A strong argument can be made that this 2010 Volkswagen GTI burns with the flame of the original GTI, the spark that ignited the hot-hatch explosion and led to cars like the Mazdaspeed 3, Mini Clubman S and Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
This sixth-generation GTI follows its predecessor's formula and its Golf-derived hardware will be familiar, but now it receives VW's new turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter inline-4 (PZEV compliant, no less), new bodywork, a new interior and a couple of new options. We've already offered you an early impression of the Euro-tuned GTI from a European point of view, but now we have one stateside at last.
Flashback
When the Golf GTi first came down the road in 1976, back when the Golf was new, Americans were eager for this 100-mph small car (100 mph was a big deal then), but it didn't make it to America until 1983, when the Rabbit-derived GTI began to be assembled in Mexico. The advertising tag line began as Ausgezeichnet ("excellent," or literally, "outstanding"). That same year, some new Irish band called U2 topped the charts with its song "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Yeah, they might have a future, too.
At $7,995, the '83 GTI featured a fuel-injected 90-hp DOHC 1.8-liter inline-4, a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission and upgraded brakes. Its better-than-Rabbit features also included a revamped interior with aggressively bolstered seats and full instrumentation. A revised suspension worked 14-inch snowflake-style aluminum wheels and Pirelli P6 tires capable of 0.78g loads in corners ("Dude, it's got Pirellis!").
And who doesn't remember the Ronnie and the Daytonas-inspired television ad, Kleine GTI with two flying GTIs on a track? A generation of car enthusiasts owes its love of driving to this European-bred performance hatch.
Plus the GTI doesn't twist the steering wheel out of your hands and point the car toward the curb.
Flash forward 27 years: U2 has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the kids who once mowed lawns to buy a used GTI (as we once did) are now putting their money into 401(k) accounts. How has the primordial performance hatch fared in the meantime?
Back to the Future
Euro-built Golf begat U.S.-built Rabbit, then Rabbit begat Golf, Golf begat Rabbit and back again to Golf, and admittedly, there were a couple duds, styling was hit-and-miss and there was a bout or two with quality issues. Overall, however, the GTI has upheld VW's original promise of a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Along the way, it has added a four-door model, found a V6 and in one related and particularly pricey iteration, the R32 even sprouted all-wheel drive and VW's dual-clutch automated manual gearbox (DSG). The biggest problem for the 2010 Volkswagen GTI is that there are now more choices than ever before to satisfy hot-hatch buyers, and some are quicker and cost less.
This time around, the changes to the 2010 Mk VI GTI (both two- and four-door models) are useful, although perhaps a little subtle. Starting with the engine, VW finally gets hold of the sophisticated 2.0-liter inline-4 with turbocharging and direct fuel injection (EA888) that was developed by Audi. While output remains at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque — the same as the Mk V GTI's engine (EA113) — this new engine's broader torque plateau produces greater willingness to push a tall gear at extremely low engine speeds, a trait we appreciate.
Excellent fuel economy is possible, as we recorded 31 mpg when we let the idiot light on the dash determine our shifting habits. Our overall average over the course of this test was 23 mpg. The automated manual DSG is a $1,100 option and it's rated to earn 1 mpg better fuel economy by the EPA, so we'd pick the manual every time.
Slick Shifter
We often praise manual transmissions for short throws, precise action and intuitive clutch uptake, but the GTI's goes one better. It's virtually impossible to induce shift-shock by short-shifting or dumping the clutch too quickly in any gear. Of course, the downside of all this isolation is, well, isolation.
Thrown in haste for quicker performance, the shifter and clutch can feel frustratingly over-damped, but this doesn't hurt acceleration times, as we recorded acceleration to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.9 seconds (or 6.6 seconds with 1 foot of rollout). The 2010 Volkswagen GTI stopped the quarter-mile clock at 14.9 seconds with a trap speed of 95.6 mph.
While our colleague Senior Road Test Editor Josh Jacquot says he's not impressed (see his Second Opinion), we should point out that this performance puts the GTI in lockstep with the last Mini Cooper S we tested. In fact, it is but a half-second behind Jacquot's beloved, torque-steering, 263-hp Mazdaspeed 3, plus the GTI doesn't try to twist the steering wheel out of your hands and point the car toward the curb.
Two Buttons Missing
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI's suspension tuning proves to be very comfortable and adept on a variety of surface changes. Drive it every day or take a 300-mile trip (as we did), and you're happy. Yet the GTI can still get through the slalom at 67.1 mph, not what you'd call slow.
But we might have enjoyed the thrill a bit more if the idiot light for stability control engagement didn't flash at us incessantly while we made our runs. You can't turn it off, and we suspect the stability control might be a Band-Aid for the U.S. GTI's softly sprung chassis calibration. Behold the first missing button.
