First Drive: 2006 Volkswagen GTI 2.0T
05/02/2006
Shahed Hussain
Diehard GTI fans can rejoice, because your new ride has arrived. VW totally revamped the GTI for 2006, but it remains recognizable as the boxy hatchback that hauls butt. The competition has heated up. Honda has the new Civic Si and the Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged is in the same price range. GTI aficionados will not care, because when it comes to affordable sporty German cars, there is no other choice (OK, there is the Jetta GLI, but it costs more).
When VW redesigned the GTI, it replaced the trusty 2.8L VR6 motor with a new 200-bhp 2.0L turbo, shared with the Audi A3. Some may miss the flexibility of the normally aspirated six, but the new turbo four does not lack torque; 207 lb.-ft. is available from 1,800 to 5,000 RPM. Subjectively, the engine bears out the torque specification, because it starts to pull hard around 2,000 RPM. Throttle response is superb, especially for a turbo, and the GTI moves out smartly from a dead stop. Accelerate through the rev range, and the 2.0L does not let up until near the redline, where the power flattens out slightly. Torque steer is surprisingly minimal, even on full throttle launches where the ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) allows a short dose of wheel spin, before the tires hook up and the GTI scampers off.
GTI buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual and a DSG gearbox. Our tested GTI was equipped with the 6-speed manual, which has a tight, positive shifter that is a pleasure to use. Closely spaced gear ratios mean that the engine is always in its powerband, a real asset on the track or the street. The shifter has minimal feedback, but it snicks between the closely spaced shift gates easily. A progressive clutch engages smoothly, allowing for fluid gear changes that make average drivers seem like experts.
The interior is pure business. Heavily bolstered front seats are ideally suited for sporty driving. Although the base GTI seats are upholstered in plaid cloth, the gaudy pattern may put off many customers. We suggest the optional leather seats, which will likely earn compliments from your friends for their comfortable fit and stylish appearance.
As is typical in German cars, the GTI has heavy steering effort, but the fat leather-wrapped steering wheel communicates road condition with clarity. Turn-in response is superb, especially considering that the GTI weighs in at 3,308 lbs, rather heavy for a compact hatchback. VW makes a mostly successful effort to curb understeer and minimize body roll, at least at moderate speeds. Push past that point and the GTI scrubs off speed and the chassis leans over on the outside tires. The front end always controls the attitude and direction of the car. Add throttle, and the GTI pushes (understeers); lay off the gas, and the GTI tucks in predictably. Just keep it below 8/10ths and the GTI is a willing partner for corner carving.
VW offers a choice of summer (225/45R17 or 225/40R18) or all-season tires (225/45R17) for the GTI. We recommend that owners get the summer tires to take advantage of the superb chassis tuning. Of course, Snow Belt residents will need dedicated winter tires if they choose the summer tire option.
The new GTI is a much-improved successor to a long line of sporty Volkswagens. In the US, the GTI will appeal to those who will look past the boxy shape and focus instead on its sharp handling and zippy acceleration. The hatchback body adds cargo-hauling space, rare in this class, since most other sport coupes trade utility for a sleeker profile. One factor that may dampen GTI sales is pricing. Although this VW starts around $22K, add the desirable leather sports seats (part of a package that includes a sunroof and XM or Sirius satellite radio) and the price balloons past $25K. Start checking off more options and the sticker will quickly pass the $30K barrier. If you can find a GTI with just the leather sport seats and the 6-speed manual, grab it, because this is the best deal in a German driving machine.