2012 Volkswagen GTI Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Volkswagen GTI review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 GTI, and includes VW GTI safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The iconic Volkswagen GTI is a performance-tuned version of the VW Golf. It first came to America for the 1983 model year, creating what became known as the “pocket rocket” segment. Notably, the GTI is the only member of this class of cheap, fun cars to have been sold continuously since its original 20th Century debut.

A new model called the GTI with Convenience and Sunroof installs a premium touchscreen radio with a CD changer, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, and a power sunroof on the base GTI. The GTI with Sunroof and Navigation model gains a set of LED running lights along with a navigation system, and the GTI Autobahn model is upgraded with the LEDs and a unique set of 18-inch, 10-spoke wheels.

Ah yes, we can imagine the situation now. You’re at a frat party, and some hottie asks what you drive. You respond: “A GTI with Convenience and Sunroof.” Oh, how the sparks shall fly. OK, seriously, you’re not gonna say something stupid like that. You’ll say “GTI.” But the point is made. Who is coming up with this stuff at Volkswagen? Stop it.

There are four different GTIs that you can buy for 2012, each offered in three- or five-door configuration. The standard model comes with air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, cruise control, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. An eight-speaker stereo with a CD player, an auxiliary audio input jack, satellite radio, and an iPod connection is also standard, along with Bluetooth hands-free calling. Inside, eight-way manually adjustable heated sport seats with classic Interlagos plaid cloth inserts face a dashboard dressed with aluminum trim and chrome accents, and the driver grips a meaty three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel. Floor mats, a trip computer, heated washer nozzles, metal-finished pedals, fog lights, and 18-inch “Detroit”-style alloy wheels are also standard.

If that’s not enough, try the GTI with Convenience and Sunroof. Apparently, it has convenience, and a sunroof. The convenience items are a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and a premium touchscreen radio.

For these items and more, there’s the GTI with Sunroof and Navigation, which appears to be redundantly named. In addition to everything mentioned above, a navigation system, naturally, is included on this model, along with LED running lights and active bi-Xenon headlights. That makes us think that maybe it should be named GTI with Lighting and Navigation. But hey, we’re not whip-smart marketers.

At the top of the trim lineup is the fast-sounding GTI Autobahn model, but it doesn’t include anything that actually makes the GTI quicker. Instead, it comes with paneled leather upholstery, keyless entry with push-button starting, a Dynaudio premium sound system, and unique new 18-inch “Serron”-design wheels.

Volkswagen employs its excellent turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine in the GTI, where it makes 200 horsepower between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm, and 207 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. You’re into cars (or you wouldn’t be reading about a GTI). You know what this means. It means that once you get the GTI off the line, it’s gonna feel like an older sibling has a foot in your back as you run this VeeDub through the gears. The stated 0-60 mph acceleration time is 6.8 seconds, according to Volkswagen, but the car feels much stronger than that.

To expedite getting into the thick of the powerband from a stop, the GTI comes with launch control to ensure the best possible off-the-line acceleration. Punch the throttle out of a turn, and the GTI’s XDS cross-differential limited slip system leaps into action, predicting wheelspin for the inside wheel and automatically redirecting power to the outside wheel.

With the 2012 GTI, you can row your own gears using the six-speed manual gearbox, or you can opt for Volkswagen Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) dual-clutch automated manual transmission with paddle shifters. Not only is DSG a little easier to use, its more fuel-efficient. The GTI is rated to get 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the standard manual gearbox, while the DSG raises ratings to 24-city/33-highway. Premium unleaded is recommended for the best performance.

The 2012 VW GTI also comes with a standard Carefree Maintenance Program, which covers all scheduled maintenance and service for the first three years or 36,000 miles of ownership at no additional charge. Nice.

The 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with six airbags, a traction and stability control system, and a four-wheel-disc antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. VW also includes an Intelligent Crash Response System, which automatically cuts fuel supply to the engine, unlocks the doors, and activates the hazard lights in the event of a serious collision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not performed crash tests on the GTI, and offers a singular rollover resistance rating of 4 Stars to the GTI 5-door model. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) called the GTI 5-door a Top Safety Pick in 2011, a designation that translates neither to the GTI 3-door nor to the 2012 version as this review is written. However, we anticipate that the essentially identical 2012 GTI 5-door will also earn this laurel.

When it comes to reliability, the GTI is a little iffy. Consumer Reports predicts that long-term reliability will be average, while J.D. Power and Associates says dependability is likely to prove slightly below average over time. Notably, the GTI was called the Most Appealing car in its class, according to J.D. Power. Be sure to remember that if you’re ever stuck waiting for a tow truck.

The Volkswagen’s GTI’s trunk measures 15.2 cubic feet with the rear seat in use. Fold the rear seat, and there’s 46 cu-ft of cargo room. Compared to, say, a Honda Accord Sedan, the GTI is the better getter. It’s just that the rear seat passengers might complain a little bit about legroom.

We love the Volkswagen GTI, even if reliability predictions aren’t confidence inspiring. The GTI represents a terrific blend of thrilling performance and compelling practicality, all wrapped in an affordable package.

By Christian Wardlaw