Popular Mechanics has named the 2019 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback of the Year. What does this mean to Volkswagen enthusiasts and those who are looking for the perfect hatchback at our Volkswagen dealership? Announced annually, Popular Mechanics’ Automotive Excellence Awards consist of numerous categories, including Car of the Year, Crossover of the Year, Truck of the Year, and others that recognize specific achievements.
About Popular Mechanics
Covering popular science and technology, Popular Mechanics was founded in 1902 and covers a range of topics. Aside from automotive themes, it covers electronics, home, do-it-yourself, aviation, transportation, and military topics, along with space technology, tools, and gadgets. Founder Henry Haven Windsor intended the publication to explain complex concepts in plain language with photos and illustrations. Today, it is in PSA Research’s Top 100 U.S. Magazines by Circulation.1
How Are Automotive Excellence Awards Winners Determined?
Popular Mechanics recognizes top automobiles with key points for each. For the 2019 VW Golf GTI, it noted three reasons for awarding the hatchback, including:
- Price: At a starting price of $28,490, the VW Golf GTI is above average in cost for its class, but highly rated for its acceleration, comfortable interior, and handling.2
- Power: With premium fuel, the Golf GTI’s engine delivers 228 hp and 258 ft-lb of torque. Its average fuel efficiency was 27.12 mpg, based on data from fuelly.com.3
- Popular Mechanics’ preference: In its award announcement, the publication recommended the Golf GTI with a manual transmission and plaid cloth interior.
Other Awards
The Golf GTI also won another notable award this year—the Top Safety Pick award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It has earned top marks in crash tests, including “Good” ratings for just about every test. For the passenger-side small overlap front test, an “acceptable” rating was given. Also noted for the vehicle were its forward-collision warning system and the optional automatic emergency braking system.
Safety Features
Although not standard, a full set of driver-assistance features is available. The VW Golf GTI now can be equipped with:
- Forward-Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking: Sensors in front of the vehicle monitor traffic. If a collision is likely, the vehicle can alert you with an audible and visual warning. The vehicle can apply the brakes automatically or add braking power to reduce an impact or avoid a collision
- Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: A forward-facing camera, mounted inside the rear-view mirror, tracks lane markings and can detect lane drifting when the turn signal isn’t activated. The system can counter-steer the vehicle, gently nudging it toward the center of the lane.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: If you’re using cruise control, this system helps maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front. It can adjust your speed automatically, using feedback from in-vehicle sensors, whether the car ahead slows down or accelerates.
Get the New Golf GTI from Your Premier Pennsylvania VW Dealership
Jeff D’Ambrosio Volkswagen has the 2019 VW Golf GTI so you can explore the vehicle, take a test drive, or trade in your ride for a great price. Specials are now available on some of our newest models. Visit our VW dealership today or call 888-585-7794 to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
- http://www.psaresearch.com/images/TOPMAGAZINES.pdf
- https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a27006058/automotive-excellence-2019/
- http://www.fuelly.com/car/volkswagen/golf_gti/2019
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