I received quite a lot of attention while cruising around town in the 20th Anniversary Edition VW GTI, and I like that. People, whether driving or walking would point and stare, nod their heads and smile, some even giving me the thumbs up. Not to mention the gawking I received from fellow VW enthusiasts, including my boyfriend.
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| The GTI, with its "Black Magic" paint scheme, seemed to cast a spell on all who saw it. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
As much as I would like to pretend that the attention was directed towards me, it wasn't. The GTI, with its "Black Magic" paint scheme, seemed to cast a spell on all who saw it. I, for one, was hypnotized right away.
Things improve even more inside. The first thing I noticed was its openness in regards to visibility. As soon as I sat in the car, I could see my surroundings very well. The windshield is large, wide, and angled nicely, the side windows are at a comfortable height, and the blind spots are minimal. Even looking out the rear windshield, I was impressed. The dash is lower than any other VW I have driven as well, opening up the visual range just that little bit extra. The "C" pillars in the back are a little wide, but not disconcerting.
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| The GTI's interior, with its brushed metal trim, is both classy and sporty. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Then I took note of the interior design and construction. At first I thought it was bland and boring. There didn't seem to be much zest in the design; everything was where it was supposed to be. But after living with it a while I came to appreciate that the interior of a car doesn't have to feature over-the-top styling, or have loads of bells and whistles to make it good. The GTI's brushed metal interior trim around the stereo faceplate and interior door handles add a hint of upscale refinement, both classy and sporty (my mom really liked it too).
The various buttons, knobs and switches are in close proximity to a driver's reach, making for easy use. The audio system was clearly labeled too, so I didn't have to take my eyes off the road for too long while skipping songs on the CD or scanning radio stations.
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| Finally, a Volkswagen under $37,000 that comes with a CD player standard. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Speaking of songs, is it possible that a Volkswagen under the price of $37,000 comes standard with a CD player? You bet. Unlike the 2004 New Beetle Convertible, and a host of other VWs, the 20th Anniversary GTI features a single-disc CD player, as well as a premium quality Monsoon AM/FM/cassette head unit with 8 speakers. This system can make even the poorest quality CD sound good. Well, maybe I am pushing that a little but it is an energizing stereo that puts out quality sound. VW offers a 6-disc stacker in the cargo area for additional money, not the best arrangement compared to multi-disc dash-mounted units but it will have to do until the next-generation Golf V becomes available.
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| The Recaro "GTI Le Mans" cloth bucket sport seats further add to the "black magic" experience. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
So I have the standard sunroof open, the windows slightly rolled down, the stereo booming, and it's a beautiful sunny day. What more could I ask for? Perhaps a 6-speed manual transmission instead of an automatic? Actually, I'm just messing with you. The 20th Anniversary GTI doesn't even offer an automatic - a good thing. Shifting is smooth and the clutch is not too heavy and not too light, but just right.
Also enhancing the black magic(al) experience is a lowered sport suspension, a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with Recaro "GTI Le Mans" cloth bucket sport seats, alloy racing pedals with an all-important dead pedal, two-tone seat belts and floor mats, exterior matching color side skirts, the GTI front badge grille and GTI left rear badge (now with the a little rabbit attached to commemorate 20 years of GTI's - despite the fact that the model has been on the Canadian market since 1979 making this the in actual fact the 25th Anniversary GTI), and stainless exhaust. All features listed are standard, and set the special edition apart from the standard 1.8T GTI.
While the black beauty was in my possession, I ventured up to Whistler for the weekend. And in order to get there, it means driving up the twisting Sea-To-Sky Highway. What a marvelous drive it was. The GTI's handling was impeccable.
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| The GTI's 180-hp 1.8-L, 20-valve DOHC, intercooled and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine take the hatchback from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
The ease and grace the black bombshell exudes while executing turns was admirable. There is minimal body roll in sharp, tight corners, and when on straight-aways and passing lanes acceleration (0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds) was remarkable.
This is partially due to its petite dimensions and sprite 1,323 kg (2,917 lb) curb weight, plus 1.8-L, 20-valve DOHC, intercooled and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, developing up to 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 173 lb-ft of torque at 1,950 rpm, a pretty decent power to weight ratio.
