DRIVEN: 2007 Volkswagen GTI

Story by Mark Atkinson
Photos courtesy Volkswagen Canada

Now this is what I’m talking about! After having already reviewed two versions of Volkswagen/Audi’s new small chassis in the A3 2.0T and 3.2 quattro – and found them lacking in the performance vs. price equation – Inside Track has now had the chance to experience the best of the new breed: the 2006 Volkswagen GTI.

Much like the new Honda Civic Si, the new fifth-generation GTI is a renaissance for Volkswagen, whose MKIV models were known for being overweight, underpowered and underwhelming. The MKV model addresses most of those of those complaints – although weight isn’t one of them as the GTI now tips the scales at a less-than-svelte 1,500 kg.

However, VW’s gotten its mojo back and has done everything in its power to make the GTI a real competitor in the hot hatch arena once more. They even poached the Ford engineer responsible for the Focus’ much-loved ‘control-blade’ rear suspension design to incorporate something similar into the Volkswagen’s back end. Yes, you read that correctly – a GTI with independent rear suspension.

Combined with the MacPherson struts and 23mm integrated stabilizer bar up front, along with a tubular anti-roll bar helping out in the back, the GTI is a real corner-carver. It’s also the first VAG product in a long time that actually has some steering feel. The A3 is completely bereft of any feedback whatsoever, so it’s a real surprise to have its sibling actually talk back.



While the previous generation of GTI had either turbo-four or normally aspirated six-cylinder power, the new version uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder used in the A3 2.0T, pushing out a strong 200hp @ 5,100 rpm and 207 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm. What’s most notable is that diesel-low torque figure makes passing maneuvers no-downshift affairs, but it plateaus at that amount all the way through to 5,000 rpm, making for an incredibly flexible power plant.

As with its siblings, the GTI has two options for transmissions: a normal six-speed manual, or a six-speed DSG, and Inside Track was able to spend serious time in both of them. Although the six-speed manual is much improved over the last Volkswagen version, the DSG really is the enthusiast’s choice. Normally I’m not a fan of the sequential paddle-shifters because of the nasty head-banging lurch, horrible around-town manners and burnt-clutch waft, but VW really has an amazing product on its hand.

(As an aside, Volkswagen is so confident in the DSG that it’s going to replace all ‘regular’ torque-converter automatic transmissions across the entire transverse-engine line by 2008. Plus, Porsche is said to be working on a seven-speed version of its own DSG for use in the new 911 Turbo.)



Driving the GTI in anger is a great thing for the senses. The intake and exhaust are more aggressively tuned compared to the Audi, and it makes all sorts of farts and brrrrapps! when you’re coming on and off the throttle. It really is a full WRC-style job coming into a corner. Stamp on the brakes, tug the left paddle two or three times, turn the wheel, plant right foot again, smell burnt rubber, rinse and repeat.

One thing that really goes a long way to helping that impression is the great plaid Recaro seats that come standard on the GTI. They are perfectly shaped, wonderfully comfortable and thoroughly supportive, and are in fact the only seats in a VAG product that didn’t give me back pains after hours behind the wheel. The optional leather seats available aren’t nearly as nice to sit in or look at, so save yourself $2,580 that the Leather Luxury Package (including power sunroof) costs and stick with the lighter cloth seats. If you're desperate for the glass panel, it's also a standalone option at $1,400.



The $900 18-inch five-spoke phone-dial wheels, so the standard 17-inch ones look a little anemic. However, the ride is still firm enough without the extra un-sprung weight.

You’ve probably noticed I haven’t spoken much about the new GTI’s looks. Well, there they are. Seriously. The new Jetta’s been compared to a Toyota Corolla enough already, but thankfully Volkswagen’s added some added splash to the hot models. The blacked-out honeycomb front grille with bright red surround looks trick, but the rear is still very ‘generic hatchback.’ It’s a shame VW ditched their confident and classy ‘Euro’ look for something more than vaguely Asian.

However, the while our test cars were black and gun-metal grey, the bright white versions running around certainly have an appeal. White’s the new silver, maybe?

Pricing is fairly straightforward. A GTI 2.0T with the six-speed manual starts at $29,375 with the DSG starts at $30,775. Now go find your Fast.