THE 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI IS NAMED YAHOO AUTOS CAR OF THE YEAR

The 2015 Golf GTI was named the “Yahoo Autos Car of the Year.” The seventh-generation GTI beat 16 other contenders, from economy hatchbacks to luxury sedans to track-ready sports cars in five categories—performance, value, efficiency, design and engineering.

“Earning Yahoo Autos Car of the Year is further testament that the 2015 GTI is a highly competitive offering—within its segment and beyond,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We are honored that the experts at Yahoo Autos have recognized the GTI as a no-compromise, quality vehicle that remains true to its enthusiast roots.”

Editors at Yahoo Autos scrutinized dozens of new 2015 model year vehicles for the third annual Yahoo Autos Car of Year award, eventually narrowing down to 17 contenders. Judges selected the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI after a week-long test by eight experts that included hundreds of miles in driving loops through cities and mountain routes, along with a thorough autocross day.

The 2015 Golf GTI is bigger, lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient than the previous generation. It redefines the hatchback category with enough space for five adults and more trunk space than any mid-size sedan. It also features Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, providing 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is 10 hp and 51 lb-ft higher than in the previous generation. The optional Performance Package, available later in the model year, adds another 10 hp for a total of 220 hp, larger brakes, and an electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential.

The Golf GTI provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems, and has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations. All Golf GTI models are available with the Driver Assistance Package, which adds a Forward Collision Warning system and front and rear Park Distance Control systems. When equipped with the package, the 2015 Golf GTI 4-door is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+.

Standard equipment of the all-new GTI also includes a new Driving Mode Selection feature, VW Car-Net® connected services, a touchscreen infotainment system, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, ambient and footwell lighting with LED reading lights, and LED foglights. Pricing for the all-new Golf GTI starts car starts at $24,395.