Even with the minimal interference from the stability control, it's fair to say that the GTI doesn't make cornering transitions with the confidence and outright control of, say, the Mazdaspeed 3. For us, we'd like the suspension a little tauter, more like the R32, to enable the car to shift its weight more quickly.
There's a second button we'd gladly have paid $1,000 for, just like the Europeans — the Euro-spec three-mode adaptive damping. Would this have changed the dynamics of the GTI for the better? We think so, because being able to sharpen the GTI's responses at the touch of a button might have solved the persistent complaints from those of our editors (a minority, to be sure) more tuned in to the Mazdaspeed 3 or Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
Even so, the 2010 Volkswagen GTI feels sporty on a twisty road, and it pulls 0.84g on the skid pad. The brakes are there for you, and the best stop from 60 mph of 129 feet has more to do with the all-season tires under the fenders.
The GTI Cabin
Volkswagen has been putting a lot of work into the apparent quality of its cabins for some time and it shows in this car's presentation. The GTI's dash and door skins are attractive, while the plaid upholstery of the seats is a cool nod to Golf GTi heritage. The leather-trimmed flat-bottom steering wheel might be a little pretentious, but it fits your hands nicely and transmits just enough road info, plus the controls for the audio system are nicely designed.
While opting for the $1,750 hard-drive-based navigation system and music server would seem a natural choice for many, the standard eight-speaker touchscreen/hard-button audio unit with satellite radio, CD and aux/iPod input took only a short time to learn. Ample luggage space of 12.4 cubic feet doesn't come at the expense of rear-seat spaciousness. The 60/40-split fold rears offer more cargo space when needed, but fail to stow completely flat. Above all, the comfort and fit and finish were to expectedly high levels.
You Followin' Me?
Has Volkswagen maintained some sort of covert 27-year surveillance program on original GTI drivers? You're freakin' us out over here. We've put on a few pounds since 1983, and so has the GTI. We've developed a need to comfortably accommodate a larger group of others, and so has the GTI. Our ability to comprehend the full meaning of "situational awareness" and "predicted outcome" has increased many-fold, and so has the GTI's. We're more powerful and we've become more frugal, and so is the GTI. Hey GTI, it looks like we're all grow'd up and stuff.
But whether as a grown-up or as a kid mowing lawns, we appreciate that the GTI is well equipped for less than $25,000. At this base price, the GTI is about $11,000 less than a Subaru Impreza WRX STI, a hundred bucks less than the Mini Clubman S and $800 more than the Mazdaspeed 3.
For all its just-shy-of-class-leading performances, the 2010 Volkswagen GTI is still a very attractive, comfortable and competitive hot hatch. That it is not the hot hatch of the hour only shows a sense of maturity that comes from age and experience. If you want something with a sharper edge, you'll surely be giving up some comfort, some space, or some more money. Or you could wait a bit for the GTI-R, a replacement for the R32 that we think is on the horizon.
As it stands, the GTI is just two buttons from greatness. C'mon, Vee-Dub. Like you and the GTI, we've been around the block a few times and we're old enough and wise enough to know how and when to operate the fun buttons.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Add A Comment »
tcnail says:
10:25 PM, 06/12/2011
I don't think you can really consider the GTI and the mazdaspeed 3 as the same class of car.
I recently bought a 2011 mazdaspeed3, was considering a GTI but for me the mazdaspeed 3 suited me better. From what I can tell the GTI is more of a luxury car priced more affordably with decent performance and the mazda is a regular 3 modified, tuned and turbo'd by mazda engineers.
I could care less how the interior looks in any car, I don't pay for interior looks. I want all the money I spent poured into quality of the car, performance being the first priority. So the mazda was my choice.
If you believe that owning a car makes you "classy", you may have self esteem and inferiority complex issues. If someone in a Mercedes feels you're not "classy" enough in your GTI, will you accept it as truth?
No need to attack brand names, its just a matter of preference. The GTI didn't suit me simply because it doesn't perform as well as the mazda, also it wasn't as fun to drive to be honest. But, whats fun for me may not be fun for you. If you're comparing performance numbers the mazda wins every category by a pretty good amount so I don't think you can really compare that. The GTI maintains a sporty feel and is much more comfortable to drive on a daily basis. For me, if I wanted comfort, I'd get a camry, what I wanted was performance combined with practicality thats why I bought the mazda.
k55 says:
10:11 AM, 12/06/2010
I am currently deciding between a 2011 VW GTI and 11 Mini Cooper S. The GTI offers a water temp gauge,arm rest, heated seats,rear seat pass through, rear AC/heat duct controls, an electronic "limited Slip" differential, and the 18's -now all standard. Alot mentioned here is either optional or not available on the Cooper S. The Mini Cooper S offers a multi function steering wheel, higher MPG, sharper driving due to less weight, a smaller gas tank to fill.
