GTI named in annual awards for the second year in a row

Herndon — Volkswagen of America, Inc. is pleased to announce today that Popular Mechanics magazine has named the Volkswagen Golf GTI “Hatchback of the Year” in its 2019 Automotive Excellence awards. This is the second year in a row that the GTI was included in the awards. The awards are published annually and honor vehicles in a variety of classes along with advances in automotive technology.

“If a GTI doesn’t make you smile, your face is broken,” said Ezra Dyer, Automotive Editor for Popular Mechanics, noting that the GTI “is still the reference point for the genre it created.”

“We’re honored for GTI to be named two years running in the Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence awards,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Awards like this validate the consistency of the Golf GTI in delivering unmatched quality and performance at a competitive price point.”

The 2019 Golf GTI is available in four trims—the S, SE, and Autobahn, plus the limited-edition GTI Rabbit Edition that slots between the S and SE trims and pays homage to GTI heritage. All models now come with 228 horsepower standard (achieved with premium fuel), plus Golf R brakes and the VAQ electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now available in the optional Driver Assistance Package on S models, and standard on the rest of the lineup. SE models get new standard equipment, including leather seating surfaces, plus a new available Experience Package, which offers Fender® Premium Audio and DCC® adaptive damping system.

Every Golf GTI comes with the People First Warranty, America’s Best Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty. The warranty provides coverage for six-years or 72,000-miles (whichever occurs first), and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. Pricing starts at MSRP $27,595 for the 2019 Golf GTI S with six-speed manual transmission.

The Golf GTI will be featured in the May 2019 issue of Popular Mechanics, on sale now. For more about the Popular Mechanics 2019 Automotive Excellence awards, see www.popularmechanics.com.

About Volkswagen

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America and a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, with headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Atlas, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

“DCC”, “VW”, “Volkswagen”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “Fender” is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

All prices provided are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude destination, taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Driver-assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

The Volkswagen New Vehicle Limited Warranty on MY2018 and newer VW vehicles, excluding e-Golf, covers vehicles for 6 years or 72,000 miles (whichever occurs first). America’s Best claim based on manufacturers’ published data on length and transferability of car and SUV Bumper-to-bumper/Basic warranty only. Not based on other separate warranties. Remainder of warranty coverage transfers to subsequent vehicle owner. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.