Road Atlanta would have been a most appropriate place to test out the freshly redesigned Volkswagen GTI. But the fact that this track, nestled in the rolling hills of Braselton, Georgia, is already booked for a little driving clinic called “Le Petit LeMans” makes such testing impossible. No matter, though, as the roads leading to the facility are almost as good as the track itself.
Said roads are the perfect setting to put the new VW GTI through its paces. Generation six of this hot hatch, which practically invented the segment, has been thoroughly revised and is ready to go.
With three doors or more
Available in three or five-door models, the GTI takes the existing Golf platform and improves on it by adding go-fast parts, an improved interior, and a hipster’s vibe to an already fun-to-drive platform. It’s a classic formula that has worked for five previous GTI generations.
More aggressively styled than previous versions, the new GTI features a honeycomb grille with GTI badging and a pair of red stripes lifted from the original GTI. Teardrop-shaped headlamps (with available Xenon headlamps) flank the grille successfully while the appearance below the bumper takes on more of a “mouth-breather” look.
From the sides and rear, the new GTI looks the same as it ever was in this mostly conservative redo. But this is a case of new, better ingredients in a proven recipe. Scalloped character lines add interest in the door panels, and newer, broader shoulders visually add width for a more aggressive appearance. More observant types will notice a lack of side rub-strips, resulting in a cleaner, sleeker package, overall. Just keep the errant shopping carts away.
In the engine room, the GTI uses the ubiquitous 2.0-liter 16-valve inline turbo four-banger. With direct injection, it produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque. Governed to a top speed of 130 mph, with the six-speed manual transmission, it is capable of a positively eco-friendly 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
As refined as the engine is, it could stand a little “slutting up.” What’s that, you ask? Pop the hood and you’ll see few hints of performance – the over-cladded engine compartment could have come from a rather more pedestrian Jetta. We know we’ll never see exposed engine components again since their mechanical nature has been deemed too dirty, but we wish VW would at least give us something that leaves the impression of performance.
At least you won’t notice it from inside. Instead, you can focus on not shifting with the optional Direct Sequential Gearbox, or DSG.
Similar to the PDK found in many new Porsche cars, its dual clutch design features rev-matching on downshifts and faster upshifts than you can do yourself. A dual-control system, it features Tiptronic functions down on the stalk or paddle shift levers mounted behind the leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel.
A bonus by-product of the DSG is launch control: Stand on the brakes, wind up the revs, and let ‘er rip for what VW calls “a more perfect launch with controlled wheelspin.”
The power hits the pavement through a pair of MacPherson struts with lower wishbones, an aluminum subframe, and tubular stab bars in front. Out back hangs a quad-link rear setup with separate springs and shocks, and again a tubular anti-sway bar. Curb weight of the GTI tips the scale at 3,080-pounds. It all adds up to go-kart like handling and great road feel thanks to the power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Although 17-inch alloys are standard, our test GTI was equipped with 18-inch “Detroit” model alloys that make it appear like a Hot Wheels car on steroids. We’re still scratching our heads on VW’s wheel naming scheme.
Another razor-edge approach to traction control shows up in the form of VW’s Cross Differential System. With built in sensors to determine wheel spin, it compensates to keep the car on track. We noticed it working its mojo on the wet twisty mountain roads and it always made us confident in our track, generally by the way you could feel a pull from the opposite side as you felt the traction start to give way.
Putting butts in seats
We’ve always loved VW’s contoured sport seats, even in the rather controversial plaid design that divides the Leftlane staff faster than a debate over the merits of Krispy Kreme versus Dunkin’ Donuts. We do all agree that we like the way they hold you in place while flying around tight corners and turns, but this writer will take his in the optional Autobahn trim package, thank you very much, which includes leather sport seats and a sunroof. The rear seats offer satisfying seat room, and low-key bolsters as well. It’s the perfect place to anchor down your Recaro-branded kiddie safety seat.
Dash controls in our test vehicle included the traditional twin gauge binnacle with LCD display between the speedo and tachometer that alternately shows directions, odometer, and audio info. Add to that an in-dash navigation system, with Bluetooth and a high-end, but reasonably priced ($476) 300-watt Dynaudio sound system. Add a complimentary six-month subscription for Sirius Satellite radio and you’re all set for a tuneage-equipped, ‘bahn-burning good time. If there were a shortcoming in the controls, it would have to be the climate dials that are difficult at best, to find your desired setting.