The VW- better value and seems higher interior quality..........The Mini - better MPG, and quicker reactions...but not much else .........both for around 24k to start. I owned a 2002 Mini Cooper S and a 2006 Mk V GTI so I have had experience with both cars /dealerships. Really having a hard time with which is in first place and will decide by Spring 11. I am leaning towards the VW.
eldaino2 says:
11:26 AM, 02/18/2010
90in55:
i just priced a new GTI on VW's website, and it approaches that price, but its not 30k exactly.
and its not like all the other cars in the class are dirt cheap: civic si's can approach 25k, mazdaspeed 3's can get to 27k and getting a wrx is almost certainly an almost 30k affair.
and NONE of those cars FEEL like they could cost 30k. The GTI however DOES.
eldaino2 says:
11:23 AM, 02/18/2010
90in55:
the gti's germand pedigree does make it a hell of a lot more appealing than other sporty compacts. you can pull up to a ritz carlton and not look silly in a mazdaspeed3 or sentra se-r. (maybe in newer wrx)
no car in its class HAS its class.
you would hate your NY drive even more if you drove anything but a GTI.
zoomzoom22: i didnt realize having a peacoat made me a metrosexual...just stylish. (or an ass-kicker if you go by what the guys in 'u571' do.)
the gti is just as much a 'car' as the other two you mentioned and its been playing this game a lot longer than the other two. subie has its niche, mazda has no identity and tries to do everything and ends up a torque steering mess.
the GTI is true to its roots. i'd rather be a metrosexual gti driver than a mazdaspeed driver drinking the haterade.
90in55 says:
11:59 AM, 02/08/2010
The advantage the GTI supposedly owns over its competition is its "German engineering". I'm so sick of hearing that phrase. As a driver of a Mk5 GTI with about 21K miles, I've had enough German engineering. The interior rattles like an old American car, and maintenance costs are outrageous. To be fair to the car and VW, I live in New York City. That means some of the worst streets and highways in the country. And the cost of living here is high, so maybe the technicians need to be paid well. Having said that, my old Hyundai Elantra was free of squeaks and rattles until I traded it in.
Finally, the new GTI with four doors and 18" wheels flirts with a $30K price tag. At least at all the dealer sites I've checked. The Mazdaspeed3 has a base MSRP a shade under $24K. So if you can live with the torque steer and less than refined ride...
ptcdawg says:
01:35 PM, 01/04/2010
Speed isn't the be all end all of which car is better. If you can't get over that, go out and buy the fastest/cheapest thing you can find and be happy.
All that said, I'm glad they make Premium BOURBON/BEER/WINE/AUTOS for those who may want to dig a little deeper in life.
milkwilly1 says:
04:33 AM, 12/29/2009
Really inside line? Almost every GTI that comes stateside has 18" and high end Pirellis. This is just bad journalism. Quit letting your interns do this kind of work and give us a real review.
THWG!
frommx5tomz3 says:
01:29 PM, 12/28/2009
I am a long-time Mazda fan (the MX5 and MZ3 in my screenname are testament) and I think the MS3 is a fantastic car. I'm also a driving enthusiast who likes to push it a little. However, I can tell you that I would strongly prefer the GTI for my daily driver - it's worth the extra money to me. There is no question that the MS3 is both less expensive and a better performer at the track than the GTI, but I rarely get to test a car's ultimate limits anyway. I actually find the GTI to be more "fun" in the city because it feels so German - smooth and expensive feeling. The quality of the interior is also well above the Mazda. In fact, I think it feels more premium than many luxury cars. Outfitted with the Autobahn package (leather/sunroof/sport seats), I think it feels more "special" than an A3 or 1-series inside and it's still under $30K with a touch screen premium stereo.
Every car buying decision is a trade off among performance, luxury, brand-cache, price, etc. For me, I'll take the GTI over the MS3 for the same reason I would take a bottle of fine wine over a case of beer. While the beer offers more "performance" at a lower price, I'll enjoy the refinement of the wine more. Others will make a different choice. But do yourself a favor, at least try both before you draw your conclusion. They are both worth the drive (but probably not right after making your choice between the beer and the wine).
zoomzoom22 says:
04:53 PM, 12/25/2009
I guess I meant 4 things...
zoomzoom22 says:
04:53 PM, 12/25/2009
I agree with two things here..
1) Why is the GTI never compared to the WRX? That car will run circles around a GTI.
2) I keep hearing Edmunds say that the MS3's torque steer has been nulled, but then they keep complaining about it. Pick a side, guys.
3) The MS3 is probably the fastest feeling 6 second car I've ever been in. The GTI is torquey but the MS3 pulls much harder (at least that's what it seemed like to me). The GTI may be almost as quick to 60 but after that a MS3 and WRX will obliterate it.
4) The GTI seems like a car for wimps or metrosexual guys (the collared shirts, peacoats, iPhone in hand...). I'll take a WRX or MS3 over it any day - they seem more like CARS to me.