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Being at the top of the Hot Hatch food chain is no easy task. With the new Hyundai Veloster N and Kia announcing the new Forte GT hatchback – Volkswagen has to do all that it can to keep the hot hatch community from looking elsewhere. Seeing how rumors are flooding, that 2019 could be the last generation of the MKVII, they’re going to make sure they go out with a bang.

Bringing back a small piece of the heritage nameplate, the GTI Rabbit Edition makes a comeback for a limited production time. The Rabbit Edition slots between the entry level S and mid-grade SE with a starting price of $28,895. Bringing all the right GTI counterparts, the Rabbit Edition is offered up in 4 colors, two of which are specific to this model, Cornflower Blue and as seen on our sample subject, Urano Gray.

Because it is position just below the SE, it offers all the same SE goodness minus the sunroof and leather seat interior. Fitted with the famous GTI plaid seats, this really is quite possibly the best GTI to buy. For 2019, all GTI’s are now standard with an 8-horsepower increase on the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Now producing 228-horsepower, the GTI is one quick holly hotness.  Opting for the $1100 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, the GTI uses launch control and every bit of its 258lb-ft of torque to get from 0-60 in about 6 seconds.

The fundamentals of the GTI haven’t changed much over the years. Its chassis development provide superior road mannerisms. Our 18-inch, Rabbit Edition specific black wheels provided style, poise, and a grander ride quality over the more preferred 19-inchers. The connection in the steering is always on pare to our driving technique and using the Drive Mode Select, we’re able to switch into sport mode for a more dramatic awakening from all the components. Incorporating a long list of standard features, all GTI’s now get a VAQ front limited-slip differential for better handling and articulation through the corners.

2019 also brought in minor interior tweaks, while not available on the Rabbit Edition, the SE and Autobahn models get a much larger 8-inch glass touch screen infotainment system – similar to the ones found in the Jetta, Atlas, and Tiguan. Using the standard 6-inch touch screen, we favored the available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. All GTI’s are now offered with available safety assist that incorporates blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert and rear cross detection.

After nearly a 7 year run with this current MKVII GTI, it still upholds a certain style that will continue to achieve greatness long after the generation has ended. The interior conformance contains streamline styling and functionality while offering comfort and space for all passengers. Rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 split making room for whatever life from The Home Store has to offer.

After 7 days, averaging 22 miles to the gallon on premium grade liquid juice, the GTI remains one of the best in the business. The Rabbit Edition offers the best of both worlds featuring all the highlights of what we like from the GTI while saving money on the unnecessary luxury amenities. But you’ll have to hurry fast, the Rabbit Edition will scamper away quickly as it is for only a limited time only.

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Model: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI
Starting Price: $27,595 (ENTRY LEVEL S)
As Tested: $30,890 (RABBIT EDITION W/ 7-SPEED AUTO)

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED FOUR-CYLINDER
Horsepower/Torque: 228-HORSEPOWER / 258LB-FT TORQUE
Transmission: 7-SPEED DUAL-CLUTCH AUTOMATIC
Fuel Economy: EPA RATED: 25-CITY / 31-HWY
(AS TESTED: ±22 MPG COMBINED)
NOTE: ACCUMULATION OF COMBINED MPG AFTER TESTING 150 DRIVEN MILES
Fuel Range: 300 MILES
0-60 MPH: ±6.0 SECONDS