2007 Volkswagen GTI Review

The first Volkswagen GTI arrived in 1983, when it looked like affordable fun-to-drive cars were about to vanish because of stifling new federal regulations. Car and Driver magazine thus sighed after testing the new GTI and used this headline: "The car we've all been waiting for."

That first front-wheel-drive GTI was a well-built hot rod version of the front-drive Volkswagen Rabbit economy model. The GTI was inexpensive, light, quick, simple, roomy and a blast to drive.

It was called a "pocket rocket" and had such good roadability that it was one of few cars enjoyable in a 55-mph world.

The redesigned fifth-generation front-drive GTI arrived for 2006 as a two-door hatchback, which required above-average agility to get in and out of the rear seat. It's been joined for 2007 by a four-door hatchback, which I drove.

The 2007 GTI hasn't been changed much, and there will be few changes for 2008.

The GTI has widened black body sill panels, rear spoiler and lower ride height for a sportier look. But, as with all GTIs ever built, the 2007 model wins no beauty contests. It has an aggressive looking front end, with a large honeycomb grille, but a chunky shape.

There's a new optional premium sound system -- and optional i-Pod adapter. An audio auxiliary input has been added and the cruise control has been improved for more intuitive operation.

Wheels are yanked to the far corners of the body for the best room, ride and handling. The turbocharged, dual-overhead-camshaft engine has direct fuel injection and 16 valves. It performs like a larger engine and delivers 200-horsepower for quick acceleration. The 3,162-3,212-pound car hits 60 mph in only 6 seconds. And its engine provides lots of torque for good response at all speeds.

However, the 130-mph GTI isn't for lazy drivers. You must be in the right gear at all times for the best acceleration.

Despite quick acceleration, the GTI does well in the fuel economy area, providing an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 32 on highways with the standard six-speed manual transmission and 25 and 32 with the DSG transmission.

The DSG provides a choice between fully automatic operation and extremely quick automated manual shifting via a tap of the shift lever or finger-operated paddle shifters. The dual-clutch transmission uses direct shifting that automatically engages and disengages gears without a clutch pedal. A computer engages one clutch on the next gear needed, just as it releases the other clutch from the previous gear. Shifts are seamless and occur without the power loss during a traditional "clutched-shift."

The standard six-speed manual has a slick shifter. But it works with a long-throw clutch that makes the DSG more appealing in congested city driving.

The electro-mechanical power steering is quick, with a reassuring feel, and the all-independent suspension provides a firm, but supple, ride. Handling is sharp, with little body lean when streaking through curves; it's enhanced by a revised multilink rear suspension that provides a better blend of performance and comfort.

Stopping distances are short, with good brake pedal feel. The optional 18-inch wheels with wider 40-series (versus standard 45-series) tires further sharpen handling, but they cost $750.

The entry-level GTI two-door hatchback with the manual lists at $22,220, while the base four-door is $22,720. Add $1,075 for the DSG transmission.

There's also a low-volume "Fahrenheit" two-door hatchback GTI with the DSG, sportier suspension tuning, 40-series tires on 18-inch wheels and special trim and leather upholstery with heated front seats. It costs $27,665, if you can find one.

One of the two option packages costs $3,160 and has leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated washer nozzles. The other package is $1,370 and contains a power sunroof and satellite radio service compatibility for the standard audio system. The optional premium sound system is $325.

The GTI's comfort and convenience items include air conditioning, cruise control, tilt-telescope wheel, AM/FM/MP3 player with in-dash 6-disc CD player, split-folding rear seat and power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry.

Safety features include an anti-skid system, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and front-side and side-curtain air bags. Rear side-impact air bags cost $350.

A power sunroof and satellite radio package is $1,370.

Built in Germany, the GTI is the lowest-cost high-performance German-engineered car sold in America. That adds to its attractiveness because German cars always have had special appeal to Americans.

The quiet, high-quality interior is practical and functional, with a driver-focused layout. As with the first GTI, the current model has a three-spoke steering wheel with aluminum trim. Unlike then, the new wheel is standard and covered with perforated leather for a good grip. Aluminum trim and brushed-metal accents brighten the interior.

The front sport seats offer plenty of support for spirited driving, although their seatback adjusters are awkward to use, and there's good room for four tall adults. The rear seat area is especially roomy.

Fuel level and coolant temperature gauges are tiny although placed between large speedometer and tachometer gauges.

There are large radio and climate system controls, but the $1,800 navigation system complicates things by absorbing too many audio functions. All doors have storage pockets.

The roomy trunk has a low, wide opening, and the hatch lid raises smoothly on struts, although it's not lined. The rear seatbacks fold nearly flat to provide extra cargo space.

Some GTIs have been too soft, heavy and overly luxurious to provide much driving fun. But, thank goodness, it's captured the spirit of the first- and second-generation GTIs with the fifth-generation model.

2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

PRICE: $22,220-$27,665.

LIKES: Fast. Roomy. Fun to drive. Pretty fuel-thrifty.

DISLIKES: Not very stylish. Long clutch throw. Some tiny gauges. Awkward front seatback adjuster.