Leftlane’s bottom line
With great power, handling, and a sublime exhaust note to boot, VW continues a stream of personal hot hatches six-generations long. But just as we prepare to publish, word comes from Wolfsburg that Volkswagen will introduce the hotter GTI-R, first introduced at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Will this GTI still be able to hold its own or will it become an also ran? Only time and the marketplace can answer that.
2010 Volkswagen GTI base price, $23,290.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
10/15, 12:10 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Great pictures with the rusted out buckets in the background. Gives potential buyers of this POS a perspective on what this one will be in a couple of years.
Be American. Buy American. buy GM.
may the best car win
10/15, 12:11 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Once the warranty expires.
GM. AN American Revolution
10/15, 12:16 PM
posted by:
leftlane
Great car that needs more power. I’d give up some MPG to get more HP.
10/15, 12:26 PM
posted by:
GTDI
This is a great Car, the 2.0 Turbo is great, I agree that a bit more power won’t hurt anyone. However it is fast and very reliable.
NMOFGM can you mention a product from the crappy GM that can stand next to the GTI and hold the minimal comparation in fit and finish, engine quality and technology??? Just to mention few among many others.
10/15, 12:29 PM
posted by:
A4
i heart GTI.
10/15, 12:30 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I think the power is right where it should be…I’ve driven all of the 2.0t engines throughout all the vw/audi lineup and it’s a GREAT engine! I wouldn’t mind having this in a couple of years.
10/15, 12:30 PM
posted by:
A4
It is a shame that HID’s are no longer standard for the U.S. though. They made the car stand out strongly next to a Golf.
10/15, 12:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I know a lot of people like those wheels and they’re almost kind of a legacy on the GTI but I’ve seen what they look like after a few winters and it ain’t pretty. There’s just so much polished surface… all I know is I would definitely get a set of painted winter rims if you live anywhere where the salt trucks lurk.
10/15, 12:39 PM
posted by:
g93
Need more oil for GM…if you say may the best car win..its not looking too good for GM..
10/15, 12:43 PM
posted by:
cocojoe53
I do have to say that is a strange photo. The cars is the backround appear to be junkers. The GTI itself is a nice car. I might wait for the R32 replacement that promises to be a Audi TTS at half the price
10/15, 12:48 PM
posted by:
Smegley Wanxalot
I like this car. Too bad I don’t trust this car.
10/15, 12:56 PM
posted by:
leftlane
R32 replacement, if it comes to the USA, will have around 270 hp. And better wheels.
10/15, 1:01 PM
posted by:
supafly
the GTI is one of the best cars to ever combine performance, styling, and practicality. Sorry, “need more oil…” the US has never produced a car as good as the GTI and is being left behind in the industry.
10/15, 1:04 PM
posted by:
livelyjay
Like the car, but those are the ugliest factory wheels I have ever seen.
10/15, 1:20 PM
posted by:
nickkop
love it!!! great car, a little expensive, IMO the only real competitors are:
the Civic Si: 197 hp screamer of a 11:1 DOHC VTEC inlne-4 NATURALLY ASPIRATED motor
(GTI benefits from a nicer interior, and low end/mid range power and torque torque advantage), but the Si is very fun, very nice and starts significantly cheaper i think…..
the MazdaSpeed 3 very similar approach, direct injection turbo inline-4 but with very significant power and torque advantage, , (GTI has much better styling, arguable better interior, and assembly quality
The chevrolet (iww) COBALT SS (similar approach, direct injection turbo inline-4 but with very significant power and torque advantage) BUT unequivocally loses to the GTI in status, styling , elegance, interior quality , not to mention the NVH (lack thereof in GTI), comfort, ride quality, and materials, assembly, and perceived quality advantages of the GTI
IF YOU WANT SOMETHING CHEAPER, WITH GREAT POWER, DECENT HANDLING, MPG, AND DON’T CARE MUCH ABOUT ANY OTHER ASPECTS OF VALUE THEN GO FOR THE CHEVY, HAVE AT IT !
