GTI now fills VW Golf family’s entry-level role in U.S.

When the heavily re-engineered, eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf arrives next year, just two versions of the long-running sporty hatchback will be available: the GTI and the high-performance Golf R. The entry-level Golf — a staple in VW’s U.S. lineup for decades — isn’t scheduled to be offered in the United States at launch and may not come here at all.

“The GTI and the Golf R are confirmed for this market. The other models are under consideration,” VW spokesman Mike Tolbert said. Another VW spokesman, Mark Gilles, said the company is close to a “go/no go” decision.

VW told U.S. dealers last year that the brand will pare the Golf lineup, eliminating the Golf SportWagen station wagon as well as versions of the base Golf. The GTI now fills the Golf family’s entry-level role.

If the entry-level Golf does not return to the U.S., it would follow hatchbacks such as the Ford Fiesta and Focus and the Chevrolet Cruise, which were dropped last year as car demand wanes.

While prices for the 2021 Golf models have not been released, the 2020 lineup could signal VW’s strategy with the latest Golf family: profit over volume. With a base price of $22,740, including shipping, the 2020 Golf S is one of VW’s least expensive new cars. The 2020 GTI starts at $29,515, including shipping — $6,775 more than the Golf S. For 2021, the GTI becomes the entry-level VW hatchback, and the high-performance Golf R — with a 2020 sticker price of $41,290, including shipping — will remain the most expensive model.

Gilles said two factors will determine whether the base Golf remains in the U.S.: Hatchback demand is declining and output of the eighth-generation Golf shifted from Mexico to Germany, ostensibly making it more expensive to build and export.

Based on VW’s acclaimed MQB platform, the latest GTI will sport a mildly retuned version of the current car’s turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine. The motor is now rated at 241 hp, up 13 hp over the 2020 GTI. Two transmissions will be available: a six-speed manual and the optional seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.