Volkswagen's Golf GTi joins Automobile’s list of the 10 outstanding model year 2015 vehicles.

Lauded for its exceptional handling and power, the Golf GTI joins Automobile’s list of the 10 outstanding model year 2015 vehicles

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI, commended for its exceptional handling and performance, was today named to Automobile’s “2015 All-Star” list. Automobile, a leading automotive lifestyle print and online brand, each year selects 10 exceptional vehicles to its prestigious list based on performance, features, and overall value. This is the seventh time that the Golf GTI has been named an Automobile “All-Star”.

“The 2015 Golf GTI has met great critical and sales success since its arrival in U.S. dealerships this past summer, and we are honored that it has earned a coveted spot on Automobile’s ‘2015 All-Star’ list,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “This accolade reaffirms the Golf GTI as a vehicle that seamlessly intersects performance with efficiency and value.” 

“After seven generations, you expect a performance car like the GTI to be fabulous, and it most certainly is. Volkswagen has done a masterful job turning its seminal hot hatch into an outstanding all-around vehicle that more than handles its own at the track and out on the back roads,” said Mike Floyd, Editor-in-Chief,Automobile.” There is plenty of power for the application, torque steer is minimized, and the DSG®-equipped car we had shifted as you’d expect— flawlessly. All that made it an easy choice as a 2015 Automobile ‘All-Star.’”

All current model year vehicles that are on sale in the U.S. during Automobile’s fall testing are eligible for the annual “All-Star” award. Editorial staff and contributors cast private ballots for their favorite vehicles, including passenger cars, sports cars, sport-utilities, minivans and trucks. Winners are determined solely by staff preferences.

The 2015 Golf GTI is bigger, lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient than the previous generation. It redefines the hatchback category with enough space for five adults and more trunk space than any mid-size sedan. It also features Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, providing 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is 10 hp and 51 lb-ft higher than in the previous generation. The optional Performance Package, available later in the model year, adds another 10 hp for a total of 220 hp, larger brakes, and an electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential.

The Golf GTI provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems, and has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations. All Golf GTI models are available with the Driver Assistance Package, which adds a Forward Collision Warning system and front and rear Park Distance Control systems.

Standard equipment on the all-new Golf GTI also includes a new Driving Mode Selection feature, VW Car-Net® connected services, a touchscreen infotainment system, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, ambient and footwell lighting with LED reading lights, and LED foglights. Pricing for the all-new Golf GTI starts at $24,395.