Lastly, but not least,
Subaru (Impreza) WRX (similar assembly and materials quality, if lacking slightly in comparison to GTI) GTI has at LEAST slightly more elegant interior and exterior styling, paddle shift DSG option, and at least a few extra optional creature comforts… with all this being said, in the opinion of myself, as well as many others, the WRX wins definitively in these aspects: GREAT 2.5 liter BOXER Turbo 4-cyl standard, with almost a 60hp advantage, that traditional and unmatchable boxer rumble, and boxer handling/balance due to a very slightly lower center of gravity, not to mention STANDARD ALL WHEEL DRIVE, this thing is not a fwd pocket rocket but an AWD rally monster in sheep’s clothing!
10/15, 1:25 PM
posted by:
nickkop
now when the GTI-R hits the ground…. oh boy….. they are all in for some trouble is it will move up the ranks from fwd semi-luxury pocket rocket to all-out AWD Turbo pocket monster, competing with only the likes of Mitsu’s Lancer EVOLUTION 10, Subaru WRX STI, maybe even audi TT-S, S4, BMW 335i X-drive…. cant think of many more, that can truly compete with performance, quality, elegance, equipment for the dollar….
10/15, 1:39 PM
posted by:
nickkop
lln didnt post my power comparisons on these ^^ comments:
Civic Si -10 hp to GTI
MazdaSpeed3 +56 hp and similar torque advantage over GTI
Coalball SS +53 hp and similar torque advatage over GTI
Impreza WRX +58 hp and similar torque advatage over GTI
correction: as far as power is concerned, the WRX is better matched with the GTI-R than the GTI, with a $5000 to $10,000 price advantage to the WRX, and they BOTH have AWD, pricewise, the standard GTI matches more in line with the WRX but losing with 58 less horsepower and no all wheel drive
10/15, 1:51 PM
posted by:
nickkop
if you didnt notice, i would take the subie WRX with AWD and more power, or the Honda Si with as much or more excitement, more long-term reliability, and lower price of entry
10/15, 2:05 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
imo the ms3 crushes a civic si handily…no contest on where to put your money there…ms3 all the way, even with the joker’s grin…unless you really want a torque-less hyper-revving motor…if that’s your thing, go civic, but otherwise, no thanks…
this piece left me feeling it was long on words and short on substance…i’ve seen video comparisons between the mk V and VI with a balanced view of the pluses and minuses (yes, there are minuses) of the VI…this article leaves you thinking everything is roses and improvements and unicorns…i’ll try to find the youtube link at some point, but in that comparison (several months old, btw…we’re getting the mk VI so damn late…) they said the mk V was actually a bit more fun in some respects…
10/15, 2:16 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I knew it! I so knew it! VW took out some of the small things in the euro version to make it less expensive like they always do…Not a big deal at all – but the seats on the base GTI are not the Euro-spec seats like we see with the leather equipped models, no we get the last gen’s plaid seats. Another thing is that the new version doesn’t have the same cup holders – mayber for size – but they aren’t covered like in Europe. they did improve the radio to make it touchscreen on all models – that’s nice. The biggest difference in the interior is the door panels – which I guess is an improvement, although I didn’t see anything wrong with the old ones. The steering wheel also gets a bit of a touch up putting more controls in the driver’s hands – I do like that very much.
I drove a Gen VI this weekend too and found it to be honest, very very close to my own 07 GTI. The optional seats are the same – minus a tad different shaped headrest. Otherwise, I find it hard to spend $8000 to get a new one over my own – which has eqipment not even offered anymore (dual-zone climate control).
Still the best hatch on the market no matter what!
10/15, 2:21 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Just to add something too – I am still a little peaved on the snub e got on the Engine improvements. I like the machined aluminum look in the Gen V better BUT the red stiching on the wheel and the shift boot/handbrake was a nice touch I’ve wanted to have done on my Gen V. I would have like to seen the leaver seats with red stiching too though.
10/15, 3:33 PM
posted by:
asb81689
@ leftwingagenda
I went to Honda with my girlfriend because she wanted to buy a new Honda Si and myself own a Mazdaspeed3, and the sales man was comparing those two cars, he was trying to tell me that the Civic is a much better choice then the Speed3, his reasoning was “Well since it doesn’t have a turbo, it’s one less thing that will break down” my response, I started my car and revved the engine, and told him, you get what you pay for and enjoyed the rest of the visit.
10/15, 3:35 PM
posted by:
asb81689
I wish I test drove this car before I bought my Mazdaspeed3, just so I know what it’s like, seems pretty fun.
10/15, 4:18 PM
posted by:
TornadoGTI
This is a MKV.5 and NOT a MKVI. There are too few changes to warrant a new model. This is a refresh. The drivetrain remains IDENTICAL to the MKV. I know that that drivetrain is good but w/o changing it I can’t consider this a MKVI.
