Deutsch

The new GTI is one of my top picks for this year. It looks good, goes even better.
Both the interior and exterior have a very crisp and classic look that will endure. Sitting on the inside the interior feels as if it could last for a lifetime, I especially like the 3D gauges which are kind of odd to look at first but make a very good impression on depth of creativity excercised on the cars interior design among many other elements. The interior also has a quality of airyness and space unamatched by most of every other car I have ever sat in (this trait seems typical of VW/Audi cars; interior well designed from a spatial stand point), though it looks quite small from the outside, it's quite capacious on the inside. Flip the key forwards in the ignition and the exhuast system sounds like it's had some major re working that give the engine note a different character from that of the same engine in the GTI's more refined A4 cousin, a note more sinister, more gruff. DSG shifts quite fast, and the only way you know it's doing so is watching the rev tachometer peak through each gear as the little hot hatch lights it's tires at your command. The toggle shifts behind the steering wheel work quite well (just make sure you move the gear lever to the right before you start using them to activate the manual mode), one of the best pairs in the industry. If you're looking for added excitement while drivng the GTI, activate sport mode by slipping the gear lever backward past "D" into "S"and watch the accelerator act with more vigor, more spontaniety in getting "your fast".
The GTI is a car I'd take over many a more prestigous model from many a more prestigous make. You get tons of cool features, such as DSG, and more all at a very nominal fee of $24k (some $2500 more for the particular model that I drove), it's worth it. Fun, great engineering and value in one performance oriented driver focused product. "Big ups" to Vee Dub for this one!!!

Curb Zone

 

Mirage77

A very, very positive review and not at all unexpected.

The GTI is a car I aspire to own as my first ride, for all the reaons you give and simply because it's an unmatched all-rounder in the car industry. You can't get something as frugal, practical and yet fun to drive in one critically acclaimed brand.

What goes for this car is its engine and DSG, both of which are reasons enough to own this awesome car; what's more, interior space is great, quality is excellent and to top it off, the GTI pedigree completes the package.

Deutsch

I'm coming to find that just sitting in VW group cars is enough an experience to treasure; The interiors are works of art, so it's almost like being in a museum. The GTI is one of the best all arounders around right now. Not to mention it's still built in Germany, and feels every bit of it.

Just_me

No pictures?

Deutsch

I stated a long time ago that taking my digi cam to dealers is just something I don't do. Makes the experience really odd.

Just_me

mine can be hidden in a pocket. thats what I do.

Deutsch

I'll take your advice. The next drive I go on I'll be sure to.

siko

Nice writeup Deutsch

I drove the car about a month ago and found it amazing. My only complaint was the clutch (mine was a manual), it could be a little more sporty (smaller friction point, more firm, etc).

Eitherway, at that price/class, it's the car to get IMO.

Deutsch

I finally got back around to driving the GTi again to tool around w/ DSG. All I can say is "WOW!!!". Super fast shifts, up or down w/ out a moments notice of any lag whatsoever. I also got to run the car quite hard w/ ESP OFF!!! This is seriously one of thee most sensational cars I've yet driven. The chassis is so responsive, not to mention dedicated to any and all roads. It's always on 24/7, never short on fun or character. The MKV GTI is the ultimate expression of cheap thrills. German handles, German made. A car to fall in love with.

Centurion

It seem like you have great amount of fun in the car but that's what hot hatches are about. Speed and agility at an affordable price.

Curb Zone