Every year over a dozen new car models are released in the US. Very rarely does one stimulate the the mind, body, and wallet all at the same time.  All too often it’s a choice between performance, fit/finish, and economy. Almost never do you get more than one or two of these at the same time. Absolutely never do you get all three, let alone in a base model. Well, that was until this year, when Volkswagen introduced the heavily redesigned 2010 GTI.  Prepare to be impressed.

Specifications as-tested

Model: 2010 Volkswagen GTI 2-Door
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L 16-valve producing 200-horsepower @ 5,7000rpm & 207 lbs-ft @ 1,800rpm
EPA Fuel Economy: 21-mpg city / 25-mpg combined / 31-mpg highway
Observed Fuel Economy: 27.44-mpg
Total Miles Driven: 655 miles
Base MSRP: $24,414
As driven MSRP: $24,414
Transmission: 6-speed manual

Driving Dynamics & Performance

The new GTI takes advantage of Volkswagen’s turbocharged and intercooled 2.0T engine.  It delivers an amazingly refined 200-horsepower with very little noticeable turbo lag.  Volkswagen claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds in their press material but after a week of pounding the back-roads of New England we’d say it felt a smidgen faster.  You have the choice of 6 gears in either manual or an optional DSG configuration for $1,100. We’ve always been partial to rowing our own gears but if you have to go the automatic route you can’t get much better than DSG (which is basically an automated manual anyways).

Despite looking like a Golf, the GTI handles more akin to Mazda MX5 on steroids. Volkswagen’s electro-mechanical steering is divine, offering just enough feedback to promote confidence without tiring the driver.  The entire chassis is well sorted out no matter the situation.  You can lay back and cruise the highway or have a little fun on a back-road and the car feels at home and confident in both situations.   Even with the hot 2.0T engine the GTI is EPA rated at 31 MPG on the highway.  During our week behind the wheel we averaged 27.44 MPG;  impressive considering we didn’t spend much time cruising down the highway.

Some argue that the GTI can’t compete with the new Mazdaspeed 3, which brings 60+ more horsepower to the table. Sure, we’d all like more power, but the GTI isn’t plagued by the same issues that the Mazdaspeed 3 is; torque steer and a cheap interior.

Design Execution, Appearance, Fit & Finish

So we’ve covered that the GTI has a great price, drives like a dream, and gets great fuel economy. Completing the picture is world class fit and finish. The GTI defies common sub $30,000 car logic.  We were most impressed by the steering wheel. Covered in soft textured leather, red stitching, and metallic bits, it’s a feast for the eyes and hands.  The flat bottom wheel is also functional, providing a gripping point for tight maneuvers and more leg-room.

The rest of the interior also impresses.  It’s obvious the quality of materials used best anything else in the segment and by miles. Volkswagen (and counterpart Audi) have always been known for their interiors and the GTI is another fine example.  Metallic trim, soft touch plastics, and multitudes of different textures and colors add depth and class.

Exterior styling is understated considering the sports hatch you’re buying and that’s a good thing. Only two horizontal red stripes on the grille and red brake calipers give a hint of the sleeper within.  Volkswagen has taken great care updating the body work from the previous generation GTI. While exactly the same in dimension, some visual tweaks (more angles, dual exhaust pipes) trick the eye into thinking this GTI is wider.  We’re usually ones to like a little flair in our sports car but in this situation it’s highly appropriate and well done.  There’s no reason to draw too much attention to the fact that you’re having a great time driving to work.

Audio, Electronics, & Technology

Hop into a sub $25k 2-door hatch and the last thing you’d expect to see is a high-resolution LCD screen, but there it is in the GTI as standard equipment. Also included is an SD card reader, USB/iPod interface cable (either/or not both), WMA/MP3 CD capability, and satellite radio. Optional upgrades include a touchscreen navigation system with integrated 30GB hard drive and a 300 watt Dynaudio sound system.  Our base tester didn’t come with either the navigation system or the upgraded audio package, yet still impressed us.  Audio quality was crisp, clean, and well beyond what we expected.  If you’re a true audio enthusiast, the Dynaudio upgrade at $476 is a must have option.

