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Volkswagen refines new GTI with handling tech (pictures)

For the GTI's seventh generation, Volkswagen refines its performance version of the Golf with more handling tech and drive mode settings.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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Volkswagen brings the GTI back along with the seventh generation of its Golf model.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Styling details, such as the honeycomb grille, carry over with this generation of the GTI.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Like the Golf, the GTI version is available in two-door or four-door body styles.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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New for the GTI Mk7 is an optional adaptive damper system.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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The GTI gains some size over the previous generation, with a little more length and width.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Under the hood, Volkswagen refined the 2-liter four-cylinder engine from the previous version, pushing it up to 210 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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XDS Plus is the name for Volkswagen's electronic limited-slip differential, which is basically a corner braking system.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are part of an optional Lighting package.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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The GTI benefits from a multilink rear suspension with a standard antiroll bar.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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A blind-spot monitor is available with a Driver Assistance package.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Power-adjustable sport seats come in higher-trim GTIs.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Volkswagen reworked its infotainment systems for this generation of the GTI, with a standard 5.8-inch touchscreen.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Electric power steering includes a Normal and Sport program.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Volkswagen sticks to analog gauges, but includes full trip info and infotainment on the instrument cluster LCD.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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A six-speed manual comes standard in the GTI, while a six-speed automated manual, called DSG, is available.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Navigation is optional on the head unit.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Drive modes let you choose between Normal, Sport, and custom settings.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Audio sources include satellite radio, USB drives, SD cards, and iOS devices.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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The excellent Fender audio system is available for the GTI.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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Volkswagen includes a Lightning adapter so you can plug newer iOS devices into the stereo.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

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