6-9-2006
2006 Volkswagen GTI
by Dave Stall
2006 Volkswagen GTI is a blast to drive

The new Volkswagen GTI TV commercial makes me want to head down to the dealership, strap one on and head for the hills or the racetrack. But it's a commercial, so how true could it be?

I'm here to tell you - it's all true! This car is a blast to drive and if you can't stand a two-door coupe, a four-door is just around the corner. My tester was "tornado red" with anthracite cloth wrapped around seats so you're staying put if you dive into a turn a little too hot.

I couldn't wait to get behind the wheel again - it's that much fun. It's equipped with a 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower turbocharged inline four-cylinder with direct injection, front wheel drive and paddle shifting. I prefer a six-speed manual, but I was thrilled with this paddle-shift system. In fact, it shifts faster than a human can and the exhaust makes a "Rally Off-Road" burble sound between shifts. The paddles are small and out of the way, but easy to operate. Right paddle up-shift, left paddle down-shift or, if paddling is not your bag, tap the shifter manually. If that doesn't work for you, slip it into the "S" mode and the automatic transmission will not shift higher than fourth gear (out of six gears).

The GTI  gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the open road. To add to the ride, there's electro-mechanical power steering, independent front strut sport suspension and multi link independent sport rear suspension. If you get a little too crazy, the GTI comes standard with an electronic stabilization program, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock and anti-lock brakes. All that sits on a set of killer 18-inch optional alloy wheels and a set of low profile 225/45R18H summer performance tires (17s are standard equipment).

The rather large, but comfortable leather-wrapped wheel incorporates audio volume/mute, vehicle information, telephone and a couple of buttons I couldn't figure out. The large instrumentation pod is very easy to read and Volkswagen is famous for its seat height adjuster. I slammed my seat as low as it would go and I was gone. I still had great vision at all four corners, the power mirrors adjusted nicely and the center console lid slides out to accommodate my long arms. The shifter in the center console is easy to reach, there are a few cup holders and a trap door hides the dreaded smoking system.

The GTI doesn't have the red/blue dash. It's all red and I liked it. The sound system consists of AM/FM/in-dash six-CD changer plus MP3 capabilities and it sounds great. Even though this was a two-door coupe, getting into the comfortable backseat is a snap due to the Volkswagen flip and slide front seat. The backseat also splits and folds 60/40 plus it has a pass through for poles and skis.

Other standard features that make this a great deal include A/C with a pollen and dust filter, alloy trim in the interior including the pedals, power windows and doors and heated outside mirrors with built-in turn signal indicators. The steering wheel adjusts up/down and in/out for that perfect setting. As an added touch, Volkswagen painted the calipers red, added an anti-theft system to the radio and gave it an engine immobilizer for added security.

Volkswagen didn't skimp on safety. The GTI comes with front airbags, driver and passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags in the front and rear, three-point seatbelts at all seating positions, anchors for child seats, Xenon headlights for crisp clear night vision, fog lights and daytime running lights. It also has steel beams in the doors for added protection plus crumple zones.

But the best thing about the Volkswagen GTI is driving it. Priced at $25,000, it must go to the top of your list if you love to drive. Someone at Bob Baker Volkswagen Subaru told me the VW Rabbit is coming back at a low price of $14,990 and will be very well equipped. Another car that you may see on Baker's lot in Carlsbad is the TDI diesel. This is not used, but brand new and we're talking 45 to 50 miles per gallon and enough power to snap your head on acceleration. If you want both mileage and performance, then the TDI is it.

Give Bob Baker Volkswagen Subaru a call at (760) 438-2200 or visit Car Country Carlsbad to find out when the Rabbit and TDI are arriving. While you're at it, set up a demo ride in my tester.

Next week's ride comes from Quality Chevrolet in Escondido.