visible on roads.

The short answer is yes, but let’s take a deeper look at why that’s the case.

Electric driver’s seat with heated steering wheel

In the 2023 GTI, drivers are treated like Kings and Queens. You’re getting an electric driver’s seat that’s well-ventilated but also 12-way power-adjustable. Volkswagen didn’t stop there though. The VW steering wheel has a heating function for those cold early mornings or late nights. 

Although it may feel like you’ve overindulged and bought the luxury package, the heated steering wheel comes in base models. Feel the warmth of the Golf in your hands and the power in your seat whenever you put the pedal to the metal in a GTI. Just make sure to grip the steering wheel tight! 

A turbocharged engine that’s sure to turn heads

We’ve got to talk about how this car drives. It’s got a turbo-four cylinder engine both in manual and automatic transmission - both of which are nimble with grippy handling and super smooth gear shifting. Sports mode on this turbocharged engine will have you pushed back into the comfortable front seats as your wheels engage and grip harder to help you tackle both corners and straights with finesse. 

Whatever you choose, the Golf guarantees an incredible driving experience, in all 4 modes; sport, eco, comfort or individual.  

Suited to all traffic conditions

The best part about the Golf GTI is that Volkswagen have made it so that it is suitable for any and all traffic conditions. Open up the panoramic sunroof and electric windows when you’re cruising on a beautiful Aussie day or you’re stuck in traffic and need some fresh air. 

Heat up the driver seat for a comfier ride on those chilly winter commutes to work. Flip into sport mode when you’re looking to have more fun and go faster when traffic permits. Save fuel and reduce power output during everyday life driving at lower speeds, when you turn on eco mode. You’ve also got comfort mode which softens the suspension and lightens the steering feedback making you feel like you're suspended in space inside the gorgeous VW - resulting in a plush ride with easier steering. 

Finally, you’ve got individual mode. Essentially, this mode allows the driver to optimise their preferences for driving their Golf to ensure they’re having the experience they want.

The 2023 GTI has an extremely modern interior in comparison to previous models. The dashboard has two larger displays, one being the 10-inch touchscreen and the other being the 10.3-inch gauge cluster. The seats are comfortable and well-ventilated, making it a great experience for all passengers - even those travelling in the back seat! 

There are also a lot of red accents around the interior for illustrative purposes to finish it off. Finally, you’ve got a decent amount of storage space, with 19.9 cubic feet of space behind the backseat.

The exterior of the vehicle is fairly standard for a golf GTI, even though it does look sportier in its latest iteration with its headlights and rear and front section getting some small stylish tweaks. 

Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro

The Volkswagen Innovision Cockpit Pro is a 10-inch central touchscreen (previously mentioned) and instrument binnacle screen. The touchscreen is responsible for controlling all the 2023 GTI’s secondary systems, like driving dynamics, GPS, in-car entertainment, phone connectivity, and more. It’s a great piece of tech that’s modern and up-to-date, with quality graphics and intuitively laid-out menus. You’ve also got the display for performance, gauges, g-force metre, torque output, and more in the dash.

Adaptive cruise control

Your GTI is capable of adaptive cruise control, which means it will know when to slow down thanks to radars built into the car. This is an amazing feature not only for convenience but also for safety. 

Push button start

The Golf GTI is a keyless car requiring no key for entry and just a push of a button to get the car started. 

A complete infotainment system and head-up display

Everything you need to keep everyone entertained can be found in these vehicles. You’ve got Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, USB C ports, and more. This means you’re always in reach of a way to keep the kids from bothering you while you drive.

We don’t blame you - these are one of our favorite cars worldwide! Driva is happy to provide you with great options to make your dream of owning a Volkswagen vehicle a reality with our Volkswagen-specific loan options. 

With Driva, you’re connected to some of the country's best lenders, providing ample opportunities to get your Golf GTI ASAP. So, what are you waiting for? Apply today!

Is Golf GTI or R better?

It all depends on what you’re looking for in a Volkswagen vehicle. If we look at this objectively from just a general head-to-head comparison, the Golf R is slightly better in terms of its sporty appearance and increased aggression. The most significant difference is that the GTI is more readily available, and while the R isn’t as scarce, the reason is due to the differences in acceleration each car has. The GTI is more linear in power distribution, while the R performs more aggressively. 

Is the Golf GTI fast?

Yes, it is. The Golf GTI produces roughly 296 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This helps it achieve a top speed of 167 miles per hour. It also makes it possible for a 0 - 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds. In comparison to many other cars on the road, the Golf ranks high level when it comes to speed and power. 

Does the Golf GTI require premium fuel?

No, it does not. The Golf GTI doesn’t require any form of premium fuel. Instead, it requires standard petrol. The only time premium fuel should be considered is when using a vehicle's turbo functionality on a turbocharged engine. Since this vehicle doesn’t have a turbocharged engine, it’s a moot point. 

How much is a Golf GTI?

Unless you snag one of these beauties in an EOFY sale, the 2023 Golf GTI will likely cost anywhere between $30,000 and 40,000 before additional fees or extra costs.  

Is the VW Golf GTI reliable?

Unfortunately, professional consumer report rankings determine that the Golf GTI isn’t the most reliable car and has a relatively low score of 47.7. To put this into perspective, the average score is 57. This means there’s a less than 10-point difference. 

What does GTI stand for on a Golf?

The GTI stands for Grand Touring Injection. This is the direct fuel injection system the GTIs are known for. First developed 40 years ago and implemented in 1976 in the first-ever GTI, it’s designed to power long-distance trips while maintaining performance.