2010 Volkswagen GTI
By New Car Test Drive
On Sale: October 2009
Expected Pricing: $23,000-$26,000
A new Volkswagen Golf lineup arrives in North America in October 2009, and it will be accompanied by the sixth-generation GTI, arguably the model that pioneered the concept of high-performance hatchbacks.
Powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine we know pretty well from the Audi side of the business, the new 2010 Volkswagen GTI boasts about 207 horsepower. More impressive yet is the tide of torque that lends great flexibility to the car. With a torque plateau of 206 pound-feet from just 1,700 rpm, the 2.0-liter four pulls strongly throughout its operating range. We know, we've already driven it. When this inline-4 is spun to its 6200-rpm redline, the GTI will charge to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds, and top out just a fraction short of 150 mph, says Volkswagen.
Facilitating this surprising turn of speed is a slick-shifting manual six-speed or the optional twin-clutch DSG transmission that acts either as a fully automatic system for urban slogs or as a lightning-fast sequential shifter triggered manually by paddles flanking the steering wheel.
Either way, the GTI is a blast to drive. VW's clever suspension geometries are abetted by a limited-slip differential mechanism called XDS, which uses ABS mechanisms to detect slip, and to restrain the offending wheel. So torque steer is pretty much absent from the car's repertoire, and its handling feels more like an all-wheel-drive vehicle rather than a high-output front-driver.
European versions of the GTI feature an automatically adjusted shock system VW calls ACC (for active chassis control), but it won't be coming here to the U.S. However, we fully expect that the non-adjusting chassis calibrations will meet the expectations of American GTI devotees. It's all about price, and VW is trying to hold the sticker down to about $25,000. At which point we think the combination of performance and refinement presents a compelling case for purchase.
VW was at pains to emphasize the efforts made to calm the GTI. Among the measures adopted were the installation of an acoustically damped windscreen and thicker side windows, a new door sealing concept, improved insulation of the engine compartment and interior, and the use of acoustically optimized outside mirrors. Our brief stint behind the wheel at a recent introduction in France confirmed Volkswagen's claims, surprising us with the level of isolation and refinement enjoyed by the new car.
Although the basic shape and volume of the new A6-series Golf is largely unchanged, the front end has a distinct, chiseled look, with a shallow grille (accented on the GTI with the familiar red trim line) and a generous under-bumper fascia treatment not unlike that of the Audi R8. The rear end benefits from redesigned taillights, twin exhaust tailpipes, and a more pronounced diffusor look.
Those familiar GTI wheels with their circular perforations remain, mounting 225/45R17 tires. The U.S. will be offered 18-inch wheels as an option, shod with either all-season or summer tires. Other options include a four-door version, a Tech package with Bluetooth and Dynaudio stereo, and an Autobahn package with leather, a sunroof, and special sport seats. A navigation system, xenon headlamps, rear-seat side airbags (for the four-door), and the sunroof will also be offered as stand-alone options.
Much has been done inside the car to improve interior ambience, and we found it a much richer envoronment than expected at this price. The cloth-seat version features a nostalgic plaid pattern called Interlagos. A new flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel is the focus for the driver, and it's backed up by a clear and tidy instrument cluster. A new dash top, new control layouts, and a two-part center console complete the makeover.
All in all, we found the new GTI a commendable fusion of dynamic control feel and civilized levels of isolation. When you're pressing, the car comes to you directly, with clear steering and chassis input, and it responds with little lost in translation. At the same time it backs off when you're just touring, staying out of your face until you need more intensity.
Add this convenient duality to an affordable price and projected 32 mpg average consumption, and the GTI might just be in the right place at the right time.
800-374-8389
www.vw.com
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