2007 Volkswagen GTI
Still a Favorite
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SPECS
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The
GTI has to be one of the most fun cars on the market today. Ask any devotee
and they'll run you their list of why they are GTI drivers. In fact, it's
common knowledge among the car nuts of the GTI; there isn't any other car.
Whether they modify them or drive them just as they come off the lot, the
GTI has a big following.
Volkswagen,
although they have had their troubles with reliability and providing parts,
they still aim to please and have a loyal following among the GTI and Rabbit
buyers. At the Chicago Auto Show, VW execs outlined Volkswagen's 10-year strategy.
One of the five pillars of this long-range strategy is significant progress
in quality, as well as strengthening and supporting dealers.
Options
were few on our test GTI and included Option Package 1 (power sunroof, satellite
radio service, $1,370). Standard equipment on most VW's is plentiful and includes
the usual A/C, Anti-slip regulation, Electronic Stabilization Program ESP)
and anti-lock braking system. Safety features include driver and front passenger
front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags and side curtain protection
head airbags, front and rear. Child safety rear door locks and Lower Anchors
and Tethers for children are also standard equipment.
Daytime
running lights team up with front fogs and Xenon headlights, and if you're
into checking your tire pressure, the GTI is equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system to help you keep track. A leather-wrapped steering wheel
and gearshift are standard, along with the alloy interior trim treatment which
gives the GTI a racing feel/look. Front and rear windshield wipers are intermittent
and front and rear lights make map reading possible during nighttime driving.
A power
central locking system is also standard, although we find this an annoyance.
In the VW and Audi cars, the locking is a loud sound, and though we understand
it is a safety feature, becomes one more thing to remember when letting out
a passenger or picking one up. The car must go into park before the locks
will release.
Seventeen-inch
wheels are the standard and offer a smooth ride in the GTI. The GTI is available in 6-speed manual
or 6-speed semi-automatic transmissions and ranges from $23,875-$24,375, although
with extras, the bottom line sneaks up.
VW's manual
shifts easily and smoothly, but we still can't get used to the turbo "lag"
that follows after first running the GTI. We love the VW Turbocharged engine,
but fret when in traffic. If you opt for the semi-automatic tranny, VW's DSG
(Direct Shift Gearbox) is a sequential-shift transmission.
Reviewed by Susan
Frissell. Womenwithwheels.com