Integrated with the audio system is a slick black and white, high contrast, driver information center within the gauge cluster.  It allows you to quickly access song/artist information, a digital speedometer, average fuel economy, and other features/settings related to the vehicle.  Not many vehicles, even at a higher cost, have a driver information center that looks this good, is as readable, and provides as much information.

The GTI comes with an impressive list of standard safety features to mitigate any fear you may have about driving a small and lightweight vehicle. Inside you’ll find six airbags; dual front, dual thorax, and dual curtain. Stability control, three-channel anti-lock brakes, an electronic locking differential, and a tire pressure monitoring system are all standard.

Comfort & Ergonomics

Surprisingly, despite it’s compact size, the 2-door GTI is snug in a comfortable sort-of-way. It’s no people hauler, however.  Yes, it does have two rear seats but any friends daring enough to ride along with you will have to squeeze past the folded front seats to get there and that’s not always an easy task. VW does offer a 4-door version of the GTI but we only drove the 2-door.

Should you be using the GTI for what it’s great at, as a fun daily commuter you’re in for a treat. The front seats, styled in controversial plaid decor, feel great and are heated.  They give just enough lateral support to keep you in place during hard cornering but don’t go so far as to numb your rump on long stints behind the wheel.  Should you opt for even more grip, Volkswagen has leather clad sports seats avaliable in the optional $2,815 autobahn package which also includes a sunroof.

360 HD Video Walk-around

Conclusion

Volkswagen is up against a tough crowd of competitors in this segment, some of which best the GTI in horsepower.  It’s clear however, that none of them can match the refinement Volkswagen as baked into this two door barnstormer.

Looking for a hot hatch to satisfy the inner-enthusiast but can’t sacrifice on fuel economy and price? Let me introduce you to your next car.

Strengths

• The best steering wheel we’ve ever seen or felt
• It’s hard to get a better price to refinement ratio than this
• A class above the competitors in this segment

Weaknesses

• The cloth plaid seats get a good 50/50 reaction of love/hate
• A great starting price can quickly rocket up with just a few options
• 200-horsepower won’t quite keep up with a Mazdaspeed 3/Cobalt SS

Check out our 2010 Volkswagen GTI photo gallery

Every year over a dozen new car models are released in the US. Very rarely does one stimulate the the mind, body, and wallet all at the same time.  All too often it’s a choice between performance, fit/finish, and economy. Almost never do you get more than one of these at the same time. Absolutely never do you get all three, let alone in a base model. Well, that was until this year, when Volkswagen introduced the heavily redesigned 2010 GTI.  Prepare to be impressed.

Continue reading our full review of the 2010 GTI >>

Specifications as-tested

Model: 2010 Volkswagen GTI 2-Door
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L 16-valve producing 200-horsepower @ 5,7000rpm & 207 lbs-ft @ 1,800rpm
EPA Fuel Economy: 21-mpg city / 25-mpg combined / 31-mpg highway
Observed Fuel Economy: 27.44-mpg
Total Miles Driven: 655 miles
Base MSRP: $24,414
As driven MSRP: $24,414
Transmission: 6-speed manual

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Photography: Zane & Joshua Merva / Copyright 2010 AutoInsane.com

 

VW has spiced up their line-up in recent years, from the introduction of the EOS a few years ago to the sexy and sleek looking CC last year. For 2010 the GTI gets a face lift and some interior refinement. That would make any critic happy. The front fascias’ devilish grin gives you a hint of what’s to come. While this black beauty is not the most powerful of the hot hatches on the market, it is definitely the most refined.

The responsive 200hp, 2.0 liter turbo is more than adequate, especially mated to the smooth shifting six speed manual gear box. I have not driven the DSG automatic gear box. According to VW specs, the auto is capable of launching the car from 0 to 60MPH in 6.7 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than with the six-speed manual, though I prefer shifting my own gears.

