Finding a true value is not as easy as it sounds, for as good as a deal may look, there’s invariably a catch. Real bargains are more a myth than reality, except for rare instances, such as when Volkswagen offers an affordable pocket rocket that measures up to the joy of the 1983 original.
It’s been a long time since a worthy vehicle has worn the GTI name, and the completely redesigned 2006 model promises to remedy the situation and polish this once-heralded sport compact badge. Behind the all-new styling and sinister-looking face is a 200-horsepower turbocharged engine with 207 lb.-ft. of off-the-line punch mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission. Or, choose the remarkable DSG automatic as found in upper-crust Audi models, and shift without a clutch when the mood strikes. Add to that quality materials and construction, and standard features like side-impact and side-curtain airbags as well as a 10-speaker sound system, and the $22,620 base price starts to smell like a smokin’ deal.
ExteriorA view from the side of the
2006 Volkswagen GTI unveils a smooth body devoid of creases and exaggerated shapes, subtle wheel flares, and a raked windshield that works with an upper rear spoiler to create an aerodynamic roof line. Multi-spoke silver alloy wheels dress up the standard model, though gorgeous 18-inch alloys with black pockets are optional. At the 2006 Volkswagen GTI’s tail is a prominently displayed chrome VW badge, large wraparound lamps, a wiper and washer for the rear glass, and dual chrome exhaust tips. In comparison to the pocket rocket and tuner cars blaring their coffee-can exhausts up and down the streets today, all in an attempt to somehow make their ridiculously large wings and neon add-on lights look cool, the understated yet aggressive ’06 GTI is a refreshingly tasteful alternative.
InteriorInside the 2006 Volkswagen GTI are soft-touch plastics, durable cloth or leather seat and door panel materials, real aluminum trim, and sturdy buttons and knobs. Primary controls, like those for the air conditioning, radio, and power features, are clearly marked and logically placed within easy reach. The well-bolstered front buckets easily tilt forward to allow access to a comfortable rear bench.
PowerPower for the 2006 Volkswagen GTI comes from a 2.0-liter, dual overhead cam, 16-valve, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,800 rpm. A turbo-diesel variation will be available in overseas markets, and there are currently no concrete plans to unleash a V6 model.
The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with a leather and alloy-wrapped knob, while a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) six-speed automatic is optional and adds only 34 pounds to the 3,308-lb. GTI. This is the same unit offered on a variety of more expensive Audi models, and can be operated in either normal or sport modes with steering wheel-mounted paddles or a gentle nudge up or down of the shifter. Of course, you can leave the gear selector in drive and worry only about the throttle, brakes, and steering, but that’s not much fun. With the DSG, VW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, compared to about 7.1 seconds with the manual. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.
RideSupporting the 2006 Volkswagen GTI’s capable powertrain is a fully-independent sport-tuned suspension system, with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard. Four-wheel disc brakes, vented up front and solid out back, work with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution to slow things down, including the standard 225/45 summer tires and multi-spoke 17-inch alloys (all-season tires are a no-cost option). Above it all is a body that is up to 35 percent more rigid than that of the outgoing GTI.
FeaturesAvailable in only one trim, the 2006 Volkswagen GTI comes standard with power heated mirrors, air conditioning, an anti-theft alarm, cruise control, a trip computer with an outside temperature gauge, a 10-speaker sound system with a six-disc CD changer and an MP3 player, front sport seats with manual lumbar adjustment, and a thickly-padded, three-spoke leather steering wheel that tilts and telescopes. Options include a power sunroof, XM or Sirius satellite radio, heated leather seats, a navigation system, and sharp 18-inch wheels.
PricingGetting into a 2006 VW GTI of your own is relatively easy thanks to the $22,620 base price, which includes a $630 destination charge. Add all the options, however, and that once reasonable figure climbs to just under $30,000. A five-door 2007 GTI will be available later this year, requiring an estimated $500 premium over the 2006 three-door version now on sale.
SpecificationsTest Vehicle: 2006 Volkswagen GTI
Base Price: $22,620 (including a $630 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Engine Horsepower: 200 at 5,100 rpm
Engine Torque: 207 lb.-ft. at 1,800 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Curb Weight, lbs.: 3,308
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 23/32 mpg
Length: 165.8 inches
Width: 69.3 inches
Wheelbase: 101.5 inches
Height: 58.4 inches
Legroom (front/rear): 41.2/35.3 inches
Headroom (front/rear): 39.3/38.5 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: 15.1 cubic feet
Competitors: Acura RSX Type S,
Audi A3 2.0T,
Chevrolet Cobalt SS,
Dodge Caliber R/T,
Ford Mustang,
Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Tiburon GT, Mazda 3s, Mazda RX-8, Mini Cooper S, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Pontiac G6 GT Coupe, Saturn Ion Red Line Coupe, Subaru Impreza WRX
Photos courtesy of Volkswagen
