2015 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Photo Gallery

Fascia strakes, perhaps the new GTI's most controversial design element, add some visual interest.

Still obviously a Golf, but now with more aggressive proportions and more sophisticated surfacing.

The Golf TDI doesn't look as sporty as the GTI, but arguably appears more upscale in SEL trim.

Opinions differ on the Focus ST's styling: sleeker and more exciting, or a bit much?

e-Golf has distinctive LEDs in the fascia, blue highlights through the headlights, and aero alloys.

No lens trickery here. The new GTI is longer and lower than the old one.

The new GTI looks especially athletic from the rear quarter.

Black leather is more upscale (and feels more upscale than it looks) but plaid cloth is more fun.

The e-Golf interior has a less serious ambiance. Console trim satin rather than black.

Focus ST has a more dramatic interior, but many people feel cramped by the bulging center stack.

Compact, simply designed instrument panel enhances perceived roominess. Two-tone leatherette in TDI.

GTI gets sportier flat-bottomed steering wheel. Controls generally easy to reach and operate.

Though more aggressively bolstered than the seats in the Golf, GTI's buckets not overly tight.

More rear seat room than Americans expect in cars this size. Dark with red-stiched black leather.

Thanks to intelligent packaging of its battery pack, the e-Golf can carry as much cargo as the GTI.

The new, slightly longer Golf can carry about 15 percent more stuff than the old one or the Focus.

As is now usually the case, open the hood, see a plastic cover.

New 2.0-liter turbo four is slightly more powerful but much torquier than the old one. And more mpg.

Fuel line pressure in the new diesel engine can reach 30,000 psi.

The e-Golf motor. It's probably not a good idea to touch the orange bits with the power on.