2005 Volkswagen GTI Review

Specifications

Sporty Youthful and Cheaper Than a BMW

Promise not to tell anyone and I will share with you the fountain of youth - the 2005 Volkswagen GTI VR6. Few cars are capable of shedding the advancing years generally visible on ones midsection like VWs pocket rocket, now approaching senior status in its 20th year of production, but you wouldnt know it.

Throughout the last two decades and four GTI incarnations, Volkswagen has continually improved and perfected the practical yet sporty 3-door Golf-based package. In fact its so good, especially the VR6 edition, that it would be difficult to build a business case justifying the extra thousands needed to slot a 3-Series Bimmer in the drive.

There isnt much thats new in the 05 GTI, as it remains unchanged from last year. Those wishing to acquire something more cutting-edge best wait for the anticipated October release of the all-new 2006 GTI, but understand that you will be passing on a true classic. Although the outer shape of the 2005 GTI is less than, shall we say daring, I find it quite appealing thanks to the symmetry of its clean lines, massive side windows and stocky, squat appearance.

In addition to being inoffensive to almost everyone, the GTIs utilitarian shape contributes greatly to its practicality. Its large windows provide wonderful visibility and its folding rear seats open the cube-shaped cargo area up very effectively, certainly more so than in sleeker shaped competitors.

The “cubist” design of the GTI is highly effective at accommodating occupants as well as cargo. Leg and headroom abound up front. Rear seat passengers are also in for a treat compared to passengers stuffed into the claustrophobic rear quarters of the typical fastback-style coupes and hatchbacks. My 10-year old rear seat adviser was quite impressed with the panoramic visibility granted by the huge sheets of side glass. And accessing the rear perches doesnt require a background in gymnastics. The two front seats unlatch from the floor and pivot forward creating a very wide path to the back. This unique engineering, called the Easy Entry System by Volkswagen, made me smile every time I grabbed the lever and popped a front seat forward.

Further inspection of the GTIs inner offerings reveal a solidly assembled cabin, full of soft leather and high quality materials and switchgear. The gauge cluster is dominated by a large analogue tachometer and matching speedometer, both of which are easily visible day or night. The center stack houses VWs Monsoon audio unit and the three dials controlling heat, ventilation and air conditioning settings - sometimes simplicity is better. The GTIs leather wrapped steering wheel fits the hands perfectly and can be adjusted for rake and distance. The center console armrest and front seats are also height adjustable, the sum of which enables a driver to acquire a driving position that matches his or her preference and body shape.

The front seats in my tester were heated and wonderfully comfortable and supportive thanks to extensive side bolstering on the seat pad and seat back. Unintended lateral movement in these buckets is pretty much non-existent, especially when ones left foot is pressed firmly against the GTIs sizeable dead pedal. And thats good because the GTI VR6 likes to tease the laws of physics.

The teasing begins with a 2.8-liter (171 cu in), 24-valve DOHC V6 capable of generating 200-horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque at only 3,200 rpm - thats plenty of power to hustle 3,036 pounds of metal and glass about town or down the highway. This engine is about as sweet as a V6 gets for invigorating performance. Not only does it impart all the right sounds; its prepared to pull hard in any gear thanks in part to variable cam timing. I actually found myself shifting from 2nd gear to 6th gear in the city just to feel the pull it can generate from below 2,000 rpm.

Working the shifter in my VR6 transported me to manual transmission Nirvana. This stick effortlessly falls into position with a smooth, but well define click. Its throws are short, nicely spaced and intuitive. Working foot-in-hand with the shifter is a light effort clutch that was slightly grabby, taking a bit of time to adjust to. Once hands and feet are working in unison, the GTI goes where directed without objection. This is a fine handling machine: communicative, predictable and assured. Hard into corners only cements the GTI more firmly to the pavement, with just a hint of understeer to gauge by.

Much of the GTIs handling competency is directly attributable to its wonderfully balanced chassis and sophisticated, fully independent suspension setup. At the front, a pair of MacPherson struts combine with coil springs and a stabilizer bar to keep things on track. Holding up the rear is an independent torsion beam axle, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks and another stabilizer bar. Should things escalate beyond the drivers ability to maintain control, an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is standard GTI equipment along with VWs Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control technology.

Rounding out the performance equation is a full set of antilock enhanced disc brakes, bolstered by Brake Assist (BA), which ensures maximum braking is achieved during emergency stops. These binders shed speed with ease. Emergency stops were about as brief as I have encountered on vehicles of this class - which is to say very short.

Of course, without performance tires capable of adhering to the pavement all the handling technology in the world isnt going to provide the desired results. In the case of my VR6 tester, a huge set of 17-inch 225/45/HR Michelin Pilots vigorously met the challenge.

The GTI VR6 is about more than just the merging of performance and practicality, but rather its also about tremendously comfortable motoring. The GTI is generously equipped with standard features such as AM/FM/CD audio, air conditioning, power locks, windows and mirrors, red over blue nighttime instrumentation and leather upholstery. Also standard is a complete collection of airbags, including dual front impact airbags, dual seat-mounted side impact airbags and side-curtain overhead airbags. Not a lot of options are available because most of them are already in place, however a Luxury Package will add a power moonroof and VWs premium Monsoon audio system.

For this class of vehicle both road and wind noise are very well muted, along with engine noise, provided the V6 isnt showing off. When the handling verve of the GTI is taken into consideration, its ride is compliant and pleasing.

In my books, living with the GTI VR6 would be much less expensive but equally as exciting as living with a 3-Series Bimmer, and who knows it might just rekindle the youthfulness you thought was lost.