The Volkswagen Gti Mark 5. A hot hatch icon. I recently found myself with an unexpected 18 hours to kill in Los Angeles and a reserved 2015 GTI Mark 5 5-door through Turo. This was my chance to experience the latest generation Golf platform, a significant leap from the Mark 5 and Mark 6 GTIs I was familiar with.
My history with VW tuning and my mother’s 2006 GTI fueled my anticipation. Arriving at the Turo lot, the GTI’s Carbon Steel Metallic paint, sharp lines, and aggressive headlights commanded attention. The build quality, reminiscent of my old 1990 Jetta, was immediately apparent. The Titan black leather interior was a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to quality. While the interior lighting and controls were pleasing, the touchscreen entertainment system felt a bit laggy.
As a Mazda owner, I’m accustomed to crisp shifter and clutch feel. The GTI’s cable-shift gearbox and numb clutch pedal were a stark contrast. Finding the take-up point proved challenging, making for a less-than-smooth departure from the lot. However, once on Lincoln Boulevard, the 2.0-liter TSI engine’s powerful burble and exhilarating boost quickly overshadowed any initial disappointments.
The LA freeway system after 8:00 PM on a Tuesday was surprisingly open. I put the GTI through its paces on the 210 and 405, quickly reaching exhilarating speeds. The 258 ft/lbs of torque was readily apparent. A quick detour to Redondo Beach to pick up a friend, followed by a late-night In-N-Out run in Culver City, further highlighted the GTI’s agility and fun factor.
The GTI’s performance had completely captivated me. Forget the stressful circumstances that led me to LA, the less-than-perfect shifter, and even the impending flight back to Chicago. My only concern was how to maximize my remaining time with the car. The plan: Angeles Forest after rush hour for a spirited drive before returning to LAX.
The GTI Mark 5 delivered an unforgettable driving experience. While the shifter and clutch feel could be improved, the engine’s potent performance and the overall driving dynamics more than compensated. It’s a car that demands to be driven, a true hot hatch that lives up to its reputation.
