This may keep the price down but it also makes the car feel cheap. The GTI oozes class, fit and finish and high-end materials; the Volkswagen handles itself like a luxury car.
If you only concentrate on the handsome yet over-played 18” wheels, rear spoiler, front fascia, dual tailpipes and performance, the Ralliart is an enticing option. Just don't pay too much attention to the cabin.
More competition
The Honda Civic Si is an attractive offer but it is getting old and the move towards smooth and efficient turbocharging makes revving an engine to 8,000 rpm for peak power seem prehistoric. The Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V is more tractor-like than modern-day compact performance car. The 5-door WRX is priced higher than all of the above. If you can get over its less-than-pretty styling, it poses the biggest threat to the GTI.
It's a GTI
All you haters out there, I completely understand. One of my co-workers owns a 2008 Civic Si and I thoroughly love revving the poop of the frantic 2.0L engine. The car is tight, feels devoted to the road and is a blast to drive. I also have a friend that owns a WRX and swears by it. And I can't blame him.
In short, the GTI has few faults. Yes, it's not the most reliable car on the road and sure, some replacement parts are expensive. You will, in fact, experience a similar situation if you own an SE-R Spec V or a Speed3, believe me.
The GTI's fault is that it cannot be as amusing as a Ralliart in the winter. This is a big flaw. Volkswagen does have the answer, though, and will be easy to recall (no pun intended). Think “R”.
If you only concentrate on the handsome yet over-played 18” wheels, rear spoiler, front fascia, dual tailpipes and performance, the Ralliart is an enticing option. Just don't pay too much attention to the cabin.
More competition
The Honda Civic Si is an attractive offer but it is getting old and the move towards smooth and efficient turbocharging makes revving an engine to 8,000 rpm for peak power seem prehistoric. The Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V is more tractor-like than modern-day compact performance car. The 5-door WRX is priced higher than all of the above. If you can get over its less-than-pretty styling, it poses the biggest threat to the GTI.
 |
| The GTI has few faults. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
It's a GTI
All you haters out there, I completely understand. One of my co-workers owns a 2008 Civic Si and I thoroughly love revving the poop of the frantic 2.0L engine. The car is tight, feels devoted to the road and is a blast to drive. I also have a friend that owns a WRX and swears by it. And I can't blame him.
In short, the GTI has few faults. Yes, it's not the most reliable car on the road and sure, some replacement parts are expensive. You will, in fact, experience a similar situation if you own an SE-R Spec V or a Speed3, believe me.
The GTI's fault is that it cannot be as amusing as a Ralliart in the winter. This is a big flaw. Volkswagen does have the answer, though, and will be easy to recall (no pun intended). Think “R”.
2011 Volkswagen gti 2.0 TSI 5-door
2011 Volkswagen gti 2.0 TSI 5-door
Article Gallery