1)Are the cloth seats only available on the base model?
2)I don't need a sunroof. Those don't come on the base models?
3)What year model? It looks like the 2016 model changed a bit. Is there something there that the car needs over the previous generation?
4)I'm not a fan of the 5-spoke wheels most of them seem to come with. I'm looking at a Wolfsburg with multi-spoke wheels. Are those available only on certain models?
I know I'l be giving up some power but I'm retiring soon and just want something sporty but economical. I won't be doing any racing or modifying. Just want a basic car that I won't cry if I see a ding in the door, but still be a little special thing to drive.
Thanks for any advice you can give.
1) Cloth seats are available on the base "S" model and the "Sport" model. The initial press release for the 2018 models says that the SE model will be come with leather as an option (meaning cloth standard), but VW is absolutely TERRIBLE at effectively communicating upcoming offerings with reliable detail in advance, so i wouldn't count on it.
2) No, sunroofs are not available on the base model, (or the 2017-exclusive Sport trim).
3a) The only difference between 2015's and 2016's is that the 2016's got a much better radio unit with apple carplay, and VW finally ditched their proprietary device-interface plug in favor of a normal USB port. Also I believe the 2016's and 2017's don't have locks on their gloveboxes. This said, I strongly suggest buying a 2016 (if buying used) because the 2015's head units SUCK (believe me, I've owned 2 of them. Both suck, in some of the same ways and some in unique ways).
3b) Another note of differentiation between model years is that 2015 and 2016 models were packaged differently. What I mean by that is that a base S model could have lighting package, performance package, drivers assistance package, and DCC, while an Autobahn could have none of the above. For 2017 they changed it so that the packages were in-built to the trim levels. All 2017 S models are completely base, none have the performance pack, lighting pack, etc. All 2017 Sport models have PP/LP (all it is is the base model with those two packages, but you lose fog lights and get cooler wheels). All 17 SEs have PP/LP. All 17 Autobahns have PP/LP/DCC.
3c) One last thing is that 2-doors were, I believe, only offered in 2015. Could be wrong, there might be some 2016's.
4)The Wolfsburg trim you're mentioning was for the previous generation MK6 GTI, and it came with Laguna/Watkins Glen wheels (sometimes you'll see people refer to these on the forums as "Watkinunas"). You can buy these online, but they're OEM and expensive and heavy. You can spend the same amount and get a true upgraded wheel that's styled very similarly.