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Unusually smooth turbocharged power and an upscale interior have moved the 2011 Volkswagen GTI near the top of the class of small, spirited hatchbacks.
It’s the sixth generation of the GTI; the first was in 1976 in Europe and more than 1.7 million have been sold since.
While not as quick as the Subaru WRX or the Mazdaspeed3, the new VW is more refined and delivers its turbo punch without lag or lurch. It is fun to drive and features a new transverse differential lock which, in cornering, will lightly brake the inside front wheel to increase traction and improve handling.
The front-wheel-drive two-door (it also comes in four-door configuration) generates strong performance from a 200-horsepower, 207-lbs.-ft. torque, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection engine and 6-speed manual transmission. It rides on a relatively narrow track.
This month’s daily display of heavy thunderstorms created concern enough to send Jan, me and the brash, little GTI to North Sterling State Park on Sunday for a look at the Bass Buggy boat in the lake’s slips. The slips are covered, a rarity among boating spaces at state park lakes, yet strong winds can toss the boats all about.
The boat was okay, restraints in place, and the GTI made a quick trip back home. The highway drive helped the Volkswagen to an overall fuel (premium grade) mileage average for the week to 28.7.
The German-built GTI’s interior is comfortable, with lengthy, well-bolstered front-seat cushions covered in plaid fabric, a copy of the GTI’s look of the ’70s. The perforated-leather-covered steering wheel is stitched in red. Metal-covered pedals add to the sport feel.
Climbing into the rear of the two-door opening can be somewhat of a task, though once inside, the rear seats are very usable with good headroom and legroom. Seatbacks and cushions are firm. Cargo space of 14.7 cubic feet with the rear seat in place expands to 46 when it is folded.
For the second week, wheels rolled through my mind while assessing the GTI’s overall impact. Last week, I was bothered by the $5,000 price tag for the Jaguar convertible’s optional wheels. This week, I wonder about the look of the Detroit alloy wheels (18-inchers), with five horseshoe-shaped openings which lend a peek at the red-painted brake calipers. Many who I visited with agreed that the design fails to put a “wow” feeling into VW’s footing. Tires are Dunlop Sport 225/40R18s.
Spicing the plain look of the two-door exterior are honeycomb grille and front air dam, rear spoiler and dual exhausts.
With an updated touchscreen navigation system and sunroof, sticker price on the GTI review model is $27,970. It also is equipped with Sirius satellite radio, air conditioning, heated front seats, heated washer nozzles, front and side and head-impact airbags, power windows/locks/mirrors, trip computer and xenon headlamps.
The GTI is the performance version of the VW Golf.
Notes from e-mail
Bud, I read your review on the 2011 Jaguar XK for $95,000. Who would buy a piece of unreliable crap for that price? The latest Consumer Reports said the most unreliable cars are Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Like the old saying, there’s a sucker born every minute. – B.Q.
Yes, Bill, and J.D. Power in its 2011 dependability study ranked Lincoln, Lexus and Jaguar as the top three makes. How do you figure that? To call the 2011 Jaguar XK convertible a “piece of crap” is an “unreliable” statement, whether it comes from Consumer Reports or B.Q.
Bud, I loved the photo last week of the Jaguar convertible in the rain in front of the Glen Haven General Store. I don’t even know where the store is, but one of these days I will get out my map and head my Buick to the north out of Denver, and hope to find it. – S.W.
I hope you do that, Stanley. Follow I-25 to the north to the Loveland Exit, head west on U.S. 34 through Loveland and into the Big Thompson Canyon, and at Drake, turn to the right and follow the Devil’s Gulch Road to Glen Haven. After enjoying fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and 25-cent coffee at the general store, continue on to Estes Park and, for diversion, return to Denver by way of Lyons and Boulder. It is a wonderful drive, especially comfortable from the seats of a big Buick.
I don’t understand your concern with the wheels on the 2011 Jaguar last week, Bud. I thought they were very impressive and looked like they belonged on a premium car such as the Jaguar. – F.J.
Oh, gosh, Frank, it wasn’t the looks of them I took issue with; they’re great-looking wheels. It was the cost of them, as optional wheels. I think $5,000 is too pricey for wheels, even on a Jag.
2011 Volkswagen GTI
$27,970
(price as tested)
MPG City 21 Highway 31
Vehicle type: Sporty compact hatchback
Wheelbase: 101.5 inches
Length/Width/Height: 165.8/70/57.8 inches
Weight: 3,034 pounds
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel mileage: 28.7 mpg
Fuel tank: 14.5 gallons
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic; 5/60,000 powertrain
Competitors: Mazdaspeed3, Subaru Impreza WRX, Mini Cooper S, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Built at: Wolfsburg, Germany
Parts content: Germany 75 percent
THE STICKER
$27,200 base
Sunroof, navigation
$770 Destination
PLUSES
Smooth turbo power
Fuel economy
Comfortable cabin
MINUSES
Look of wheels
Plaid-fabric seats
