2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Consumer Reviews

I normally drive a lumbering SUV but had an itch for a manual tranny car since my last one was 20+ years ago. I test drove the VW GTI 380 S once and was hooked. Power and agility is phenomenal. It handles so well on the summer tires and the acceleration is so much fun when you're shifting with a clutch pedal. Yes, it's more work but the engagement is so much fun, even when you miss shift there's no computer algorithm to help you. And, 2024 is the last year of a manual tranny so I went for it. My version has everything I need except proximity door sensors, you still need to use the remote to lock/unlock doors and no wireless Apple car play. Those are my gripes. My infotainment is the smaller display unit and it still has a physical volume and tuning knob. I didn't have too much trouble with the capacitive touch, it's more sensitive than buttons for sure but not that big of a problem as others have mentioned. It's definitely a fun car for me and brings a lot of memories of driving my sister's hand me down 1980's avocado colored 4 SPD manual Rabbit...lol This was one car in my area I could get under MSRP, the Toyota GR Cross was definitely not. With the savings I added a Borla exhaust and now has a bit more character to it...

I got this car 8 days ago. Prior to buying this car I was focused on a hybrid compact car with high mpg rating. You probably guessed what it was - a 2024 Prius. Confusing price structures with various models and the total cost was way too much. VW came with GTI 380. I was lucky to get the last one that was available. Am I glad that I got this. Power, performance, and smoothness are unparalleled. It is not hybrid - but performs with rest to mpg. This is one of the last model that VW is producing with 6 speed manual transmission. I always liked the manual transmission and it is difficult to get one from other car manufacturers. I did not test drive the 7 speed DSG automatic one. Surprisingly, the manual one is slightly more expensive. But the manual one gives you larger 19 inch black sports wheel and adaptive sport suspension which I like.