Americans don’t seem to be as fond of hatchbacks asEuropeans, but the Volkswagon GTI is something to get excitedabout. It’s a fiery little hatch.
Our GTI was outfitted with the renowned VR6 powerplant engine(1.8T is optional), which contains a newly redesigned 24-valve,head-bumping 200 horsepower for all new GTI VR6’s. (For thoseof you who have not taken the Machines and Society class yet, thismeans four valves per cylinder instead of just two. This allowsmore air to enter during the intake stroke of the combustive cycle,thus increasing volumetric efficiency, while at the same time,creating a larger explosion of air and fuel. I’m going toshut up now. )
The GTI won’t disappoint when you depress the accelerator.In fact, this hot hatch will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.44seconds. Accompanying the 200 horsepower is 195 lb. ft. torque at amere 3,200 RPM. Stomp on it at any RPM and this thing goes. Unlikethe high-RPM-happy Subaru WRX we drove, the GTI doesn’thesitate to get-up-and-go.
Bottom line, you cannot beat German engineering.
As far as quality for dollar, nothing compares. The GTI VR6 wedrove, which was loaded with the exception of power seats, came toa grand total of $24,500.
Considering what you get in this car, you can’t go wrong.Options from VDub are awesome. They range from heated front seatsto heated windshield washer nozzles. OK — that’s kindof weird. Either way, you get what you want.
The product also has a great warranty. A 4-year/50,000-milecoverage plan should keep your wallet in one piece should amechanical flaw arise in the German hatch.
Sit in the GTI and the first thing you will notice is the feelof the leather sport seats. They’re slick and do a nice jobof keeping you planted in the seat during hard cornering. Leg roomin the Golf is acceptable for the most part. Put four 6-footers inthe car, and there is going to be some complaining. But, simplycrank up the monster VW exclusive Monsoon stereo, and you’llquickly forget about the lack of leg room.
The feel of the interior does not reflect the price; I felt likeI was driving an Audi and not some “economical” VW.
Automatic windows, Climatronic temperature control and heatedfront seats let you know your money is buying something worthwhile.Also, there is not that plastic feel you tend to find in cars ofthis price-range. The GTI has a solid build.
Outside, you’ll find a body that screams “BringIt!” Its intimidating, especially with the 17-inch,five-spoke wheels as standard equipment. The GTI looks as though itwould be at home sitting in the valet line at Javier’s, orbrutally accelerating from the apex of every corner at the 1.7-mileTexas Motorsport Ranch racetrack.
To achieve this look, VW gives the GTI VR6 chrome dual exhausttips and an aerodynamic front end. I especially love the widefenders on the car. However, we found the stock ride height to befar too high. Unless you have the urge to do some doughnuts on theintramural field, we’re hard pressed to think of any placesto go four-wheeling around campus.
Safety in the Golf is probably the most impressive issue yet tobe discussed. Volkswagon engineers know wanted to make sure driversremain intact during an accident. Dual front and side impactairbags along with Side Curtain Protection airbags providecushioning during an impact.
One flaw we noticed in the Golf was how the belt buckle becamestuck and unusable after the drivers seat was moved forward to puta passenger in the back seat. Unless you moved the seat forwardagain to retrieve the buckle, you could not buckle up. Numeroustimes I was too lazy to get the buckle unstuck. Maybe it was a flawwith our specific car, but it did arouse some cause forconcern.
Daytime running lights and anti-intrusion side beams equate toserious concern for safety.
(A quick anecdote: I have been hit by a VW airbag from a 2000Golf, as the matter of fact, and experienced no injuries from itsdeployment. I know for a fact it saved my life as the light pole weencountered at 60 mph was MUCH tougher than us. Bottom line, thiscar will hold up very well in a collision. )
The GTI VR6 is quite a sweet ride. Complaints about the car areminor overall. The build quality and style this package offers ishard to beat. We’re going to sink this putt and give the GolfGTI four stars.
Steven Hinterkopf also contributed to this article. The Golf GTIused in this test drive was provided by Terri Dismukes, Park CitiesVolkswagon.
