2005 Volkswagen GTI Review

Specifications

Born to Run

It all started way back in the same summer when NASA released the famous Face on Mars photo, taken by Viking 1, and Racing Champion Niki Lauda ended his F1 driving career at the German Grand Prix. With just 5,000 cars produced in two colors, silver and red, the Volkswagen GTI was born, forever changing peoples perceptions of automotive performance. 2006 marks the 30th anniversary of the diminutive sport hatch, and during those three decades more than 1.5 million of the specially tuned little cars have rolled off production lines.

To say the GTI has been an unqualified success is an understatement, but when you consider its simple formula — light weight with big horsepower — it isnt too surprising that the fun-to-drive 3-door has been a showroom stopper.

The 2005 model comes available with two engines, including a tidy 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo producing 180 horses, and the legendary narrow-angle VR6, a lightweight 2.8-liter six-banger pumping out 200 ponies. The 1.8T is mated to a manual five-speed, while the VR6 comes with a manual six-speed. A five-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual shift mode is an option with the smaller engine.

My tester featured the VR6, and as youd expect the power-to-weight ratio gives this compact contender knockout ability. The GTIs larger four-door stablemate, the Jetta, is a rocket with this engine, so when the six-cylinder is strapped inside the hatchback, the ride is nothing short of wild.

Still, the fine balance and engineering of the suspension, the short and wide wheelbase and the meaty 17-inch wheels help to convey a solid and stable sense of handling. The 1.8T comes standard with 16-inch boots, with 17-inchers optional.

Handling is further enhanced by standard anti-lock brakes all around, Anti-Slip Regulation and Electronic Differential Lock. An
electronic stabilization system, an option on both models, adds further control.

The six-speed shifter is a dream, with short throws and precise lock-in, and the clutch is silky smooth.

Inside, the VR6 is finely put together, with a fit and finish rivaling the best the Japanese competition has to offer. My only complaint about the interior is its snug back seats, though the vast majority of GTI buyers view the vehicle as a sports car anyway, and young families can still get by with car seats in the back if theyre not facing rearward. That in mind, lower anchors and tethers (LATCH) for child seats come standard on the 1.8T and the VR6.

Interior options in both models include an eight-speaker Monsoon sound system, leather-trimmed driver and front passenger sport seats, heated front seats, a power sunroof, OnStar, and for those frosty spring mornings, heated windshield washer nozzles. Standard features abound in both trims, from brake wear indicators to a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. Dual front airbags are standard too, with side-curtain protection an option.

While the interior is especially well put together, with premium level plastics and superb fit, Volkswagen has been plagued by poorer than average reliability in recent years. While the automaker is pulling out all the stops to rectify the problem, current cars are affected. J. D. Power and Associate survey respondents have been especially critical, with results of the 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) placing VW 33rd out of 37 nameplates, and the 2004 Initial Quality Study (IQS) ranking the German brand in second to last place, only ahead of Hummer.

Another negative is the GTIs rather lofty price point. It starts at $19,510, which is only a little more than others it competes against, but when optioned out like my tester was it starts entering into base Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series territory at $26,462. Even Volvos hot new S40 can be had for just over $23K, offering a lot more prestige than the VW.

Nevertheless, the the GTI is the fourth generation of a classic. Its slick and sporty styling still looks good, with nary a 90-degree corner to be found. As mentioned, next year marks a big anniversary of this model, and VW is pulling out all the stops to unveil the fifth generation GTI.

Already romping around Europe, the all-new GTI is said to be sportier and more sexy than the fourth generation, and if that is indeed true it would make me want to hold off a few months rather than buy the 2005 model. The 2006 GTI is expected in North American showrooms in late 2005 or early 2006.

If you cant wait, though, the 05 GTI will still make you smile.