The new 2010 Volkswagen GTI is a stylish and versatile piece of machinery. This latest installment in the GTI’s nearly three-decade existence has been restyled to provide the driver with a sleek exterior, a comfortable interior, and plenty of power for moving around in the daily grind.
VW wanted us to drive test out this new car so bad, I was flown out to San Fran and put up in a swanky hotel for three nights where I was wined and dined. It was hard leaving my blue-collar routine in Detroit, but someone has to do it.
You know what though, I was thoroughly impressed with how the 2010 GTI performed during normal everyday driving and not-so-normal parking lot autocross racing. VW was even kind enough to provide me with one of their TDI cup drivers, Perry Richardson, to show me how to put the Mk VI GTI through its paces.
The two courses provided were set up thusly: a slow speed course that was very technical with numerous tight corners and switchbacks. Then there was a high-speed course, which featured a couple of good sweeping corners and a slalom at the end of it. Perry took me through both courses, explaining his technique to navigate through the sea of orange cones as he drove.
Then it was my turn. While a total blast to drive, my driving skills were not on the same level as Perry’s. Nonetheless, this event displayed just how powerful Volkswagen’s direct injected turbocharged 2.0L four cylinders are that making 200 SAE hp at 5,100-6,000 rpms and 207 lbs-ft. of torque from 1,800-5,000 RPMs. The 16-valve DOHC engine and six-speed manual transmission propels the GTI to a respectable 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds. The standard transmission allows the GTI to achieve a decent 21 city/ 31 hwy. MPG (EPA est.).
Now, as much fun as a manual gearbox is to drive, VW’s optional six-speed automatic with DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) gives the driver the ability to just get in drive and go, or put it into manual mode and control the up shifts and down shifts. The DSG automatic utilizes a computer to control the dual clutch system, telling one clutch to engage the next gear while the other clutch releases the current gear. The result is a smooth, crisp shifting, better acceleration (0-60 in 6.7 seconds), and improved fuel economy (24 city/32 hwy.).
A very neat feature on the automatic gearbox is the launch control. All you have to do is set the transmission into manual mode in first gear. Then turn off the traction control, put one foot on the brake and the other one the accelerator pedal. Release the brake pedal and let it fly! All this power is transmitted to either the standard 17 inch x 7 inch or the optional 18 inch x 7.5 inch wheels and “European-tuned” suspension.
While the wheels were stylish enough, I thought the suspension was almost too firm for a daily driven vehicle. Don’t get me wrong, I like a firm, responsive ride, but I felt like I was home in the pothole-riddled state of Michigan while driving around the surface streets of San Francisco. It’s not a bad ride, I just think they could improve on it some more.
Then there is the interior. It’s clean, functional, and easy enough to access the back in the two-door models. The front seats are very sport-minded and hold you in place during various… let’s just say fun maneuvers throughout your drive.
I love the fact that an integrated an iPod connection into the car. This makes jamming your favorite tunes a breeze on either the standard touchscreen radio or the optional navigation system with a 30 GB hard drive (20 GB of which can be devoted to music). Both of these radios support Bluetooth, so you can keep in touch with everyone hands-free.
How much is it, you ask? The base starts out at $23,290 and goes on up from there. It is available in six different colors: Deep Black Metallic, Candy White, Tornado Red, United Gray Metallic, Carbon Steel Gray Metallic, and Shadow Blue Metallic. Let me suggest checking out what 25-years of GTI heritage has created.
Nice review. I drive a 09 GTI. Didn’t really dig the look of the MKVI. I do like the improved interior though…makes mine look a bit cheap.
I drive an 08 with the new tsi motor and autobahn package. I like the interior in the 2010s but I am used to and love my leather package in mine.
Wait, wait… WTF is going on? This post by Michael (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/09/heres-some-pr-for-you-cdnetworks/) went on to say that is was unethical to ask for PR… but your post (which has nothing to do with what crunchgear talks about, BTW), is ok? Something is fishy here… you guys can’t truthfully endorse one and whack upside the head of the other at will without first questioning your *lack* of journalism… that’s not right man..not right…
We’ve checked out cars before, it’s just not a big focus. When something comes along that looks fun or interesting, we do it. And he liked the car, which seems like a decent machine, I don’t see a problem there.
Am I the only one who doesn’t get how *this* (endorsing a car after free hotel + food) is ok, but this (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/09/heres-some-pr-for-you-cdnetworks) (asking for endorsement and questioning what you want) isn’t???
This article isn’t a blatant endorsement and no where near the same thing as trading links. Did you even read the whole thing?
mac-aim,
You sir, are an idiot.
I read Crunchgear all the time. I am therefor a customer to Cruchgear. I find this article interesting. I don’t understand what is wrong with that.
Enjoyed a test drive of an ‘08 GTI, but couldn’t get past the intrusive, head tilting forward angle of the headrest on the driver’s seat. It was easy to imagine a rubbed bald spot as a result.
Owned an ‘84 GTI and other than the predictable numerous electrical problems — why can’t the krauts figure this stuff out? — it was a fun whip. What’s the skinny on recent Veedubs?
I had a Kia Sportage as a rental a few weeks ago after a fight with a deer. I drove around for three days hating the headrests until I pulled out the manual and figured out that they were adjustable. I still hated the SUV, but at least my head didn’t bounce anymore
Alright so This is the VERY first thing of CrunchGear that i have read. But with this kind of writing i will read more often. I am not ashamed to admit that i am the type of girl that was never interested in cars. I am a get in, turn the key, and go.. I tell my husband or best friend about noises that i hear and let them deal with it. lol
BUT this article caught my attention when a friend suggested i read it. It made me want to go out and test drive this vehicle and have experience the seats that hold you in during “fun” maneuvers!
I say kudos to the writer and job well done! Hopefully i can read more of your articles in the future. =)
Oops i meant have the experience.
I have an Audi A3 2.0T DSG, which is basically identical to this car. Beyond typical VW Group reliability/build issues, it’s a pretty nice machine. The turbo engine is very smooth and responsive, and the DSG is very fun to play with. Although, personally I prefer the Audi styling to the too aggressive GTI, though.
I debated about buying the dsg but thought I would get bored with it after a few months and just become an average automatic driver. So I stuck to my roots and got the 6mt. I did love test driving the few dsg equiped ones before hand though. It was the fastest shifting turbo automatic I had ever driven.