Volkswagen Golf GTI Gets Price Increase for 2020

Volkswagen lifted the wraps off the all-new Golf this week, but the availability of the base model still hasn't been confirmed for the US model. Instead, it's looking likely that the eighth-generation Golf will only be available in GTI and R guises when it arrives in America.

When that happens, we should see some discounts for the current models. For the 2020 model year, however, the Golf GTI is getting a price increase of up to $1,025 according to leaked order guides obtained by CarsDirect.

The entry-level 2020 GTI S will start at $29,515, which is $1,025 more than the previous year. This comes as a result of the base price increasing by $1,000 and a $25 higher destination charge. Choosing the dual-clutch automatic brings the price to $30,315, an increase of $725. Moving up to the SE trim, pricing starts at $33,115 with a manual and $33,915 with a DSG transmission, increases of $425 and $125 respectively.

An available Autobahn Package adds another $4,300 to the SE, bringing the total to $38,215. For that price, added features include adaptive cruise control, adaptive chassis control, 12-way power seats, a Fender audio system, and dual-zone climate control.

As for why VW is increasing the price of the 2020 Golf GTI by over $1,000, the hot hatch now comes with automatic emergency braking and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert as standard.

When compared with a similarly-specced model from last year, a 2019 GTI S with the DSG & Driver Assistance Package starts at $30,040, while a 2020 model with the same features starts at $30,315, resulting in an increase of $275. However, it's worth noting that the GTI's warranty is being shortened for 2020 from six years or 72,000 miles to just 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.