For a coupe, I found the GTI very roomy and comfortable, even on a long ride. My wife and I made a trip from our home in Maine to Hyannis Port, Ma. We found the funky but cool plaid seats quite comfortable. The handling was great around town and tight corners, while still giving us a relatively comfortable ride. I felt like it was one with the road. We made lane changes and passed other vehicles with ease and grace. At highway speeds the GTI was surprisingly quiet for a 2.0 liter engine.

While zipping down the highway, the 2010 GTI turned some heads. As I mentioned, the front end has the most noticeable changes. The rear end also gets a sleeker look with a wider looking rear end and dual exhaust tips coming to either side of the bumper. This pocket rocket may have a much more subdued look than it’s brethren but to me that makes it more appealing.

Raw power is a little lacking but the overall refined, head turning looks make up for the slightly less powerful engine. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a more powerful engine shoe-horned under the hood, like the 2008 R32. The upside to the smaller engine is the mileage. It’s rated at 21MPG in town and 31 on the highway. During my time with the GTI I averaged about 27MPG.

At about $24,000, the GTI is at a similar price to other sport compacts. There is an Autobahn package available for $2795 that adds a sunroof, partially leather seats, and front sport seats with lumbar support.

Navigation adds $1750, bringing the possible MSRP to over $28,000 which may make you cringe for a coupe, but go with the four-door GTI, it seems a little better.

The four door model of the GTI also makes for easier access to the back seat. The added doors don’t detract from the bodies beautiful lines.

Overall, the 2010 GTI is a beautiful, more refined version of it’s former self. It will not disappoint GTI lovers in the market for a stylish, well rounded sport compact.

It’s that time of the year again folks! The 2010 awards season is here full force. Automobile Magazine is in the spotlight today, announcing that the 2010 Volkswagen GTI has won “2010 Automobile of the Year.”

The GTI is the first make and model to ever get on the list twice during the magazine’s 20-year history. The last time was in 2007.

Congrats to Volkswagen. From what we’ve seen of the new GTI it looks like a winner. Tsk tsk to Volkswagen for not sending us one yet.

By the way, have you voted for Internet Car and Truck of the Year yet?

Here’s the full VW PR sheet

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that its all-new sixth generation GTI has been named the 2010 AUTOMOBILE Magazine Automobile of the Year. This marks the second time in its history that the GTI has won this prestigious award. In AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s twenty year history of awarding their top honor, the Volkswagen GTI is the only make and model to ever win it twice.

“At a time when the world’s economy is in shambles and fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are on everyone’s minds, there remains only one car that ticks all the enthusiast boxes without setting off a single wretched-excess alarm. That’s the Volkswagen GTI, and that’s why it is, once again, Automobile Magazine’s Automobile of the Year,” said Joe DeMatio, Executive Editor, Automobile Magazine.

“Having our GTI named AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s Automobile of the Year once again is a tremendous honor for our brand,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re thrilled that the staff of AUTOMOBILE Magazine acknowledged that today’s sport’s car consumers are looking beyond horsepower and going fast, rather they are looking for vehicles that are practical, fuel efficient, and fast. The GTI truly embodies what the Volkswagen brand is all about–affordable, efficient, and fun-to-drive German Engineering,” Barnes added.

First introduced in the U.S. in 1983, the GTI drew admiration for its combination of sporty performance and practicality. The 2010 GTI is Volkswagen’s definitive return to its groundbreaking, hot hatch sports car, offering a modern and dynamic extension of the automaker’s original “pocket rocket.”

The 2010 GTI is a solid and aggressive sports model that features Volkswagen’s highly acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbo-charged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque. It’s available with an automated manual DSG® transmission that utilizes direct shifting, which essentially automatically depresses clutch-shift points more efficiently and quicker than even a professional driver can. For those driving enthusiasts who want the unique control of a clutch, the GTI comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Top speed is electronically governed at 130 miles per hour in the U.S. The 2010 GTI starts at $23,490, and attains a fuel economy rating of 32/24 highway/city when equipped with the DSG transmission.

