2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S Manual Tested: 0–60 MPH, ¼-Mile Results
S is for "simple," as one of our favorite hot hatches goes back to basics.
We recently spent some time in a 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI that needed 6.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in our testing. Not bad, but if you want to find a quicker time with this car, you'll need to go for a different gearbox than the six-speed manual our latest test car came equipped with.
Why Try Again?
We've tested the eighth-generation GTI before, but when an opportunity arises to assign numbers to one of our favorite hot hatches, we'll always take it. VW released the latest Golf GTI for model year 2022, so the 2023 Golf GTI only sees a few minor changes, none of which affects the powertrain. That means the 2.0-liter turbo-four is still rated at 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That's also still plenty enough grunt, and the car remains more than eager to play.
Our 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S test car—which sits at the bottom of the lineup below the GTI 40th Anniversary Edition, GTI SE, and GTI Autobahn—came, as mentioned, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. That's a rare treat in the car-testing world these days. As noted up top, this 3,110-pound hatchback launched from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, and it completed the quarter mile in 14.8 seconds at 99.1 mph. For comparison, our most recent previous test of a three-pedaled GTI evaluated a top-spec 2022 Golf GTI Autobahn that needed 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph and 14.8 seconds at 95.5 mph to cross the quarter mile. In addition to more creature comforts and adaptive dampers, that GTI Autobahn was fitted with 19-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires (235/35R19 91Y all around). Meanwhile, the GTI S sported 18s wrapped in Goodyear Eagle Sport all-season tires that were slightly narrower (225mm).
Lose a Pedal, Gain a Second
If you want a VW Golf GTI that sprints to 60 mph in less than 6.0 seconds, you'll have to lose a pedal and opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. In our test of a 2022 GTI Autobahn with the quick-shifting auto, we reached 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds before crossing the quarter mile in 13.9 seconds. Obviously the DSG was a cinch to launch, but the manual gearbox wasn't too tricky, either.
We achieved our best time by holding the engine at around 2,000 rpm before releasing the clutch quickly and applying throttle. Some restraint is required for the second-gear upshift—simply mashing the throttle will easily result in wheelspin. The shifter itself is crisp and short with its action, but we wish the clutch pedal offered a tad more resistance.
For more insight on the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S, including its performance on our figure-eight course, be sure to check out our complete First Test review.