-
Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
Latest Headlines: NASCAR
-
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
New Models
DRIVEN: VW GTI Delivers Bang For Buck
The Volkswagen GTI is all-new for 2010, but it still stays true to its original mission.
Hard though it is to believe, with its 2010 redesign the Volkswagen GTI is now in its sixth generation.
And after spending a week behind the wheel of VW's “hot hatch” — and with apologies to Joe Walsh — one phrase kept running through my head while driving the GTI: “Everybody's so different, I haven't changed.”
What I mean by that is that VW wisely has kept the GTI contemporary and up-to-date with every facet and feature, from safety and performance to satellite radios and nav systems. But what hasn't changed one bit since the original GTI was launched in 1983 was its basic mission: Put lots of smiles on the face of the driver for not much money. And do it with German precision.
Meet the new GTI. Same as the old GTI, as least in terms of its basic mission.
“Starting at $23,290, the 2010 GTI stays true to its heritage by providing a dynamic driving experience at an affordable price, and is ready to reward its owners with every start of the ignition,” reads VW's press release about this car.
And while normally it's easy to dismiss corporate twaddle about new cars, that description pretty much nails the GTI.
What stands out most about the GTI is its balance, and how well its various components work in harmony with each other. The GTI doesn't have the horsepower of a muscle car, the knife-edge ultimate performance of a balls-out sports car or the comfort of a big sedan.
What it does have, though, is a whole that's way, way more than the sum of the parts. The GTI is quick, nimble and absolutely a blast to drive fast, just as it always has been. It's not great at any one thing, but it's very, very good at almost everything.
In this sixth-generation version, familiar though it may feel, much is new: The exterior is completely redesigned, with a more aggressive front end, cleaner side profile and sleeker hatch area. That said, it's clear that the GTI maintains the family lineage. You won't mistake it for anything else.
Nor will you mistake for anything else once you're out on the open road. The twistier the road is, the more fun the GTI becomes. It gobbles up asphalt with alacrity, thanks to a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 16-valve four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower.
And after spending a week behind the wheel of VW's “hot hatch” — and with apologies to Joe Walsh — one phrase kept running through my head while driving the GTI: “Everybody's so different, I haven't changed.”
What I mean by that is that VW wisely has kept the GTI contemporary and up-to-date with every facet and feature, from safety and performance to satellite radios and nav systems. But what hasn't changed one bit since the original GTI was launched in 1983 was its basic mission: Put lots of smiles on the face of the driver for not much money. And do it with German precision.
Meet the new GTI. Same as the old GTI, as least in terms of its basic mission.
“Starting at $23,290, the 2010 GTI stays true to its heritage by providing a dynamic driving experience at an affordable price, and is ready to reward its owners with every start of the ignition,” reads VW's press release about this car.
And while normally it's easy to dismiss corporate twaddle about new cars, that description pretty much nails the GTI.
What stands out most about the GTI is its balance, and how well its various components work in harmony with each other. The GTI doesn't have the horsepower of a muscle car, the knife-edge ultimate performance of a balls-out sports car or the comfort of a big sedan.
What it does have, though, is a whole that's way, way more than the sum of the parts. The GTI is quick, nimble and absolutely a blast to drive fast, just as it always has been. It's not great at any one thing, but it's very, very good at almost everything.
In this sixth-generation version, familiar though it may feel, much is new: The exterior is completely redesigned, with a more aggressive front end, cleaner side profile and sleeker hatch area. That said, it's clear that the GTI maintains the family lineage. You won't mistake it for anything else.
Nor will you mistake for anything else once you're out on the open road. The twistier the road is, the more fun the GTI becomes. It gobbles up asphalt with alacrity, thanks to a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 16-valve four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower.
2014 Cadillac CTS
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
