2007 Volkswagen GTI:
The GTI shines in ways that most other compacts sport / performance cars could never achieve. I say this because it looks like a conventional Rabbit save for the optional 18" wheels and black front corporate grill. It is not really fooling anyone because most subscribers to this category will
recognize it instantly. The cabin of the GTI is the richest of the lot: the materials and assembly quality are nearly flawless. Dash ergonomics are spot-on. The sport seats are comfortable, supportive and convey to a perfect driving position.
The beauty of the GTI is that it embodies the ideal mix of work-day and track-day car. On the road, the GTI's suspension is compliant and comfortable. On the track, its excellent chassis allows the car to be literally manipulated through the curves and cones. The 2.0T is a gem; there is no lag and therefore no surprises in a bend. The 6-speed gearbox is easy to control. On the other hand, the brakes could use a little beefing up.
My Pick: By a small margin, the Volkswagen GTI over the MAZDASPEED3.
Brief specs on each vehicle
Acura CSX type S
Sedan
Base price : $33,400
As tested price : $33,400
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine
197 hp
6-speed manual transmission
ABS, traction and stability control
MAZDASPEED3
4-door hatchback
Base price : $30,995
As tested price : $31,185
Turbocharged 2.3L, 4-cylinder engine
263 hp
6-speed manual transmission
ABS, traction control
Saturn Sky Redline
Convertible
Base price : $37,980
As tested price : $40,145
Turbocharged 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine
260 hp
5-speed manual transmission
ABS, traction and stability control
Volkswagen Golf GTI
4-door hatchback
Base price : $29,995
As tested price : $32,275
Turbocharged 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine
200 hp
6-speed manual transmission
ABS, traction and stability control
The GTI shines in ways that most other compacts sport / performance cars could never achieve. I say this because it looks like a conventional Rabbit save for the optional 18" wheels and black front corporate grill. It is not really fooling anyone because most subscribers to this category will
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| (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com) |
The beauty of the GTI is that it embodies the ideal mix of work-day and track-day car. On the road, the GTI's suspension is compliant and comfortable. On the track, its excellent chassis allows the car to be literally manipulated through the curves and cones. The 2.0T is a gem; there is no lag and therefore no surprises in a bend. The 6-speed gearbox is easy to control. On the other hand, the brakes could use a little beefing up.
My Pick: By a small margin, the Volkswagen GTI over the MAZDASPEED3.
Brief specs on each vehicle
Acura CSX type S
Sedan
Base price : $33,400
As tested price : $33,400
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine
197 hp
6-speed manual transmission
ABS, traction and stability control
MAZDASPEED3
4-door hatchback
Base price : $30,995
As tested price : $31,185
Turbocharged 2.3L, 4-cylinder engine
263 hp
6-speed manual transmission
ABS, traction control
Saturn Sky Redline
Convertible
Base price : $37,980
As tested price : $40,145
Turbocharged 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine
260 hp
5-speed manual transmission
ABS, traction and stability control
Volkswagen Golf GTI
4-door hatchback
Base price : $29,995
As tested price : $32,275
Turbocharged 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine
200 hp
6-speed manual transmission
ABS, traction and stability control
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