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2006 Volkswagen GTI Volkswagen's GTI was the original pocket-rocket, providing more euro-driving thrill for the money than any other car. Now based on the Golf, the GTI has suffered here in recent years from an aging chassis and fresh competition. But now an all-new 5th-generation platform has finally arrived in the U.S.; and with it an all-new GTI. So let's see what this 2006 GTI hot hatchback has in store for its rivals now. Talk to any fan of small front-wheel drive performance hatchbacks, and it isn't long before the Volkswagen GTI dominates the conversation. Understandable since Volkswagen invented the "hot hatchback" over 30 years ago with the original GTI. And with the introduction of the 2006 GTI, based on the new 5th generation VW Golf platform, there's a whole lot more to talk about. And the discussion goes much deeper than the new "Mark 5" GTI's fluid lines, look both more dynamic and expensive than its predecessors, as well as its rivals. In fact the deep front fascia, with its 2-piece mesh grille and red accent stripe, and Xenon headlights, would easily fit on one of its more upscale cousins from Audi. While the tail's high-mounted spoiler, large flush-mount tail-lights, and twin chrome exhaust make a bold statement even as it blasts away. The revised yet very recognizable profile rides on a 101.5-inch wheelbase; 2.6-inches longer than before. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard. Eighteen-inchers fitted with fat 40-series summer performance tires are a stand alone option.
There is some front wheel shake under hard acceleration, but the shifter and clutch are super-smooth, allowing easy slick shifts all through the power band. Instant handling response was the original GTI's forte, that has suffered over the years. But the "Mark 5" restores that luster with a firm MacPherson strut front and new multi-link independent rear suspension. True to GTI lore, this is a very practical car with the excellent balance of a sports car, responding quickly to corners with minimal front-end push. The tail will break loose if pushed hard, but recovers easily, even from sudden, jerky maneuvers. The new electro-mechanical power steering delivers decent feel, but has a bit less weight than the old system. Ride quality is solid but smooth, a fine split between sporty and comfortable. While interior noise is much lower than in all earlier GTI's. Braking is by 4-wheel discs with 3-channel ABS. Other standard driving aids include traction control, Electronic Differential Lock, and Electronic Stability Control. Our average stopping distance from 60 was a good 126 feet. Directional stability was excellent, but there was still a fair bit of pedal fade, despite all the electronics.
Gauges are big, round, and made to be scanned quickly. The close fitting sport seats have vintage-style plaid center sections, and oodles of support. Leather and heat are optional. AC is standard; with dual-zone automatic climate controls are optional. As is MP3-capable CD audio with a 6-disc changer. Either XM or Sirius satellite radio is available, as well as navigation. The rear seat area has grown, thanks to the longer wheelbase, yet it's still tight for mature adults. But the split folding seatback multiplies the very usable 15.1 cubic foot cargo bay by about 2 ½ times. The GTI also rates a very usable EPA rating of 23 city and 32 highway with the manual. If you're easy on the pedal, expect a daily driving average of 28 miles-per-gallon with premium gas. The '06 GTI's sticker starts at $22,620 for the manual transmission model, or if you must, $23,695 for the automatic. Either way, you'll be having a blast in an all-new and much more refined version of the quintessential hot hatchback. The 2006 Volkswagen GTI is one pocket rocket that's not too harmful on the pocket book. It lives up to the GTI legend and then some. You will love it.
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Spinning those wheels is the Audi A3's 200-horsepower 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve turbocharged four with intercooler, direct injection, and fly-by-wire throttle. All of its 207 pound feet of torque is available at only 1,800 rpm. It connects to the road through either our car's short-shifting 6-speed manual, or the Audi TT's twin-clutch DSG manual-mode Tiptronic automatic. With 200 Teutonic ponies and six manual gears, our GTI leaps to 60 in 6.5 seconds, about a half second faster than the heavier A3. The quarter mile runs out in 15.1 seconds at 95 miles-per-hour. There is a bit of turbo lag on launch, but once past that the 2.0 T spins easily up to redline, with a surprisingly strong midrange pull.
Inside, the GTI shares most bits with the Jetta. Style is a proper blend of retro and modern, but with a serious driver overtone, and long list of standard features, including power windows, locks and mirrors. As well as front side impact airbags and head curtain airbags front and rear.