2021 Golf GTI Interior
The S model is fitted with the classic tartan fabric color scheme called Clark Plaid that pays tribute to the original GTI of the 70s. Combined with a golf ball gear knob and red ambient lighting, the GTI seamlessly blends tradition with modern style. Considering its price, the build quality is excellent, and soft-touch plastics outweigh hard materials. The infotainment system on each model is intuitive and uses a capacitive touchscreen in either 6.5 or eight-inch sizing, while a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat is available to help hone the perfect driving position. Regardless of which model you get, a leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard, and the overall ambiance is one of premium quality and solid construction.
2021 Golf GTI Interior Photos
Seating and Interior Space
The GTI is still a Golf, despite its performance abilities. This makes it a practical and comfortable five-seater, and even with its bolstered front seats, the hot hatch is comfortable and not confining. Whether chasing corners or eating up mile after mile, the GTI is comfortable. Six-footers may find the back seats a little tight, but legroom and headroom are still expansive enough to accommodate taller individuals for long trips. However, the Jetta GLI, with which the GTI shares many of its features, will be more spacious for the long-legged.
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Interior Dimensions:
| Volkswagen Golf GTI Trims | S | SE | Autobahn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom Front Seat | 38.4 in. | 38.4 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Headroom Back Seat | 38.1 in. | 38.1 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Legroom Front Seat | 41.2 in. | 41.2 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Legroom Back Seat | 35.6 in. | 35.6 in. | 35.6 in. |
| Shoulder Room Front | 55.9 in. | 55.9 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 53.9 in. | 53.9 in. | 53.9 in. |
Interior Colors and Materials
As standard, the Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback is fitted with fabric seats in a nostalgic gray and red tartan design, but Titan Black leather is standard on the top two trims. Either color scheme is accented by red contrast stitching and ambient lighting, with the steering wheel wrapped in leather. The sporty theme continues with aluminum-look pedals, a gloss black center console, and smatterings of silver accents. Black is the transcendent color on the SE model, but we prefer the base model's greater contrasts.
2021 Golf GTI Trunk and Cargo Space
The Golf GTI's universal appeal has its roots in reasons that extend beyond its fun factor, comfort, and interior space; you can genuinely use the GTI as a family car too. Cargo space in the back is 24.8 cubic feet from the floor to the roof, and 17.4 cubes up to the rear parcel shelf. That's enough for three large suitcases. Longer items can be accommodated by a pass-through, or you can fold the rear seats in a 60/40 split for a maximum volume of 52.7 cubic feet. As we learned when testing the car last year, that's enough space for a queen-size bed-in-a-box.
In the cabin, a quartet of cupholders is divided between the front and rear occupants, with large door pockets with bottle holders supplementing storage. In the center console, a nifty phone tray is convenient and is accompanied by a sunglasses storage area in an overhead compartment, as well as a glovebox and a generous center armrest bin.
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Trunk and Cargo Space Photos
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cargo Dimensions:
| Volkswagen Golf GTI Trims | S | SE | Autobahn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Volume | 53.7 in. | 53.7 in. | 53.7 in. |
2021 Golf GTI Infotainment and Features
Features
Standard features on the GTI include LED daytime running lights, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, ambient interior lighting, the obligatory rearview camera, Car-Net remote vehicle access and a number of safety features. These include standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, and post-collision braking. The SE model adds keyless entry with push-button start and a sunroof. Opting for the Autobahn model adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, auto high beams, park distance control, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and an automatic parking assistant. If you spec the DSG gearbox, remote start is also available as part of the Car-Net suite of features. Dual-zone climate control is available as part of the Autobahn trim, replacing the standard single-zone.
Infotainment
The entry-level trim in the GTI range features the MIB II infotainment interface with a rather small 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen. The system features an SD card slot, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, plus MirrorLink and a USB-C port. On the SE trim, the screen is upgraded to an eight-inch unit as part of the MIB3 system. At this level, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation are added. If you spec the Autobahn package, a Fender Premium Audio sound system with eight speakers is fitted, along with voice-activated navigation. The lower trims use a less powerful six-speaker sound system. Whichever variant you opt for, response times are quick and the menus are quick and easy to learn with clean, stylish images displayed.