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2010 Volkswagen GTI
November 11, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor
2010 Volkswagen GTI 
2010 Volkswagen GTI
DriverSide Overview
It’s hard not to have sympathy for the engineers in charge of designing a Volkswagen GTI. Tasked with improving on what is essentially compact car perfection, every few years they have to make the best car in the segment slightly better. No pressure or anything. Yet every time they seem to execute the car flawlessly, improving what few minor imperfections road testers manage to wring out of Volkswagen’s perennial hot hatch. As such, the GTI won’t be changing drastically for 2010. The same torquey 200 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will continue to motivate the GTI, and you still have your choice of either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. The trapezoidal grille has been ditched in favor of a front-end horizontal emphasis that makes the car look lower and wider – even though it really isn’t – but the overall shape of the GTI remains largely unchanged. Inside, a touchscreen interface for the audio system now comes standard and quality has risen drastically, making the GTI feel more like a low-end Audi than a high-end VW, and we mean that in the best way possible. It's even a few pounds lighter than the last one, a trend we would like to see more often in an industry filled with increasing waistlines. Oh, and it’s based on the 2010 Golf, which handily enough was recently voted World Car of the Year. Convinced yet?
What's to Like
The GTI sticks to its guns, and deserves a lot of respect for doing so. VW has resisted the temptation to overpower the car, unlike, well, just about every other offering in the segment. The availability of a dual-clutch automatic only adds to the GTI’s appeal, not to mention allows it to achieve fantastic fuel economy figures. Plenty of features come standard, including a touchscreen for the audio system and satellite radio. Are we yammering on? Stop us, please...
What's Not to Like
While the $1,100 charge for the DSG dual-clutch transmission doesn't seem as steep here as it does in the less pricey Golf, $1,750 for navigation still won't sit well with many consumers, especially considering the screen is already there in the dash to begin with. The XDS electronic differential works well, but a mechanical limited-slip would be preferred, even if it does weigh and cost more.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Hooked up but not crashy over bumps – it's how we want our hot hatches to feel and that's exactly how the GTI rides, controlled and taut but never overly sprung. Power delivery is fantastically linear and the engine has none of the on/off effect you get in more powerful turbocharged cars. Go for full throttle and you'll be greeted with a wonderful four-cylinder induction note that possesses none of...