Fun, practical, and athletic- the  Volkswagen GTI has it all. The Volkswagen GTI  remains as one of the hottest hatches because of its sportiness and comfortable cabin. And as you shop new and used models, you’ll see that the 2019 GTI is one of the best versions to buy.

What makes the 2019 Volkswagen GTI so unique?

Generally speaking, the VW GTI is one of the most fun cars you can get for under $25K. That said, the 2019 GTI model excels in almost every way as U.S News reports. The GTI is the sportier version of the VW Golf hatchback. The GTI is distinguished by its agile handling and turbocharged engine. This VW also pleases with its upscale and comfortable cabin. 

As a new model, U.S. News named the GTI as its #1 choice in the compact car class and as one of the most affordable compact cars in 2019. U.S. News was also impressed by how this VW has held up as a used car. The GTI also earned a top spot as one of the most affordable 2019 cars you can buy for around $15K based on U.S. News’ evaluations.

Driving dynamics 

The 2019 GTI features a 2.0-liter turbo-four that produces 228-hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. This front-wheel-drive model is standard with a six-speed manual, but you can shop for models with the available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. 

Overall, the GTI is a quick and secure ride. It’s easy to maneuver, plus it remains smooth even on bumpy roads. Although, some reviewers say that the GTI can feel stiff at times. One slight drawback is that the GTi is slightly below average for fuel economy compared to other compact cars. But at the same time, the GTI is one of the most powerful options in its class.

Cabin comforts 

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On the inside, the GTI pleases with its European style and mostly upscale trimmings. Even though it’s a small car, the GTi is pretty generous when it comes to interior space. It can carry up to five, and passengers will appreciate the GTI for its supportive seats. Base models will have cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and leather-covered steering wheel. Some models will have leather upholstery and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The GTI also offers enjoyable in-car tech. Standard infotainment features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. For more gadgets, you shop models with a larger touchscreen, a navigation system, and satellite radio. 

Regarding advanced safety features, the GTI came with a backup camera and a post-collision braking system. Some versions will have more safety functions, including parallel and perpendicular park assist and blind-spot monitoring.

Safety and reliability ratings

The NHTSA gave the 2019 GTI a five-star crash-test safety rating. This rating contributed to U.S. News’ slightly above-average reliability rating. At the time of this writing, there isn’t a significant amount of complaints on this model.