For those seeking a sporty ride and added performance in a moderately-priced compact-sized vehicle, the finite selection comprises of a few relative newcomers and a three-decades-old mainstay. Fellow 'pocket rockets' MazdaSpeed 3 and Subaru WRX are fine choices with eye-popping horsepower and added visual flair; but when comparing overall experience, the crown most likely belongs to the sentimental favorite, the Volkswagen GTI. The 2010 model year welcomes in the sixth-generation of the up-charged GTI and the VW Golf, the long-standing compact it's based upon.
Here in the States, Germany's largest volume automaker has hopped back and forth from badging its volume compact from Golf to Rabbit to Golf to Rabbit to Golf since the mid 1970s. Volkswagen markets the compact as Golf in just about every other part of the world and smartly reinstates the Golf moniker here in 2010. Golf swung into action in 1974 and remains the top-selling German car of all time and one of the best-selling cars in the world. Volkswagen introduced the higher performance GTI version in Europe in 1976.
This sure-footed, front-drive GTI comes standard with an impressive 2.0-liter, direct-inject, 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder engine cranking out 200 horsepower while breaking the 30 mile per gallon highway barrier with both the standard manual and optional direct shift gearbox box automatic transmission. This sole GTI powertrain is a carryover from 2009. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended for the 14.5-gallon tank. Both five-door and three-door hatchback body styles are available with GTI engineering.
Pricing of our five-door hatch tester started at $23,890. Options included the six-speed automatic transmission ($1,000), Bluetooth connectivity ($199) and an Autobahn option package (sunroof, leather seat covering) and sport front bucket seats ($2,795) for a bottom line of $28,684 including a $700 destination charge. The lowest-priced GTI, a three door with standard six-speed manual, starts at $23,290. Worthy competitors start in the same range with Subaru's 2010 WRX checking in at $24,995 and the MazdaSpeed 3 at $23,340.
An eight-speaker sound system with touch screen AM/FM/ Sirius Satellite radio comes standard. An in-dash navigation screen is optional ($1,750) as is Bluetooth connectivity assisting with mobile communication devices. No rear-seat entertainment system is offered. Other stand-alone options include Xenon headlights ($700) and larger 18-inch wheels ($ 890).
Sculpted, manually-adjusting sport seats have a solid bottom with large, tight-fitting side bolsters so go ahead and put aggressive maneuvers to the test. Seating positions are closer to the ground than most conventional sedans in the compact segment. This new body rides about an inch lower than its fifth-generation counterpart.
Of all German automakers, VW manages to incorporate the most user-friendly interior including GTI's soft-texture dashboard. The haunting black interior is smartly enhanced with brushed aluminum accents and red stitching on the steering wheel, shifter and hand-operated parking brake. The instrument panel has two deep-set analog gauges with a rectangular message window in between. A small fuel gauge gets tucked along the bottom of the right side speedometer. The good-sized glove box boasts a felt-type lining. Below the large audio display screen are three smallish dials situate side by side monitoring single zone fan speed, temperature and direction. The smallish, flat-bottom rimmed sport steering wheel includes secondary audio controls.
A circular headlight dial is found on the far left side the dash. Diminutive chrome door handles are near power window, lock and mirror controls at a 45-degree angle on the driver's door. Both front and rear wipers activate from a right-side steering column stalk while cruise controls functions are located on the turn signal stalk. The ignition cylinder is found on the steering column's right side. Headroom is good front and back while leg room is adequate. Rear seatbacks fold onto cushions with a 60/40 split when more cargo room is desired. Three adults traveling for any extended time in back is a crowd.
Volkswagen's GTI may not possess the aggressive styling of a Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart or Subaru WRX, opting instead for an understated stance. That said, this sixth-generation GTI has spunkier nuances when compared to the previous generations with additional crafted exterior styling lines.
The front grille is reworked for gen six with a narrow front honeycomb grille and iconic circular VW logo front and center. Hot red trim adorns the grille, flanked by narrow band like headlights. A large air dam rests below. Narrow, wrap around tail lights strike a balance in the rear with dual chrome tipped exhausts, now spaced apart rather than side-by-side. Good-sized (for compact models) seventeen inch tires with red-painted calipers come standard. The rear hatch (with spoiler) unlocks when pushing the circular VW logo inward as it as it doubles as a hoist aid. The hatch design and four side windows provide good road perception for drivers. Blinkers built into the body-colored side-view mirrors act as an added alert for those sharing the road. Strap-styled door handles are also body colored. The hatch opens high enough so those six-feet, one-inch and shorter enjoy adequate head clearance.
Handling is excellent with very responsive steering and a well-balanced build. Drivers remain firmly in place when executing spirited turns. Expect a little foot travel before the brakes catch. During this redesign, VW paid special attention to interior quietness and the work is audibly evident (actually most exterior sound is not evident). The six-speed automatic includes Tiptronic manual shift option (without a foot clutch) utilizing either steering wheel paddle shifters or a tap of the floor-mounted shifter. The supercharged engine does exhibit slight turbo lag, that fraction of a delay between pressing the accelerator hard to the floor and the densely compressed air forcing its way through the system.
Side seat rear air bags are optional in four-door models while six additional air bags (including side curtain and dual front side thorax) come standard. In addition, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are staples. Volkswagen's limited powertrain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles.
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