Most differences between the GTI and its Golf basis are found under their identical skins. The Golf makes do with an are-we-there-yet 115-horsepower 4-cylinder, or you can opt for the diesel to go even slower while causing lung cancer to everyone around you. In contrast, the GTI gets only the fast engines: the turbo 4 tested here or VW's narrow-angle (15 degrees) "VR6" engine with 200 horsepower. The GTI's suspension is firmer (though consisting of the same components), its wheels larger, and the Golf's 4-speed auto gets shafted for a 5-speed Tiptronic. The Golf's more entry-friendly 5-door body is off limits to the GTI, but since all models measure in at a stubby 165 inches long, the amount of usable space remains constant.
It seems to be VW tradition to make a car everyone wants, then price it out of contention. This time, they're not so far off the mark. The GTI 1.8T opens at $20,125. If that's a bit steep, it's also a bit faster than any front-wheel-driver from Asia. Only Mitsubishi's Lancer Ralliart comes close, and it starts at a thousand bucks less - not too much savings, considering its missing safety features. Not quite qualified for battle with the AWD Lancer Evolution and Impreza WRX, the GTI mostly finds itself in a rumble with GM's supercharged Saturn Ion Red Line and Chevrolet Cobalt SS, plus Dodge's turbocharged Neon SRT-4 - all cars starting in the $21,000 range. GM's entries have it over the GTI in speed but are sorely lacking in refinement, poise, and style. It's only against the Neon SRT-4 that the GTI emerges a clear loser, with the Dodge's 230-horsepower (some suspect more) performance blowing the GTI out of the picture. But then, the Neon does that to a lot of cars.
Taken by itself, the GTI's equipment roster looks pretty full, with the major options being heated leather seats, a Luxury Package (Monsoon AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo, power moonroof), OnStar, and 17-inch wheels. The Tiptronic transmission costs an expensive $1,075 and is curiously unavailable on the GTI VR6, where it would have been more fitting. $2,820 is an awful lot for the extra 20 horsepower of the VR6, even considering its larger wheels, the sixth gear in its manual, and standard stability control.
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