2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI POV Drive

Would you believe that about half the Golfs sold in America last year where these hot hatches with red badges (40%)? That just tell you how important the all-new 2015 model is for the German automaker. Fresh off the production line in Mexico, the new GTI has fallen into the hands of Winding Road, who did their typical POV test drive.

There's no talking, just driving and the sound of a new 2-liter TSI turbo recorded through in-ear binaural microphones. If you listen to the video with headphones, it's basically the second best thing to an actual ride.

Vdub fans in America have been waiting for this car a long time. It's been available in Germany since 2013, but the overseas transit is taking until this summer. Prices will start at $25,215 and for that you get only a 2-door with a six-speed manual and 210 hp, which doesn't sound like a lot. For similar money, Ford's Focus ST gives you a 4-door with a more powerful 250 hp.

The engine in 2015 GTIs is all-new and despite being more efficient than before, it's also got 10 hp and 51 lb-ft over the previous model. More power is to be found in the optional Performance pack. This costs another $1,500 and gives you 220 hp and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.

Extra comfort comes in the form of Dynamic Chassis Control sold for $800 and the $995 lighting package. A six-speed DSG twin-clutch is available as an $1100 option on all Golf GTI models and is probably worth having if you plan on doing long highway miles.