2013 Volkswagen GTI Review
2013 Volkswagen GTI Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Lively engine
- hatchback versatility
- upscale interior
- compliant ride
- good fuel economy
Cons
- Competitors are quicker and handle better
- lacks adequate interior storage
What’s new
For 2013, the GTI outfitted with the Convenience and Sunroof package gets different wheels, but otherwise the lineup carries over unchanged.
Edmunds says
The 2013 Volkswagen GTI doesn't boast scorching specifications, but as a whole package -- comfort, drivability and performance -- it's one of our top picks for a sporty hatchback.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$225/mo for GTI PZEV
GTI PZEV
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Putting the 2013 Volkswagen GTI up on a spreadsheet against its competitors makes the venerable German hot hatch a tough sell. After all, it gets bested by its rivals in acceleration, braking and handling tests. Even its cargo volume is just midpack. All of which cause some hesitation when you consider that a well-loaded VW GTI crests the $30,000 mark.
But there's more to the GTI than numbers. Its compliant suspension soaks up bumpy city roads without sacrificing a tight, sporty character. The interior is uncommonly upscale with premium materials, classy and restrained design, supportive front seats, roomy rear quarters and a quiet, well-damped cabin with the ambience of an entry-level luxury car.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 200 horsepower. That's as much as 60 hp less than the hot-hatch competition. Yet the GTI's mill still makes for a spirited drive, delivering useful power down low for swift passing maneuvers and quick bursts of acceleration. It also sounds cool, with a pleasant exhaust rumble. The turbo inline-4 pairs with a six-speed manual transmission for purists or a dual-clutch automated manual transmission to ease the pain of congested commutes.
However, there are better choices if speed and handling are your main priorities. The Mazdaspeed 3 and Subaru WRX both outgun the GTI in a straight line, while the Mini Cooper S bends more nimbly around corners. We also highly suggest considering the new Ford Focus ST as it combines impressive power with GTI-levels of refinement. But overall, the 2013 VW GTI is still more than the sum of its numbers, as it can dutifully carry you through the work week, then put a grin on your face as you find the quicker, curvier roads out of town for the weekend.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive 2013 Volkswagen GTI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 hp and 207 pound-feet of torque. In California-emissions states, a cleaner partial-zero-emissions-vehicle (PZEV) variant of this engine is also available.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (called DSG) is optional. The DSG operates like a standard automatic but it can be shifted manually via the shift lever on the center console or the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
In Edmunds testing, a GTI with a manual transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Competitors are at least a half-second faster. According to EPA estimates, the GTI returns 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined when equipped with the DSG. The manual transmission achieves slightly less at 21/31/25 mpg.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI includes antilock brakes, stability control and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the GTI earned a top rating of "Good" in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. In Edmunds performance testing, braking from 60 to zero mph required 129 feet. That's longer than average for a small car with all-season tires and a full car length longer than the summer-tire-equipped Mazdaspeed 3's impressively short 115-foot halt.
Driving
The 2013 Volkswagen GTI won't give you the quickest quarter-mile or lap time compared to rival hatchbacks. But the GTI delivers one of the best overall driving experiences in the class. The turbocharged engine is lively and unloads plenty of useful low-end torque. The cabin is quiet, and the compliant suspension neutralizes broken pavement.
Around corners, the GTI is fun up to a point. But there's no question that cars like the Focus ST, Mazdaspeed 3 and Cooper S are livelier, more nimble and possessive of higher handling limits. Still, most drivers will find the GTI strikes an impressive balance between performance, comfort and daily thrills.
Interior
Among sporty hatchbacks, the 2013 GTI ranks at the top for interior quality. The retro-style plaid seat fabric on the base trim won't suit everyone, but the cabin reflects a cool and sophisticated design, featuring upscale Audi-esque trim and switchgear throughout. The Ford Focus might come close, but otherwise you won't find better materials in the segment. There are a couple downsides, including a lack of useful interior storage and the small screen of the navigation system that hampers displayed information and overall usefulness.
The front seats are sporty and supportive, whether cruising or driving hard. If you regularly carry passengers, the four-door GTI is a safe bet, but accessing the surprisingly roomy rear seats is also pretty painless even in the two-door. Behind the rear seats, the cargo area holds up to 15.2 cubic feet -- nearly three times that of the Mini Cooper S, but less than a Focus or Mazda 3 hatchback. Once the rear seat is folded down, 46 cubic feet of cargo capacity is at your disposal.