@ nikkop – I agree with much of your comparisons but I do have to disagree with your choice of WRX or Si over this car. The GTI is the BEST mix of everything. The jack of all trades. The WRX has AWD and the Si has cost but the GTI blends everything perfectly. If you want/need AWD, buy the WRX. If you want the best performer, buy the Speed3. If you want the most reliable and lest expensive, buy the Si. If you MUST (with a gun to your head) buy American, buy the Cobalt SS. If you have the jack and want the jack of all trades, this GTI stands alone.
As an owner of a MKV GTI, i can certainly attest to the awesomeness of this car. It is unlike anything else. With the exception of the Cobalt SS (I hate the Cobalt), I have driven all of the competitors in this class, including the Cooper S. They don’t compare with the overall drive. The fact that I can take a last gen Mustang GT off the line and get the gas mileage of a Honda Civic is amazing. Also, I can roll down the windows and hear the sound of the blow off valve, the “blap” of the exhaust during an accelerating upshift, or the rev of a rev matched DSG downshift, then hop on the highway, windows up, air/heat on, 10 speakers of music playing, and cruse at 85 mph like any other Autobahn tuned German ride.
I have yet to find anything close to this all around package in just about any car PERIOD. Nothing in this class is as refined, NO QUESTION. What it lacks in flat out performance it makes up in this. Plus, with DSG, ANYONE can drive it fast simply by keeping it in sport mode and letting the tranny perform 10 millisecond shifts.
GREAT CAR. The HUFEISEN wheels (Hufs) shown here, are what I have on my car and can say they are certainly prone to curb rash.
Also, my car has been VERY reliable so I don’t care what JD and his buddy Power have to say about it.
10/15, 4:29 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
TornadoGTI – sometimes you make me want to keep my GTI…. How dare you!
It’s weird that my last two cars have both been replaced and reviewed with a day of each other (GTI and Legacy)…
10/15, 4:31 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
And Tornado – I feel you on the MkVI point, look at every other change of generations – they are completely different cars – this IS just a refresh. Period.
10/15, 4:33 PM
posted by:
Bunny Cat
cool azz car
10/15, 5:59 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
Love everything about the 5-door. now just to wait for a review on how its reliability is holding up…..
10/15, 6:15 PM
posted by:
Mark Elias
^TornadoGTI,
>>This is a MKV.5 and NOT a MKVI. There are too few changes to warrant a new model.<<
Take that one up with VW….they call it the sixth!
10/15, 6:22 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
the gti is on my list, but i consistently lean toward the ms3 for 2 reasons…1) bad rep for reliability and 2) cost…whenever i option out a gti it ends up a few grand more…and then my “pay more for a less reliable car?” neuron fires…
10/15, 6:23 PM
posted by:
A4
I love the Huffs. If you don’t, well screw you. Sure they have to be kept pretty, but it’s worth it. Have ‘em on my GLI and have a set of winter rims with Nokian Hakkapellitas (best snow tires ever).
10/15, 7:44 PM
posted by:
netguru2000
I would not buy a Golf so close to 28k, which is where you’ll be when you get all the features you want.
The GTI-R is pretty slick, it refines the GTI just enough to set it apart. We lose the v6 and who cares, the turbo 4 with 4-motion will be a rocket. For this car you’re looking at 32k+
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, they should have sent the Scirocco our way, that I would have easily dorpped the cash for. Golf, no way.
10/15, 8:02 PM
posted by:
ktulu
This is the best car.
It will not win, bcuz only special (& i don’t mean retarded) people buy VWs
sa USA has never produced a car as good as the GTI, and nither has any1 else
civic is a terrible car
MazdaSpeed3 is good, but not 2 da GTI lvk
Cobalt is albost as bad as da civic & da wrx is almost as good as da GTI
10/15, 8:37 PM
posted by:
03T4R
My first car was a 2003 GTI 1.8T. Nothing could touch it for the price back in the day and I believe that still holds true today in terms of overall performance, build quality, and reliability. VW had a bad rep due to electrical/tech issues back then, but I never had an issue. I also had a 2004 GLI that was traded in with 100k, no problems. If VW can get their reliability up to compete with Honda and Toyota, they would dominate the American market. The TDI is already gaining popularity against all those over-priced hybrids…like the Prius and upcoming Volt.
