The 2-Door trim level is the base mode for the 2013 GTI and features only the basic amenities that a buyer would expect from a performance hatchback. The GTI 2-Door handles and brakes very well, thanks to its four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electromechanical power steering, sport-tuned suspension, stability control, limited-slip differential, and the red-accented calipers help add a little extra sportiness to the hatchback’s design. A six-speed manual transmission hooked up to the high-output 2.0-liter engine gives the driver better control over the GTI. The GTI 2-Door keeps the driver entertained, via its eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM audio system with AUX-in, iPod cable and Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming, and its standard air conditioning, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and eight-way manual-adjust driver seat assure that maximum comfort is obtained.

The 2-Door Autobahn trim level may sound like a hopped up version of the base model, but it really only adds in luxury items and performs the same as the base model. On the outside, the Autobahn takes the base features from the 2-Door trim and spruces it up a bit with a set of 18-inch Serron alloy wheels and a moonroof to enjoy those warm summer days. Also added to the outside are bi-xenon HID headlights for improved nighttime vision and LED lights to catch the attention of oncoming traffic in the daytime. On the inside, the Autobahn adds a little extra oomph to the auto system, via a premium Dynaudio sound system with 300 watts of power. This stereo is simple to control, thanks to a multi-function steering wheel that features audio controls, plus controls for cruise and Bluetooth. The seats keep you in extreme comfort, as they are wrapped up in black leather, but for some odd reason, VW used faux leather – AKA “leatherette” – on the door panels. Lastly, you get and RNS 315 touchscreen navigation to help you find your way around.

The 4-Door trim level acts just like the base 2-Door trim level, only it has four doors for easier access. It also has a few other features above and beyond the 2-Door model. On the outside, the 2-Door and 4-Door models are completely identical, sans the two extra doors that the 4-Door model has. Inside the cabin, the 4-Door model adds in: Passenger occupant detection system to better protect the rear passengers, automatic locking seatbelt retractors to keep the passengers in place in the event of an accident and power recline on the front seats to allow the two front passengers to easily reach a comfortable position. Why exactly the 4-Door model has the extra features is really unknown, but VW obviously saw the need to add in these features.