Volkswagen GTI Model Years and History

For 2014, the Volkswagen GTI enters its final year of production in the current sixth-generation form, and just two trims are offered: Wolfsburg Edition and Driver's Edition. Each comes only as a 4-door.

The 2013 Volkswagen GTI carries over from 2012 virtually unchanged. The only minor differences include new wheels for mid-level trims, as well as a golf-ball shift knob offered on some of the model line.

For 2012, the Volkswagen GTI receives only minor changes. Autobahn editions get aluminum interior trim and push button start, a golf ball-style shift knob (on cars equipped with the DSG transmission), as well as new ten-spoke, 18-inch Serron alloy wheels. Those models, plus all GTIs with sunroof and navigation, also get LED daytime running lights. A new GTI with Convenience and Sunroof adds a power tilt/slide sunroof, leather-trimmed steering wheel and the Premiun VIII touchscreen stereo with in-dash CD changer.

Following a complete redesign in 2010, the GTI sees a simple trim level revision for 2011. The four distinctive trims are GTI Base, GTI with sunroof, GTI with sunroof and navigation and GTI Autobahn. All four models are available in either 2-door or 4-door configurations and all of them can be had with either a manual transmission or Volkswagen's Direct Shift Gearbox. 18-inch wheels are also now standard across the line, as is voice-controlled Bluetooth with audio streaming and phonebook download, while rear side thorax airbags have been discontinued. The base model comes with a single-disc CD stereo standard, while the new Autobahn version gets an all-new keyless entry system with push start/stop ignition.

After a brief hiatus, the popular Golf returns to Volkswagen's lineup for 2010, replacing the Rabbit as VW's compact hatchback. It's available in both 2- and 4-door models, with power coming from either a 2.5L inline-5 cylinder or a 2.0L turbo direct-injection diesel (TDI). Meanwhile, the sporty GTI, also available in 2- and 4-door-trim, draws its 200 horses from VW's venerable 2.0L turbocharged inline-4. Prices start at $17,490 for the Golf, $23,489 for the GTI

Both the VW Rabbit and the sporty GTI model see few changes for 2009. The 4-door Rabbit is available in automatic only, while the electronic stabilization program (ESP) becomes standard across the Rabbit line. A power sunroof is available on 2-door Rabbits, as is the Cold Weather Package. The biggest change in the GTI takes place in the engine, where the 2.0L is now chain-driven rather than belt-driven. Power output remains the same. Silver has been dropped as a color, and a new navigation system is available. Volkswagen's electronic stabilization program (ESP) is now standard.

Both the VW Rabbit and the sporty GTI model see minor changes for 2008. The Rabbit's 2.5L inline five-cylinder engine now makes 170 horsepower, up 20 from last year, and tire pressure monitors are newly standard. The GTI gets revised suspension settings that reduce its ride height by nearly an inch. The Rabbit is now offered in a single trim level, called the S.

The two-door Volkswagen GTI got a brand new body, engine, and chassis for 2006, so not much changed for the 2007 model year. Of the most importance is a new four-door version of this hot hatch. A special trim edition entitled "Fahrenheit" is new as well.