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Posted September, 2006

Road Test: 2006 Volkswagen GTI 2.0T

By Kevin S. Lowery

The GTI-series has been a staple for Volkswagen for many years. A while back, I was at the press launch for the premiere of the 1.8 GTI in San Diego. Even by the standards of the day, it was a decent automobile. A small commuter car, it was, for workaholics who had nowhere else to go but work and home.

It all seems like yesterday. Now the 1.8 GTI is being phased out and Volkswagen has launched the 2006.5 2.0 GTI turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's capable of 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. It's the same one that's used in a variety of VW and Audi vehicles and it sports a raft of high-tech features, including direct fuel injection. The vehicle has been redesigned from the inside out, touting a larger engine, exterior and handling capabilities.

Volkswagen has made a concerted effort to improve the performance of this Golf-based GTI. Buyers can even opt for a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) six-speed transmission. As first introduced on the Audi TT, this is an automated manual transmission. Drivers can either place it in an automatic mode or shift gears manually (there is no clutch pedal) via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

The exterior body and chassis are all new. The car is bigger and heavier. Never a desirable change for a sporty car. The body structure, however, is considerably stiffer than it was before and the rear suspension is now fully independent.

The Volkswagen GTI is available as a two-door hatchback and 4-dr sedan. Only one trim level is offered. Standard equipment includes heated exterior mirrors, a rear spoiler, seventeen-inch wheels with performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, manual sport seats, a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel and full power accessories. Also, it has HID headlights and a standard ten-speaker audio system that's satellite radio-capable and equipped with an in-dash, MP3-capable CD changer. Buyers can get a DVD-based navigation system on the new GTI, but doing so eliminates the in-dash changer; a remote CD changer in the center armrest can be specified. Other options for the new GTI include a sunroof, eighteen-inch wheels and a package that includes power-operated heated front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, dual-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery.

Standard safety equipment includes traction control, stability control and antilock brakes. The new GTI's brakes are larger and more powerful than those on the standard Golf. Also standard for both versions are front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers. No official crash-test data is available for the new GTI, though the current Golf has earned high marks for its performance in NHTSA and IIHS crash tests.

As is the case with its family members, the Golf and Jetta, the GTI's cabin is notable for its high-grade interior materials and meticulous fit and finish. Front occupants are granted a surprising amount of space, and two adults or three children can fit in back without much of a fuss. With the rear seat in place, it can hold 15 cubic feet of cargo.

The vehicle is composed on twisty canyon roads, yet still relaxed during long highway stints. Its 2.0-liter engine is almost ideal for this class of car. Right from the idle, there's plenty of thrust available due to its robust low-end torque. DSG-equipped GTIs don't quite offer up the same interaction that can be had with the regular manual transmission, but for most people it's the better choice. Super-quick and accurate shifts are just a tug away and, when you're stuck in traffic, there's the auto mode that allows you to focus more on the quality sound system.

Meaner, but not necessarily leaner, the new GTI's beefier engine and keener handling dynamics make it the best GTI in a long while. I tested the 4-door 2.0GTI hatchback sedan with all the flashy features. The base price is $23,230 and the EPA rates it at 23mpg/City, 32mpg/Hwy.

The result is a solid and slightly upscale hot hatch that's fun to own and drive. Revolutionary? Errr, well, no. Refined and rethought? Absolutely, and the car is all the better for it. It’s the best version of this automobile in a while. So if you’re a hot-hatch fan, and you can afford the new GTI’s price premium, you will need to take a peek. R&D