2013 Volkswagen GTI models
The 2013 Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance version of the Golf hatchback available in both two- and four-door body styles. An even higher-performance Golf -- the Golf R -- is also offered. It's reviewed separately.
There are two main trim levels: base and Autobahn. The base GTI's standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, foglights, heated outside mirrors, heated washer nozzles, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a trip computer, air-conditioning, heated front sport seats, plaid cloth upholstery, split-folding rear seats with a center pass-through, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and iPod integration.
The base GTI can be fitted with the Convenience and Sunroof package, which adds different 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, multifunction steering wheel controls, a touchscreen interface for the stereo and an in-dash CD changer. The GTI with Sunroof and Navigation adds adaptive xenon headlights, LED running lights and a touchscreen navigation system.
The range-topping GTI Autobahn includes the preceding features, plus unique 18-inch wheels, partial-leather seating, keyless ignition/entry and a premium sound system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#44 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen GTI from 2008-2022.$643/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.75x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.4%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
5 star(61%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(14%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Great design, suprisingly not as well made
jcfarnham, 07/14/2014
2013 Volkswagen GTI Driver's Edition PZEV 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I've had my 2013 GTI for nearly one year.
Love driving the car, performance, economy, styling, are all excellent.
My car went in for a 10K Service at the Dealership and came away with a clean bill of health.
Then 6 weeks later, the coolant light came on.
Dealership diagnosed as a fault with a new water pump part on 2013 models.
Significant work removing and reinstalling engine bay … parts to repair.
While it was at dealership, they identified an additional fault - apparently through engine diagnostics - and it required a replacement intake manifold.
More engine bay parts removed and reinstalled.
I am now very concerned about the long-term reliability proposition for this vehicle.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Thunder Bunny
judge67, 11/02/2012
2013 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
Simply amazing car... the 2.0 Turbo is quick. It is strong all through the rev range, very little turbo lag.
I drive a considerable distance on the interstate, and it revs high at 75-80 mph (turning over 3000 rpm).
As such, I have to work to get 30 mpg out of it, although at 60 it gets mid-30's easy. It has an Audi-grade interior and fit/finish, love the plaid seats and they are very … comfortable (and heated!).
The gauges light up white/grey/red and match the upholstory well.
This is the only car on the planet that I prefer the automatic over a stick; the DSG is brilliant!
My car also has the Pirelli tires as opposed to the Dunlops.
The GTI is a ball to drive, but civilized, too.
1 out of 5 stars
My most beloved problem child
Gregg, 03/02/2016
2013 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
VW customer service is amazingly terrible by any standard (Beechmont VW Cincy OH)
I loved my GTI - for driving not owning.
Water pump failure 12,000 miles
un-diagnosed engine tick at 24,000 miles that VW would not honor warranty rental reimbursement policy
Service department's complete lack of skill sets with managing their customers concerns with any level of empathy or real … concern.
There is so much about this car that I love- performance, handling, comfort, over all design (exterior & interior)
BUT I will never buy a VW again and will tell everyone I know to never do so based off my customer service experience with them (while still under warranty which was the scary part to me)
I traded in for a Honda Accord Sport Manual- i miss my turbo, handling and the comfort of the seats on long road trips but I am so happy to no longer have to deal with VW corporate. Oh and no major parts failures with the Honda either!
5 out of 5 stars
(Was... Not so) Happy, Happy, Happy - update
c_j_l, 12/14/2013
2013 Volkswagen GTI Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
Final update on this car:
I have had almost three trouble free (well, after the initial "out of the box" problem) years of driving this car, and put just over 48K miles on it. Replaced the original Pirelli PZero tires at 46K miles. All other maintenance has been per the book - the only exception is that I changed the oil at 5K mile intervals vs the factory recommended 10K interval. This … has been a great car to drive both in town and on extended road trips. Gas mileage has always been excellent - low to mid 20s in town (with spirited driving) and low to mid 30s on the highway. Handles very well / feels very stable on the road in all conditions. No significant rattles or squeaks yet. All finishes inside and out look factory new. Great performance, great value.
2013 GTI Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $225/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the GTI include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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