2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance

Volkswagen has never tried to claim that the GTI is the best-performing hot hatchback on the market, and it still isn't, but you're guaranteed a driver's car of the highest order. That has always been the GTi's strong point: it offers one of the most balanced hot-hatch driving experiences around. There's just enough power to entertain, and the ride isn't back-breaking, but the overall driving experience is communicative and engaging. The Mk8 feels much lighter on its feet, and despite only increasing outputs by 17 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque, it feels seriously peppy, to the extent that we wouldn't be surprised if VW is underquoting these figures. On paper, the GTI might be down on power, especially when comparing it to the mighty Civic Type R, but independent testing has shown that the GTI can still get from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 5.1 seconds. As is the standard for German cars, the top speed is electronically capped at 155 mph.

For 2023, you still get a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine powering the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, or a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. This new generation of VW's EA888 four-cylinder makes 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

We spent most of our time in the manual GTI, where the stickshift feels a little wayward. It's not vague, per se, but it's not as precise as we'd like. It all felt really slick and easy, but there isn't any feedback in the middle. It's not as fun as we expected to rip through all six, and the clutch take-up point is a little vague too.

But as for overall fun, the GTI is a great partner. There might be a little bit of initial lag on take-off, but once we were at speed and jumping between second, third, and fourth, it feels like the GTI never leaves the meat of the powerband. And we like the gentle pops and cracks from the exhaust; they weren't obscenely loud, just loud enough.

Whether you buy manual or DSG, the Golf GTI returns almost identical gas mileage. According to the EPA, the manual six-speed GTI will manage figures of 23/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined. The seven-speed DSG car will see those numbers improve slightly to 24/34/28 mpg.

With a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, the GTI should, in theory, have a maximum range of 370 miles. In our short but fun time with the new GTI we returned a little over 22 mpg combined. But remember, these are some of the most amazing roads in the US, and we were quite excited to be taking them on.