The Volkswagen Golf GTI is rolling into 2023 with a new trim configuration.

Thats among other improvements over model year 2022.  When the hot hatch received it’s most recent all-new status.

And the four-door 5-seat continues impressing drivers and automotive writers alike.

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2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Top-3:

1. Drive
   
2. Value
   
3. Styling
   

New For 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI

So the biggest item on the ‘what’s new’ list is another trim option.

And Volkswagen takes the opportunity to mark GTI’s 40th Anniversary.  Doing so with a 40th Anniversary trim configuration.

But the European carmaker is holding back details.  Because all VW is telling us is the name.  And that it slots between the base-model S and the mid-level SE trims.

Other newness for the 2023 VW GTI include LED headlights and foglights.  Plus active cornering lights.

40th Annivesary Edition Trim

VW says only 1,500 40th Anniversary Editions will be available in the United States.

They have what VW is calling a 40 “clasp” at the bottom of the steering wheel.  Plus Volkswagen’s iconic golf-ball inspired shift knob.

Also, speciality decals adorn the sides of the 40th Anniversary Edition.  Dipalying “40” and VW’s honeycomb.

Add to that 19″ gloss black multi-spoke wheels with red pinstripe accents.  And only three different exterior colors are available. (Four at first, but Pomelo Yellow Metallic is unavailable.)

Thos include Tornado Red – pictured here.  Opal White Peral.  And one of our favorites, Urano Grey.

Also, all come with the black painted roof.

40th Anniversary Edition – black painted roof

Trims And Prices

Here’s the full trim configuration line-up for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI.  Along with starting MSRPs.

Trim Configurations & MSRPs:

• S $30,180
  
• 40th Anniversary Edition $33,055
  
• SE $34,980
  
• Autobahn $38,720
  

*All starting manufacturers suggested retail prices

Engine, Transmission, And MPG

As Volkswagen has been providing.  The 2023 VW GTI comes with a single engine.

So it doesn’t matter which trim configuration you go with.  Because the same inline 4-cylinder is under the hood.

And that’s a 2.0-liter 16V turbocharged/intercooled.  Putting out 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

Leaving you the option of transmissions.  Either a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.  Or a six-speed manual transmission.

For the hot hatch.  My purist pick is always the manual.  But the automatic has paddle shifters.  So when you’re commuting or stuck in traffic, you’re shaking hands a lot less.

Plus the automatic gives you better fuel economy.

2023 VW GTI MPG:

• Manual 23/27/32
  
• Automatic 24/28/34
  

*City/combined/highway

What’s The 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Look Like?

Other than the 40th Anniversary Edition, which we’re not yet sure of, there’s little change for 2023.

Because even in Volkswagen’s press release materials.  The company is stating “minor cosmetic changes.”  And saying as much without specificying what those are!?

Still, the GTI remains, without question, VW’s hothatch.  Newer, bolder, more athletic.  With it’s iconic red accents and GTI badging.  She’s a beauty.  In her 2023 attire.

The S and SE trimes come with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels while the top of the line Autobahn delivers 19-inch alloys.

Exterior dimensions:

• Wheelbase 103.6
  
• Length 168.8
  
• Height 57.6
  
• Width 70.4
  
• Track:
  
  • Front 60.4
    
  • Rear 59.6
    
  
  
• Ground clearance 4.7
  

*All inches.

Curbweight for the 2023 VW Golf GTI depends on the transmission.  For manual trans, it weighs 3,133.  And for automatic, it comes in at 3,206.

241 hp / 273 lb-ft of torque

Inside The 2023 VW Golf GTI

And inside Golf GTI remains the same as model year 2022 too.

Beautiful while maintaining all things VW hothatch.  Right down to the latest version of Volkswagen’s plaid seating upholestry.  And  bolstered front seats.

Red stitching accents the seats.  Further complementing the optional red accent lighting.  Setting the evening mode for cool driving enjoyment.

And when you go with the Autobahn trim.  Both rows of offer heating.  While the front is also ventilated.  Also only on Autobahn is the three-zone climate control.

Interior Dimensions:

• Headroom 38.5/38.1
  
• Legroom 41.2/35.0
  
• Hip room 53.4/46.3
  
• Shoulder room 55.9/53.9
  

*All inches.

Infotainment And Safety Technology

When it comes to infotainment and safety tech, GTI is well equipped.

Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro is standard across all trims.  And that includes a 10.25″ in-dash display.

But there’s an option we love that you’ll only get with the Autobahn trim.  And that’s a heads-up display.

Also, the base-model S trim gets an 8.25″ touchcreen on the center stack.  Whereas the SE and Autobahn bump it up ot a 10.0″ touchscreen.

And only Autobahn offers two specific driver assistance features.  Those are park steering assist, dynamic road sign display.

40th Anniversary Edition Golf GTI

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Top-3

1. Drive – The 2023 VW GTI remains a drivers car.  And enthusiasts, if you will.  Sporty driving experience inside and out.
   
2. Value – For the money its difficult to find a better vehicle.  One with more built-in adrenaline and performance.
   
3. Styling – While there’s not much change from it’s previous model year.  But Volkswagen hits the mark, especially with the 40th Annivesary Edition.
   

iDSC is driven by Ontario Volkswagen

 

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