2010 Volkswagen GTI Review

The first Volkswagen GTI arrived for 1983 as an exuberant, sportier version of the VW Rabbit (now Golf) economy model. It kicked off the market for quick, good-handling, enthusiast-oriented hatchbacks after years of federal regulations had caused the car market to become pretty bland.

The sixth-generation GTI is a 2010 model and again is a hot rod version of the slicker looking, more refined new Golf, although Volkswagen sells it as a separate model.

The new GTI hatchback has a redesigned exterior that replaces a rather frumpy looking one. A more aggressive front end has the car's hallmark black honeycomb grille with a GTI badge. A distinct red stripe outline flows into the new angled teardrop headlight housings. Situated between two halogen fog lights, the lower front fascia's cooling duct is blacked out.

There's also a cleaner side profile and sleeker hatch area. A more subtle pair of black side skirts run partially along the GTI's lower edge, and there are no side moldings. Newly shaped taillights have smoked red brake lenses. Blended into the updated rear bumper are red running light lenses, besides a blacked-out diffuser with special cutouts for the chrome-tipped, split dual-exhaust. A body color duckbill spoiler that houses the third brake light is atop the rear hatch.
 
Interior enhancements, which include red stitching, aluminum accents and chrome trim, help make the GTI look more expensive than it is.

Also new for the front-wheel drive GTI is an Electronic Limited Slip system ("XDS") that electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in case of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction. Front-wheel-drive torque steer really isn't an issue with this car.

A relatively low price always has been a major GTI attraction. After all, not everyone looking for a fun-to-drive German car has been able to afford an entry BMW model

The GTI begins as a $23,290 two-door hatchback with a six-speed manual transmission, with a four-door hatchback version and that gearbox going for $23,890.

You can get the two-door with an advanced six-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission with a manual-shift feature for $24,390, and a four-door with that transmission for $24,990. Automatic shifts are smooth, while manual shifting, with paddle shifters on both sides of the steering wheel, is easy and quick.

The solidly built GTI is well-equipped. Standard items include air conditioning, cruise control, sport front seats with a heatable feature, an 8-speaker sound system with an AM/FM/Sirius satellite radio and in-dash CD changer-besides power locks, windows and heated, nicely sized exterior mirrors.

Safety items include front side air bags and side-curtain protection.

No matter the number of doors, the GTI has a turbocharged, intercooled 2-liter four-cylinder engine with 16 valves and direct injection for lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. It produces 200 horsepower and feels like a larger, more potent motor-partly because it has smooth power delivery across the rpm range.

Don't mistake the four-cylinder for the same-size engine with the same horsepower in the previous GTI because it's all-new. It was phased in last year and is more economical, with the DSG transmission. It delivers 21 mpg in the city and 31 on highways with the standard transmission, same as the 2009 model. But figures with the DSG are 24 and 32-up from 22 and 29.

The 3,034-pound GTI won't give you whiplash, but is quick: 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds with the standard transmission and 6.7 with the DSG. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

However, premium fuel is required for the best performance.

There's more to driving fun than just quick acceleration, so the GTI has a fully independent European-tuned suspension for sharp handling and a supple ride, although sharp bumps can be felt. Steering is crisp, with good road feel and a more direct steering ratio. However, my test car's ride got a bit jerky on some uneven freeway surfaces.

Anti-slip regulation, an electronic differential lock and electronic stabilization program help keep the GTI firmly on roads.

All-disc anti-lock brakes provide worry-free stops. They're controlled by a pedal that feels rather soft, but has a linear action.

Four tall adults fit comfortably, and the hatchback body style helps provide easy cargo loading and unloading. Cargo space is good, especially with the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks flipped forward.

Front seats in the quieter interior are heavily bolstered to help keep occupants in place during spirited driving. And the thick, flat-bottom steering wheel has perforated leather along top and bottom sections for better grip.

The redesigned instrument panel contains easily read backlit gauges, and the driver's power window controls are conveniently located, as are console cupholders.
 
There are relatively few options, but some are costly. For instance a power sunroof costs $1,000, a navigation package is $1,750 and the Autobahn package, with front/rear leather seating surfaces, power sunroof and front sport seats is $2,795.

On the other hand, rear side air bags are only $350, an advanced sound system is $476 and an 18-inch alloy wheel package is $890 with summer (high-performance) tires and $750 with all-season tires. Standard for the GTI are 17-inch wheels with high-performance tires.

The GTI comes standard with 24-hour roadside assistance for three years and a no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the new vehicle warranty-three years or 36,000 miles.

Volkswagen is working hard to increase sales in America, and the GTI promises to help it in that regard. This car nicely blends affordability, driving kicks and practicality.