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| As luck would have it, I stumbled across the local Volkswagen club on one of their outings. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
After a brief rendezvous with one of my girlfriends in Whistler Village, I dropped her off at home and started to drive off. Low and behold, a swarm of VW's and Audi's headed in the opposite direction took me by surprise. One after another they passed by. I was dying to know what the gathering was all about. Being that I too had a VW, as temporary as the circumstances might be, I wanted to parade around as well.
Turning around and following the action I came upon a parking lot full of the German engineered vehicles and crowds of enthusiasts. The owners and hangers on were milling around which gave me the opportunity chat. One owner explained that the group was the Volkswagen Drivers of Vancouver, a club composed of VW owners from the area. It seems that the 80-90 loyalists were on a weekend "retreat". According to this owner the organization frequently puts on events where VW drivers alike can hang out and compare rides. While lots of car brands have associated clubs, Volkswagen owners' enthusiasm runs deep. That's a pretty strong compliment to the brand itself. BTW, their web site is www.vwdov.com if you happen to live in the greater Vancouver area and want to check them out.
In a strange way, this retreat of Volkswageners reminded me of the Jeep Jamboree (minus the Jeeps, back country, camping, and off-road driving) I attended this summer. It wasn't the vehicles, but more the common interests and camaraderie that seemed similar. I took advantage of the situation and parked my GTI test car beside its siblings to take a few pictures. It fit in perfectly.
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| When you hit 2,000 rpm, where the majority of torque begins to kick in, things start to happen, and then at 5,500 where the maximum horsepower comes on, there is no turning back. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Let's talk Turbo, YUM! Not to sound biased, but I particularly like Volkswagen turbos. In a previous article about the Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, I mentioned that one minute I was driving and the other I was flying. The same experience applies here. This puppy flies. Once I hit about 2,000 rpm, where the majority of torque begins to kick in, things start to happen. And then at 5,500 where the maximum horsepower comes on, there was no turning back. Its smack-you-in-the-back force is quite apparent, but as much as it was fun on the open road I found this had a downside while driving in city traffic. I had to be careful about how much gas I added, because if I tapped the throttle just a smidge more the black beauty would be face first into someone's rear bumper. It was tedious at first, but I eventually tamed the wild beast.
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| The GTI sports SBRP225/40R18Z Michelin Pilot Sport Summer Performance tires, the same rubber found on the BMW M3. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
The 20th Anniversary GTI has a pretty sturdy set of premium hooves, or should I say tires. It sports SBRP225/40R18Z Michelin Pilot Sport Summer Performance tires (there's a mouthful), the same rubber found on the BMW M3. That's not too shabby. The only problem I found with the massive 18" alloy wheels was when turning hard, the rubber would often touch the arches and make a rubbing sound. Also, because they're only summer tires, I don't think they'd be adequate for the winter months. Therefore, you might want to consider purchasing an extra set of winter tires.
Before finishing up I have to add that the GTI's brakes were impressive. Right from the get-go they clamped down quickly, even after repeated hard stops, giving me a safe and secure feeling overall. All four wheels feature ventilated discs assisted by an anti-lock system (ABS). Other safety features include driver and passenger front and side airbags plus side head curtain airbags, along with side guard door beams.
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| Although a bit pricey, when you consider all the modifications on the 20th Anniversary GTI, it's worth it. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
The only real beef I have with the GTI was the price tag. The special edition's MSRP is $34,150, a little steep considering the GTI with a more powerful VR6 engine starts at only $30,555. Nevertheless, factoring in all the no charge modifications the 20th Anniversary pays for itself. And did I mention it comes with a standard CD player?
Specifications:
- Price (MSRP): $34,150
- Body Type: 3-door hatchback
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 180 hp, 173 lb-ft of torque, 1.8-L, 20-valve, DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 6-spd manual
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc ABS with EDS
- Curb Weight (lbs/kg): 1,323 kg (2,917 lb)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume (behind rear seats): 330 L (11.7 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.2/ 7.2 L/100km
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Acura RSX, Dodge SRT-4, Ford SVT Focus, Hyundai Tiburon, MazdaSpeed Protegé, Mini Cooper S, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Nissan Sentra Spec-V, Subaru Impreza/WRX, Toyota Celica
- Website: www.vw.ca or www.vwdov.com
