7 MK7 GTI Interior Mods You Should Consider

When it comes to modding your MK7 GTI, what should you do first? Upgrade the exhaust? Modify the suspension? Add a cold air intake?

There are so many options, but for many drivers, the answer is far simpler: start inside.

Maybe for you, the opposite was true: you’ve taken care of all the performance mods you can think of and now you’re looking to add finishing touches to really make your car stand out and feel uniquely yours.

Whichever way you prefer to work, inside out or outside in, one thing is certain: Golf GTI MK7 interior mods are a great way to add customization to your car or even replace aging interior components, making them a worthwhile investment.

Here are 7 specific MK7 GTI interior changes that you definitely want to keep in mind.

1. MK7 GTI Interior Lights

Set the mood and add a practical element to your VW MK7 GTI interior with aftermarket ambient interior lighting. Mood lighting, as it is often called, is usually sold as a kit. But you can also find accent lights in individual or changing colors for specific areas, like the driver and passenger side footwells, the door handle pulls, or even door and dash trim.

Sometimes, aftermarket Golf GTI MK7 interior lighting is sold in strips with adhesive backing that you can place wherever you like it, such as the outline of the dash or existing trim. Some lighting options may attach to your car’s electrical system, and others may be battery-operated. Many are controllable by smartphone app.

Whichever type of lighting you choose, this is one mod that is sure to add appeal to your nightly drives and wow your passengers.

Car interior ambient lighting

2. MK7 GTI Carbon Fiber Interior Accents

Stock MK7 GTI trim leaves a lot to be desired, at least, in our opinion. Most model years offered a variety of interior trim color options including:

  • Piano black
  • Dark magnesium
  • Polar night
  • Brushed silver

With its high gloss shine and dark color, piano black is susceptible to scratching and, over time, dulling, Brushed silver, meanwhile, has been done by just about every automaker and is a pretty tired option. Dark magnesium and polar night are very slightly darker and possibly a bit sportier, but not by much, in our book.

If you agree, and are looking for a way to add some sporty appeal to your GTI interior, real carbon fiber trim, which is often available in kits, is a solid choice with near-universal appeal.

3. MK7 GTI Racing Seats

The MK7 GTI tartan seats, officially dubbed “Clark Plaid” are, without a doubt, an iconic visual feature in stock models. The brainchild of Gunhild Liljequist, the tartan cloth material gives the GTI an elevated, sporty, and slightly British look (*coughs in Burberry*).

Was it chosen back when the original GTI was released to compete with the MINI? Who knows! Regardless, as devoted a fanbase as it has, it’s also not for everyone.

If you’re among those who can’t wait to rid yourself of your GTI’s plaid, one of the easiest ways to do that is to upgrade to racing seats.

Maybe your feelings on plaid fall somewhere between mild acceptance to indifference. Racing seats also provide more practical benefits, including:

  • Enhanced support
  • Decreased body movement while cornering
  • A more secure and sporty overall driving experience

4. MK7 GTI Steering Wheel & Shifter Mods

The black and red-accented steering wheels and shifter found in most MK GTI variants is certainly sporty, but what about when the leather wears out and shows age? Upgrading these components can be a great way to refresh your interior.

What’s more, older MK7 model years feature a different steering wheel with DSG paddles and a flatter bottom than newer ones do, so upgrading to this steering wheel is a fairly common practice among enthusiasts.

Another reason to change things? Upgrading the trim or color. Try a bright blue steering wheel or carbon fiber shifter on for size! The options are endless.

5. MK7 GTI Pedal Upgrades

While the stainless-steel stock pedals are a favorite of many GTI drivers, they are prone to wear, and some prefer other options. Upgrading your pedals is a simple interior mod to make that won’t cost you much but will help you customize your car to your liking.

6. MK7 GTI Infotainment & Gauge Cluster Upgrades

With the last model year being 2021 and automotive infotainment systems continuing to evolve in their technology and interfaces annually, many GTI drivers searching for a more intuitive way to stream content, connect their smartphone, and control key audio settings opt to upgrade their infotainment system. Systems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, for instance, are popular.

Gearheads who also happen to be audiophiles may also opt for an infotainment and speaker system upgrade (maybe even with a subwoofer) to improve audio quality.

For a full swap, consider upgrading the gauge cluster too for added sporty appeal and a custom look. Retrofitting a digital dash from the R model is a popular, if involved choice.

7. MK7 GTI Floor Mats

Add practical appeal and a sure fit with custom rubber floor mats or floor liners. Or, choose more luxe upholstered mats if your old stock set is fully worn out. Either way, upgrading floor mats can renew and revamp your MK7 GTI interior.

Enhance Your GTI with Integrated Engineering Tuning & Performance Parts

If you’re a GTI driver who’s just starting your modding journey and working your way inside out, we’ve got you covered!

In addition to these cosmetic and practical interior upgrades, we can help you mod your MK GTI out in every way.

Here are a few resources to get you started:

Ready to start retrofitting your GTI exterior or upgrade performance? Shop IE performance parts now.

Back to Getting the Best GTI MK7 Tune: A Complete Guide