There is no question that the GTI is a fun car to drive and the rear hatch opens to provide enough room to carry six to eight grocery bags. The backseats are really just leather appointed jump seats although there is more foot room than it appears. Your vision is good to the sides and also to the back, if the rear head rests is removed. Also of note are the gauges, which at night are bathed in a soothing blue and pink glow making them fairly easy to read. The heater takes a while to come online and the position of the armrests are such that you can't shift into some gears comfortable with it down. Annoyingly-placed cupholders that prevent the use of the center armrest when anything more than standard 12 ounce containers are onboard, and closely placed pedals that make using the clutch with any type of raised heel dress shoe make this model needing some female design input.
Safety wise the GTl has four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, side and head curtain airbags, and an optional and highly recommended stability control system. Crash test scores have been very good which is reassuring while driving a smaller car.
If this Teutonic hatchback appeals to you this would be an exceptionally good time to buy, as a new model is ready to emerge. It certainly has a temperament and a style that is distinct, and having a nephew in the tuner business who works on such models there is a lot of untapped reserve under the hood. A quick look at http://www.nada.com can provide you with resale values.
Dad's view: In a straight line this is a hoot to drive. With standard features such as power windows, mirrors, door locks, head curtain airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, a full-size spare, height-adjustable sport seats, an eight-speaker CD stereo, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry with alarm, and cruise control. The problem is that the Acura RSX Type-S, Mini Cooper S, and the Honda Si are just as fun and a bit more updated. Despite this the VW is a much more aggressive car to drive on the highway and can stay with the competition's newbies with ease until a corner comes calling. At that point it is just a tad to soft in stock form to give you the 1G lateral pressure so enjoyable for those so depraved. Most drivers are never going to know the difference between this in the competition with a salesperson onboard anyway so trust us that this is a good, but not a great car for corner clippers.
VW has two GTl models, the 1.8T we tested, and the more expensive VR6. Of the two, the 1.8 is much more enjoyable and lighter on its feet. The five speed manual transmission has one of the better shift mechanisms and only a soft clutch that seems reluctant at times to give up its grip on the clutch disc takes any fun out of driving. Overall, this Volkswagen reminds me of riding a recently broken, young horse. It is fast, sometimes unpredictable, and exciting, but sometimes you just let it stay in the barn because you rather just ride Old Nellie and relax.
Young businesswoman's view: Too youthful for my tastes, nevertheless the GTl is attractive in its way and offers a very convenient hatchback that is easy to open. However, the rear handle is located above the back bumper and is seemingly always dirty. The 60/40-split rear seat is comfortable, and the front passenger seat flips forward making it possible for adults to enter without any indignity. There is some legroom back there, but any ride over 30 minutes is painful for those over 40. I really liked the cargo capacity of the GTl. Even with the rear seats up there was still 18 cubic feet of room and with them down you have 42 cubic feet.
Safety wise the GTl has four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, side and head curtain airbags, and an optional and highly recommended stability control system. Crash test scores have been very good which is reassuring while driving a smaller car.
If this Teutonic hatchback appeals to you this would be an exceptionally good time to buy, as a new model is ready to emerge. It certainly has a temperament and a style that is distinct, and having a nephew in the tuner business who works on such models there is a lot of untapped reserve under the hood. A quick look at http://www.nada.com can provide you with resale values.
Dad's view: In a straight line this is a hoot to drive. With standard features such as power windows, mirrors, door locks, head curtain airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, a full-size spare, height-adjustable sport seats, an eight-speaker CD stereo, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry with alarm, and cruise control. The problem is that the Acura RSX Type-S, Mini Cooper S, and the Honda Si are just as fun and a bit more updated. Despite this the VW is a much more aggressive car to drive on the highway and can stay with the competition's newbies with ease until a corner comes calling. At that point it is just a tad to soft in stock form to give you the 1G lateral pressure so enjoyable for those so depraved. Most drivers are never going to know the difference between this in the competition with a salesperson onboard anyway so trust us that this is a good, but not a great car for corner clippers.
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| 2005 Volkswagen GTI (photo: The Car Family) |
Young businesswoman's view: Too youthful for my tastes, nevertheless the GTl is attractive in its way and offers a very convenient hatchback that is easy to open. However, the rear handle is located above the back bumper and is seemingly always dirty. The 60/40-split rear seat is comfortable, and the front passenger seat flips forward making it possible for adults to enter without any indignity. There is some legroom back there, but any ride over 30 minutes is painful for those over 40. I really liked the cargo capacity of the GTl. Even with the rear seats up there was still 18 cubic feet of room and with them down you have 42 cubic feet.