By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National January 3, 2011Vehicle Overview
Redesigned a year ago, the Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance sibling to the Golf. It comes as a two- or four-door hatch, both with an optional Autobahn Package that consists mostly of interior upgrades. Competitors include the Mazdaspeed3, Subaru WRX and Mini Cooper S.
New for 2011
Several options have been reshuffled: Bluetooth integration and 18-inch alloy wheels are now standard, while last year's standard steering-wheel audio controls and touch-screen stereo have been moved to the optional column. Otherwise, changes for 2011 are minimal.
Exterior
The GTI is based on the VW Golf, and both received a new exterior last year that made them more angular and menacing. The GTI has some unique features, including a thin, blackened honeycomb grille with two red outlining stripes; different front and rear bumpers; side skirts; and GTI badging. It also rides slightly lower than the Golf. Exterior features include:
- Standard 18-inch alloy wheels
- Dual tailpipes
- Optional xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
Interior
The GTI can seat up to five. Bolstered, ribbed sport seats are standard in front, and there's a 60/40-split bench in the rear. Seating surfaces have a retro plaid design
—
VW calls it "Interlagos" — on the cloth trim; both front seats employ seat heaters and seat-height adjusters. Leather is optional. Interior features include:
- Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift
- Standard power windows, locks and mirrors with keyless entry
- Standard air conditioning and cruise control
- Standard height-adjustable, heated front seats
- Standard USB/iPod-compatible stereo
- Optional steering-wheel audio controls, upgraded touch-screen stereo, navigation system and moonroof
- Autobahn Package adds all above options, plus Dynaudio premium stereo, leather upholstery and keyless access system with remote start
Under the Hood
- A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard. With either the manual or automatic transmission, Volkswagen says the front-wheel-drive GTI can hit 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. Mechanical features include:
- 200 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque
- Six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Electronic limited-slip control system helps control wheelspin during sharp turns
Safety
Last year's rear side-impact airbags, which were optional on the four-door GTI, are no longer offered. Standard safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Traction control and electronic stability system
- Front, side-impact and side curtain airbags
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Kelsey Mays | Cars.com National | August 25, 2011 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | January 3, 2011 |
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