2009 Volkswagen GTI

The GTI is the primary performance variant of Volkswagen's Mark V Golf (Rabbit) hatchback and shares some of its technology with cars from the Volkswagen Auto Group's premium brand, Audi.

Introduced in Europe in late 2004, the car made its debut in the US during the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model with two-door and four-door variants.

The standard GTI is available with only a single engine choice: a 200 horsepower, inline four-cylinder engine using Volkswagen's Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) that improves both fuel efficiency and overall power. The peak 207 pound-feet of torque is reached at just 1,800 rpm and continues through to 5,000 rpm. This engine is also found in the base model of the current-generation Audi TT.

In North America, the car is available either with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) shared with Audi that includes two automatic clutches: one holds the current gear while the other is prepared engage the next, shifting faster than virtually any human. It can operate either completely on its own or operated through paddle shifters.

2008 refresh

Having been in the market for only one model year, the 2008 GTI is cosmetically almost identical to the launch model already being enhanced in the US to more closely match its European counterpart's ride quality and a refocusing of the hatchback's luxury options.

Both the two-door and four-door models have had their suspensions lowered by 15mm (0.6 inches), which reduces body roll during cornering. Previously, the American GTI's suspension had been raised to try and accommodate rougher road conditions in the country.

Climatronic automatic climate control has been dropped for the 2008 version in favor of traditional air condition. The Reflex Silver paint scheme is also no longer a free option. In exchange, however, Sirius Satellite Radio is now standard on all models.

The Autobahn package

For the first time, the Mark V GTI in the US also receives a distinct luxury trim level known as the Autobahn package.

This includes features that previously had to be ordered individually. It adds a sunroof, an upgraded audio system, leather seating, and heat for the driver and front passenger seats.

As before, each of these options can also be ordered separately.