2016 Volkswagen GTI Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2016 Volkswagen GTI is a strong offering from VW in the hatchback and affordable sports car categories. While the new model doesn't bring any major revisions over last year, there are some tweaks and improvements that give the car a lot more value. In this article, we will review the 2016 Volkswagen GTI, talk about what is new in 2016, and go over some reasons to buy now as well as
some reasons not to buy.

New in 2016
2015 marked a redesign of the GTI, and 2016 is a small update to the same design from last year. That is not to say that nothing important has changed. A few previously non-standard features are now standard, like the rear-facing camera. The driver's assistance package now has more advanced technology like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring that bring the car in line with other 2016 models. More importantly, VW listened to the complaints and added a larger 6.5-inch touch screen. The 2016 Volkswagen GTI also now has VW's smartphone integration system, VW Car-Link App Connect. All smartphone brands are supported.
 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Volkswagen GTI – The Pros

1. Daily-Driving Quality

The 2016 GTI simply delivers an incredible driving experience-- smooth, responsive, and powerful, it feels great on the road in any conditions. It leads the segment in pure fun of driving, and it maintains that quality even when you are just out for a regular trip, not pushing it for performance.

2. The Interior

The 2016 VW GTI offers extremely comfortable front row seats. The model boasts an elegant design that combines a slightly retro feel with a wide array of technological features that are equal to any other 2016 sports car in this price range.

3. Cargo Capacity

Put simply, the GTI leads the segment in cargo capacity with a max of 52.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. With the seats up, that drops to 22.8 cubic feet, which is still better than anyone else can offer.

4. Better Driver Assistance

Automation is becoming more and more common, and the driver assistance package showcases that phenomenon with five new features. The package is under $1,500 and adds considerably to the safety of the vehicle with autonomous braking, among other things. The package also goes a long way toward making the car feel fresh and new despite using last year's design.

5. The Value

The GTI in 2016 is similar to how it was in 2015, but with a few more features added. Combine that with a similar price point, and the car, which was already good value, is now a steal.

6. Handling

Perhaps the standout feature of the road feel of the 2016 Volkswagen GTI is the tight, responsive handling that doesn't compromise the impression of power. It turns quickly, but smoothly, so it feels like a true performance vehicle.

7. Acceleration

Good acceleration is a major part of the performance, and considering that the 2016 GTI is below $30,000, it certainly does not disappoint. It feels powerful but easy to control, and that adds to just how fun it is to drive this car.

8. Adjustable Suspension

The word "smooth" comes up a lot in connection to the 2016 Volkswagen GTI, and a lot of that has to do with this feature. The adjustable suspension will adapt to different road surfaces so that they all feel smooth, comfortable, and luxurious.

9. Exterior Design

This is a holdover from 2015, but the bold red and white color schemes are quite eye-catching. The design is fierce and powerful, but the long, curved lines hint at the smoothness of the driving experience.

10. Comfort

The front row is roomier than the back, but both have ample space and a deep, comfortable sitting surface that gives the experience a big bump.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Volkswagen GTI – The Cons

1. Efficiency

The 2016 GTI gets 25 MPG in cities and 34 on highways, which lags behind the pack for 2016. It's a notable weakness in an otherwise high-value buy.

2. Touch Screen

Despite the size upgrade, the 2016 GTI's touch screen still feels a little too small. This is especially true with all the new added connectivity features.

3. No Major Updates

You might be better off just getting the now-cheaper 2015 edition if the new aspects of the 2016 do not interest you.

How It Stacks Up To The Competition

Against cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Chevy Camaro, the 2016 Volkswagen GTI feels less "premium," especially when it comes to the interior. The driving experience is at least as good as its competition, and in cargo space, it stands above the rest. It is important to note that it is a step down in price, so the fact that it is competitive with more-expensive cars tells you a lot about what you get for the money.

Conclusion

The 2016 Volkswagen GTI delivers a luxury experience at a sub-luxury price. Most packages and trims are significantly below the $30,000 mark, making it quite affordable for what is a sports car at heart. The combination of performance and features at this price point are impossible to ignore, and this car needs to be on your list if your budget stops at or below $35,000. Consider it a gateway to luxury. It will be a joy to drive at all times without breaking the bank, and it will feel ultra-modern with the performance or driver assistance packages.