2009 Volkswagen GTI
Hot-hatchback hero.
It’s been a quarter-century since the first GTI put an exclamation point on Volkswagen’s Rabbit lineup, and 25 years of continuous development through five generations have yielded a car that still defines the class it established in that other century.
VW’s robust 2.0-liter turbo four provides ample thrust, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission (standard) or, our choice, the slick paddle-shifted dual-clutch DSG automated manual.
But it’s the GTI’s rigid unibody that makes it such an agreeable partner, whether it’s the daily commute or a weekend back-road blast. Exemplary chassis rigidity allowed the development team to tune the suspension for a blend of precise response and smooth ride quality reminiscent of a car wearing BMW badges.
As an added bonus, GTI ownership includes an exceptionally high practicality factor. Like the Rabbit/Golf series on which it’s based, the GTI has grown over the years, growth that’s magnified by the versatility that’s shared by all hatchbacks. The option of three- or five-door body styles augments the practicality factor.
Practicality and fun in a small-scale, sporty German hatchback. It doesn’t get much better.
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 3- or 5-door hatchback
BASE PRICE: $23,640–$24,240
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4Power (SAE net): 200 bhp @ 5100 rpmTorque (SAE net): 207 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual
DIMENSIONS:Wheelbase: 101.5 in Length: 165.7 in Width: 69.3 in Height: 58.4 inCurb weight: 3150–3250 lb
FUEL ECONOMY:EPA city/highway driving: 21–22/29–31 mpg
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