Best Suspension Upgrades for Mk7 Volkswagen GTI

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Introduced in 2015, the Mk7 GTI continued Volkswagen's hot hatch focus.

Exterior styling was more square and aggressive than the previous Mk6.

The Mk7 GTI headlights were also greatly improved.

Powered by a transverse, 4 cylinder, direct injected, 220 hp engine, the 2978 pound GTI has a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds.

Mk7 Volkswagen GTI engine bay image

Transmission options included a 6-speed manual gear box or a 6-speed DSG automatic. (DSG is the acronym for Volkswagen's family of dual clutch transmissions)

The Mk7 GTI has an impressive top speed of 154 mph.

In 2017 the GTI received a facelift treatment and is often referred to as the Mk7.5

Volkswagen Mk7.5 GTI image

Since its inception in the early 1980's, the GTI has been one of the most popular cars to modify for even better performance. 

Volkswagen Mk7 GTI mods are plentiful, and if chosen wisely can make the car even more exciting to drive.

From wheels and tires, to exhaust systems and computer tuning, The GTI lends itself easily to the help of the aftermarket world of fun.

Mk7 GTI interior and dashboard

Mk7 GTI rear view image of 2 GTI's with lights on in the dark

Mk7 GTI suspension upgrades probably make the biggest, most noticeable change and improvement to the cars character and feedback. 

There are a handful of great companies making suspension upgrades for Volkswagen, and we are proud to offer them to our customers.

So let's dive right in to what you're here to see. Our list of top suspension upgrades for the Mk7 GTI.

Looking for GTI Mk7 coilovers? 

 

1. Ohlins Road and Track Coilovers

Ohlins road and track coilovers for Volkswagen Mk7 GTI

Founded, engineered, and hand built in Sweden since 1976.

Want the best Volkswagen MK7 GTI coilovers?

 Ohlins is arguably the only answer.

The Ohlins Road and Track series coilover kits feature the latest in single tube technology that uses both through-rod damper technology, and Ohlins exclusive Dual Flow Valve (DFV) technology, which allows you to change the stiffness of the shock absorbers.

These coilovers are light-weight, corrosion resistant, and fully rebuildable for a lifetime of performance, and come with a two-year limited warranty.

Ohlins dampers also feature one knob that operates individual compression and rebound adjusters that are pressure balanced, and have preload adjustability.

Adjusting the knob changes all four areas in the damper; low and high speed compression and rebound damping.

Ride height is easily changed with finely threaded shock bodies and smooth moving collars so you can set the stance exactly where you want.

 

2. H&R Front and Rear Sway Bar Kit

 

Looking for even better suspension performance after installing coilovers or lowering springs on your Mk7 GTI?

This is a great set of Volkswagen MK7 GTI sway bars.

H&R sway bar kits are made of high tensile strength (hf) 50CrV4 steel alloy that produces reduced roll response time and increases cornering stiffness over stock.

Larger diameter, stiffer sway bars increase lateral stability and reduce body roll, which improves cornering grip.

H&R sway bars are cold-formed and heat treated with seamless, no-weld end flanges.

Shot-peened for lifetime durability.

If it is beneficial to the vehicle, some bar kits have mounting hole options for the end links to adjust roll stiffness.

To finish off these great sway bar kits, they come with new urethane/teflon composite bushings that won't squeak or need lubrication.

The best sway bars, and best sway bar brands for Volkswagen are available at MGC.

 

3. Vogtland Lowering Spring Kit

German spring manufacturer Vogtland has been winding coil springs since 1903.

Experience the difference a set of their progressive rate lowering springs will make.

1.3 inches of perfectly leveled lowering for a dropped stance that will get noticed.

Designed to be 10-15% stiffer than stock for a great blend of improved handling and daily driver comfort.

Wound cold, then heat treated and powder coated for excellent performance and long service life.

Finished in a shiny, cherry red powder coating.

Dont be tempted by cheap, no-name knock-offs. Insist on quality the first time. Go with Vogtland.

When it comes to Mk7 GTI lowering springs, Vogtland is absolutely one of the best options. 

 

4. KW Variant 2 Coilovers

These coilovers for Mk7 GTI strike the perfect balance between improved performance and daily driving comfort.

