2007 Volkswagen GTI Review

Volkswagen is credited with creating the "hot hatch" market in the U.S. with the launch of the GTI in 1983, and recapturing this spirit was the company's primary goal for the GTI's successful 2006 redesign. The 2007 model continues down the same path, coupling an energetic motor with tenacious handling to create an exciting driver's car.

The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood is a modern engineering marvel. While 200 horsepower at 5,100-6,000 rpms is nice, it's the 207 ft-lbs of torque available from 1,800-5,000 rpms that makes this engine so delicious. The lack of turbo lag is also a significant contributor to this engine's appeal.

The GTI comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a Direct Shift Gearbox is optional. The DSG is a newer form of automatic transmission that uses two clutches and two sets of gear to pre-select the gear above and below the one engaged. The result is fabulously fast shifts, meaning that the GTI is one of the few performance cars where the automatic extracts very little penalty.

The GTI starts slightly over $22,000, and it is very well equipped. Safety equipment includes front and side air bags, plus head curtain bags to protect all four outboard occupants. Rear side air bags on the four-door GTI are optional. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, an electronic differential lock, and a tire pressure monitor are installed on all GTIs.

Plenty of items that are often options at this price level come on all GTI's, including 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, fog lamps, heated power mirrors, air conditioning, and a six-disc CD changer. The interior of the GTI is expertly designed, with comfy bucket seats that offer enough lateral support to hold the driver in place during spirited driving.

Leather seat trim, a sunroof, satellite radio, heated seats, automatic climate control, navigation, and a range of alloy wheels are optional. Or the two-door Fahrenheit edition adds a number of these items, including 18-inch alloy wheels and heated leather seats, as well as some unique exterior elements.
The two-door Volkswagen GTI got a brand new body, engine, and chassis for 2006, so not much changed for the 2007 model year. Of the most importance is a new four-door version of this hot hatch. A special trim edition entitled "Fahrenheit" is new as well. see less