Pros:
- Outstanding turbocharged engine
- Handsome looks
- Gives up nothing to the 2-door in terms of performance and handling
Cons:
- Dodgy build quality
- Dark interior
Moms and dads who never really grew up
Who should not buy the Volkswagen GTI:
Those who consider themselves to cool for a four-door, and enthusiasts who prefer Japanese levels of reliability
Continued below...
Details and specs:
- Body style: 5-door hatchback
- Trim levels: One
- Price range (including options): $23,360 - $32,655
- Base engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged inline 4, 200 horsepower @ 5100 - 6000 RPM, 207 lb-ft @ 1800 - 5000 RPM
- Optional engine: None
- Premium fuel required? Yes
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic
- Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 23 MPG city/32 MPG highway (manual), 25/31 DSG automatic
- Where built: Germany
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted torso airbags, two-row side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
- Optional safety equipment: Rear-seat-mounted torso airbags
- Major standard features: Power windows, mirrors and locks, air conditioning, 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
- Major options: Leather seats, satellite radio, GPS navigation, automatic climate control
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5years/60,000 miles powertrain, 12 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 4 years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance
Best rivals:
- Mazdaspeed 3
- Audi A3
- Honda Civic Si
- Nissan Sentra SE-R