This is KW's mid-range kit that is perfect for street cars. Preset compression and 16 way adjustable rebound damping.

Firmer compression reduces body roll improving cornering and handling.

Also, with the turn of external dials, you have 16 options for setting the rebound response from firm to comfortable.

These coilovers work within an approved lowering range that keeps proper suspension function and travel after lowering, usually 10-50mm of lowering range.

Ride height adjustments are smooth and easy using dirt repelling, trapezoid shaped shock body threads and collars.

This thread design requires much less force turning the collars. All corrosion resistant parts are mounted to stainless steel struts for a long life of performance.

Rebound adjustability is achieved using KW's two-stage TVR-A (Twin Valve Rebound-Adjustable) technology, which allows varying amounts of oil to flow based on damper speed and the setting you choose on the coilover.

 

5. H&R Street Performance Coilovers

Shopping around for affordable coilovers for Volkswagen MK7 GTI?

Experience the difference a set of H&R street performance coilovers can make.

1.5-2.3 Inches (38-58.4 mm) front lowering range.

1-2 Inches (25.4-50.8 mm) rear lowering range.

Custom valved, performance shocks are matched with progressive rate coil springs tuned just for your Volkswagen, for a huge improvement in handling, cornering, and road feel.

The H&R street performance coilover kit offers an excellent balance between improved handling and daily driver comfort.

Finely threaded shock bodies and supplied spanner wrenches make ride height adjustments quick and easy when the wheels are off.

Transform the suspension setup and driving experience of your Mk7 GTI with H&R coilovers.

Engineered and manufactured to the highest standards to fit and perform perfectly.

 

6. AST 5200 Series Coilovers

The AST 5200 series coilovers are perfectly suitable for everyday use, but mostly designed for track use.

Enjoy ultimate suspension control with the ability to adjust the compression and rebound separately.

Allowing you to experience sports car driving at its finest.

2-way adjustable, with separate rebound and compression dials, with a remote reservoir.

The different positions give clear feedback with each adjustment, each offering a different driving experience.

Inverted strut design to cope with (heavy) side load and braking loads.

In some cases the non inverted system is used.

Improved handling and consistent performance due to monotube damper technology.

Ride height adjustable.

Gas pressurized dampers.

Kits include noise free AST top mounts.

Custom spring rates are available.

 

7. Eibach Lowering Springs

Eibach has been producing some beautiful products ever since the suspension aftermarket began.

They are trusted worldwide by on and off road race teams to supply components that get abused.

Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs are legendary in the suspension world and are a best selling lowering spring for Volkswagen year after year.

Give your Volkswagen GTI a tasteful lower stance people will notice while improving handling and cornering.

Progressive coil spring design and slightly stiffer spring rates offer a sweet balance of better performance and ride comfort.

For Volkswagen models, lowering amounts are kept within safe geometry ranges, usually front to rear level lowering between 1-1.5 inches (25-38mm).

Engineered and manufactured to the highest standards that produce a durable, long-lasting spring that won't squeak, rattle, crack, or break.

Finished in a durable powder coat that offers corrosion resistance in any conditions.

Experience transformed handling and a clean, lower look with one the best lowering spring brands available.

 

8. ST Suspension XTA Coilovers

ST suspension is a little brother brand of suspension legends KW. 

All ST components are engineered and manufactured to KW standards and offer customers products in a wide range of price points.

ST XTA coilovers feature KW damping technology which allows the suspension to be made either stiffer or softer depending on the driving conditions.

 This damping adjustment is made on the upper end of the chromed piston rod allowing the setup to be changed almost instantly.

If the rebound force is increased, your car will drive with more track stability and reduced body roll.

If rebound force is decreased, it will be more daily driver comfortable.

For increased performance, ST XTA coilovers feature an aluminum adjustable top mount allowing the camber and caster to be adjusted depending on your driving needs or vehicle setup.

Adjustable aluminum uni-ball top mounts are included (when possible).

Galvanized coilover bodies with additional coating for life long corrosion protection.

Scaled camber adjustment is marked on the mounts.

0.5-2.0 inches of lowering range.

Lowering is within the TÜV-tested, safe adjustment range.

 

There is our short list of 8 suspension upgrades we feel work great with the Mk7 GTI.

Feel free to visit our website MGC Suspensions to find other products.

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