New for the 2010 GTI is a standard Electronic Limited Slip system that Volkswagen has named XDS. The system electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction. The 2010 GTI also comes standard with numerous other safety features including: a three channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Anti-slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Brake Assist (EBA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and like all 2010 Volkswagen’s, Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®).

Volkswagen Group of America has announced that it will ramp up an official customer service program to specifically address DSG related issues for Volkswagen and Audi models. At the same time, the company announced a new recall that includes over 50,000 vehicles.

The company states this new recall is unrelated to the previous recall involving DSG transmission sensors. This new recall is instead related to malfunctioning Mechatronic units.

We’ve been reporting customer stories surrounding DSG performance issues and the “flash of death” syndrome, which got its name from how the gear selector display found in the driver information center flashes after the transmission stops functioning. This new recall includes 43,000 Volkswagen and 10,300 Audi vehicles.

If you have not been following our coverage, check out these articles:

Flash of death? Volkswagen & Audi DSG recall issues caught on video
VW DSG reader stories round 2- Failures reported in non-recall models

The 2007, 2008, & 2009 models Volkswagen recognizes as having these new DSG transmission issues now includes:
Volkswagen R32, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, Eos along with Audi A3 and TT.

Volkswagen intends to not only provide alternative transportation for owners while their vehicle is in for service but to also reimburse owners who have had the issue previously fixed.

The company will also extend the transmission warranty of all vehicles involved to 10-years, 100,000 miles. The extended warranty will also be transferable.

If your vehicle has DSG issues the company says you can either contact your dealer, or that “Customers who have questions or concerns should call the Volkswagen Loyalty Center at 1-800-444-8982 or the Audi Customer Relations Campaign Help Line at 1-800-253-AUDI (2834).”

For all the details, check out the official release, which by the name alone you’d never guess was another recall announcement.

Volkswagen Group of America Announces Customer Service Program

HERNDON, Va., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) today announced it would initiate a new customer service program to address concerns raised by its customers with certain Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSG(®)) in Volkswagen and Audi models, and to affirm its confidence in the sophisticated technology represented by those components.

“Safety, customer satisfaction, quality and long-term reliability are top priorities at Volkswagen and Audi. We have been studying the symptoms customers have reported, and are working closely with the NHTSA,” said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, VWGoA. “We listened to our customers’ concerns, and are taking action to address them. We are focused on taking all the appropriate actions to ensure the complete satisfaction of our existing customers.”

This new comprehensive service program affects a limited number of model years 2007-2009 Volkswagens and Audis. Covered models are the Volkswagen R32, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, Eos, as well as Audi A3 and TT.

Some customers have reported transmission performance issues under certain driving conditions. This was due to a faulty component inside the Mechatronic unit within a limited production range. VWGoA will repair or replace the components in the transmissions of approximately 43,000 Volkswagens and 10,300 Audis at no charge to the vehicles’ owners. Additionally, VWGoA will reimburse customers who have had this repaired at their own expense.

The company has begun increasing the parts supply to expedite this customer service program. As the parts become available, owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted to schedule an appointment at their dealer. The company will make loaner vehicles available at no charge.

In the meantime, owners who may have experienced problems with their transmissions are requested to contact their dealers or the Audi/Volkswagen toll-free customer service numbers (see below).

This new customer service program is unrelated to a voluntary safety recall that VWGoA announced August 20. Under that recall, VWGoA is replacing a faulty temperature sensor in a separate and smaller group of vehicles. (The earlier action addresses a potential for a faulty temperature sensor to cause the transmission to shift into neutral while the vehicle is being driven.)

The company will extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranty to cover the DSG(® )transmissions affected by the customer service program and the voluntary safety recall. This extended warranty is for 10-years/100,000-miles, transferrable to subsequent owners.

VWGoA is confident these actions will address issues noted by owners of the affected Volkswagen and Audi models. The DSG(®) gearbox is an industry leading technology that combines the fuel economy of a manual gearshift with the automatic shifting capacity of an automatic transmission.