10/15, 8:46 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
While the GTI probably has the best over-all value, and quality, it will always be an under performer (stock) compared to most of its rivals.
10/15, 9:52 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for Volkswagen
Dear Volkswagen,
I love it! The hot hatch fad is still going on!
Oh Yeah! Keep em’ coming…
NMOFVW
10/16, 12:05 AM
posted by:
aggie531
^please stop.^ All the need more oil for ________ people are not helping.
10/16, 12:36 AM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
consumer reports still has the gti at an “average” reliability rating…not sure where you’re pulling this idea out from that they’re thought of highly for quality, they’re not…that said, by now the mark v should be put together pretty well, and the only major problem area i see from CR is the fuel system (below average…the black circle of death)…but that area has been a problem for the entire mark V generation…
the CR reliability ratings for the mazda are better…
no offense, but arguing the gti is the best due to build quality is disregarding the factual history of the model…it’s not a crap box, but it’s had issues…
10/16, 12:46 AM
posted by:
TornadoGTI
@ Jakek66 – I have a GTI and Legacy also. What are the odds. My GTI is a 2006 MKV Package 1 w/ DSG and Hufs ( bought 3 weeks after release with a build date of Oct 2005) and my Legacy is a 2007 2.5i Limited. The Legacy is the wifes. Both great cars but what are the odds.
@ leftwingagenda – Keep in mind with the GTI that even though it may cost a few thou more, you are getting a far nicer car. I have some experience with the MS3 and though it is quite fast, that is really all it has going for it IMO. If you are concerned about reliability I wouldn’t be. My car has been very reliable and I drive the sh!t out of it. 65,000 miles in 42 months. Granted 18,500 milers per year isn’t the worst, it is a lot. Also, let us not forget that VW now has the 3 years FREE scheduled maintenance program. Add that to your cost of the Mazda. With mine, I have spent probably (off the top of my head) $2k in 3 years on maintenance. Also, things like a moonroof and DSG add to the deal. Neither of which can be had on the Speed3.
Perceived reliability and actual reliability are different. I understand that VW has a poor rep for that but for me it has been worth it. I have had small issues here and there but nothing that has left me stranded or embarassed. It also all depends on what you are coming from. For me, the Speed 3 would be a step backward or AT LEAST a lateral move when comparing to my GTI, which is what I did after the Speed 3 came out. My car, the GTI, has some sort of “X Factor” that I cannot explain. It just feels good to drive my car. The chassis is amazing. It rides like an Audi or BMW. It has a firmness or planted feeling to it in all but the worst situations (50mph on-ramp on Michigan potholes).
@ needforspeed – I will give you that it is an under performs the leaders of the class, WRX and Speed3. It performs AVERAGE with its rivals. You have cars like the Civic Si, Cooper S, and Sentra SE-R Spec-V, in which the GTI takes. The others, WRX, Speed3, and Cobalt SS, and Lancer Raliart are faster, in a straightline at least. That, of the 8 cars, makes it EXACTLY average. Keep in mind though that it performs better than all of these cars in real world situations. If you are to Autocross your car or take it to the drag strip then others are certainly better. I can say that having 207 lb/ft of torque (100%) available from 1800 rpm to 5200 rpm is incredible. The Civic needs to be kept above 5000 rpm all the time to be a half second slower through the 1320ft. That isn’t practical. Same is true with the WRX and SS. The Speed3 has a pretty good power curve.
For any naysayers, just take a look at this. Yes, the Speed3 won but read the reasoning for the GTI placing 2nd and the Speed3 1st. Speed3 is a better performance car but the GTI is better all around. It also made the 10 best list in this same issue. No other car in this test did that.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q1/cobalt_ss_v_wrx_and_5_more_sport_compacts-comparison_tests
10/16, 6:14 AM
posted by:
A4
TornadoGTI – they actually HAVE made changes to the engine, the MK5 like ours is timing belt and the MK”6″ has gone to timing chain. They have also; relocated the oil filter on the engine. I thought it was coming with a nice little 10-15hp boost as well… but I guess not. I do agree it is a heavily facelifted MK5 but if i had to put a number I’d still stray closer to 6… MK5.75
10/30, 2:32 AM
posted by:
Bing Chow
Not sure the front end. Too busy looking. The red lines in the grille and the “fins” near the foglamps are just too much.