Customers who have questions or concerns should call the Volkswagen Loyalty Center at 1-800-444-8982 or the Audi Customer Relations Campaign Help Line at 1-800-253-AUDI (2834).

Yesterday we reported that Volkswagen & Audi were recalling 13,500+ vehicles equipped with it’s DSG transmission. Today we’re finding out the recall may just be the tip of the iceburg.  After the jump we have videos of what happens when the transmission fails and more information on the recall.

Just this morning, Good Morning America had a piece on the recall, interviewing customers who had transmissions in their vehicles fail- sometimes with less than 100 miles on the odometer.  As reported in the GMA video, at least one owner had the transmission switch into neutral while accelerating onto a highway- causing a potentially serious safety issue.

From the GMA article:

It happened to Lisa Toler of California, just as she was merging onto the highway.

“You’re in motion, but all of a sudden you don’t have any acceleration,” she described. “The gas wouldn’t work.”

She says fast-moving traffic streamed around her as she struggled to get over to the side of the road. Dennis Capolongo and his son, Justin, had an eerily similar experience, just as they were merging onto a freeway in Maryland.

“There was no forward motion at all with the car. The engine was just racing and the transmission was just completely slipping,” Capolongo explained.

Capolongo said they very nearly had a collision before they managed to maneuver over to the shoulder of the freeway. His 2009 Jetta had 623 miles on it at the time. Toler’s Jetta was even newer, with just 81 miles. She had had it for just two days. Other VW drivers have posted videos of their close calls on YouTube. Many say the park, reverse, neutral and drive lights flash on and off like crazy when their transmission goes haywire.

They’ve even coined a name for it: “The flash of death.” “This is a classic safety hazard,” said Clarence Ditlow of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety. “It’s a brand new vehicle. Consumers are being stranded on freeways. It’s only a matter of time before we have consumers being killed.”

At least one owner has posted a video on YouTube of the “false neutral” that occurs when a faulty transmission sensor incorrectly tells the vehicle’s computer the transmission has overheated, when it has not.

Volkswagen released this statement regarding the recall and the safety issues surrounding it.

“”Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) we have determined that a safety issue can be presented by a limited number of faulty temperature sensors and we have taken action through a voluntary recall. We have determined that 13,500 Volkswagen models and 2,500 Audi models are affected under this recall. We are confident that the temperature sensor is the cause of this safety issue.

There have been other reports related to the transmission’s Mechatronic control unit. As with all such reports we are cooperating closely with NHTSA to review these cases. At this time we have not determined that any safety defect exists.

Again, we are confident that the temperature sensor action will address the safety issue that we and the agency have identified.

We encourage customers that have questions or concerns to call the toll free Volkswagen Loyalty Center at 1-800-444-8982. Audi customers are encouraged to call the Audi Customer Relations Campaign Help Line at 1-800-253-2834.”

Calling Volkswagen & Audi DSG Owners

Has your DSG equipped Volkswagen or Audi experienced a transmission false neutral, failure, or worse? We want to hear your story. Leave a comment here or send us an email.

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UPDATE: We now have confirmation that the DSG transmission issues may be more serious than VW is letting on to. Check out this new post that includes a video of the DSG failure and stories from owners who have had their DSG transmission fail, causing potentially serious safety issues.

Just in off the wire- Volkswagen has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 13,500 vehicles equipped with its DSG transmission. The recall includes Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, and Eos models built between September 2008 and August 2009.

The recall mostly applies to 2009 models, however a small number of 2010 vehicles are also affected. Volkswagen says a faulty temperature sensor in its DSG transmission may fail, causing for false warning lamps on the dash. In rare situations the transmission may even shift into neutral.

Affected owners should expect to be contacted by VW in the near future so that their vehicle can be inspected and repaired.

Think your Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, or Eos has a faulty DSG transmission temperature sensor? Just give the Volkswagen Loyalty Center a ring at 1-800-444-8982

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We fell in love with the GTI a few years back and from the looks of the new 2009 model, that love isn’t going anywhere. Check out these first photos.