The Volkswagen GTI 2010 Model
By Ahmed Khan on Jan 25, 2011 with Comments 0
The Volkswagen GTI is a compact car that offers power and performance when it’s needed. The 2010 comes in 2 variations either the 2 door kind or the 4 door. It manages to retain the same power-trains from the previous model which was a turbocharged 4 cylinder 2.0 liter engine attached with either a 6 speed manual transmission or a dual clutch 6 speed automatic transmission. Tested was the 4 door variation with an automatic transmission.
Fresh Looks;
The wheelbase is essentially the same as the previous model with the exception of being slightly wider. The grille adorns some striking red pinstripes running across it in a horizontal fashion separating it from the air dam, this is a major shift from what is normally associated with Volkswagen and could possibly indicate the demise of it’s older yet more distinctive grille and air dams within the same unit. The GTI still boasts a sleek looking appearance though.
The standard equipment which is incorporated on the exterior of the vehicles are the 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a rear hatch spoiler. Optional extras include xenon headlights and 18 inch wheels.
Power Similarities of Old;
Equipped with a dual clutch automatic transmission enables the GTI to accelerate quickly and easily. Volkswagen has stated that while traveling on straights this vehicle can achieve speeds of 60 mph in as little as 6.7 seconds, with the stick shift version take a little longer at 6.8 seconds.
The miles per gallon you expect to receive from the stick shift GTI is identical to what it was on the previous model, which was; 21 for the city and 31 for the highway. The dual clutch versions manage to achieve a slightly better fuel economy that the previous dual clutch model, gaining 2 mpg which now rates at 24 for city and 32 for highway and the GTI utilizes premium gas just the same as almost all of its rivals out there.
The Handling and Driving Experience;
This new model of the GTI manages to retain the previous models power steering, with a slight difference in that it feels more natural in the new model, for example you have to apply sufficent power to turn and as it straightens up the wheel unwinds by itself, even through tight corners the steering is very responsive and controllable also.
The new GTI is equipped with anti-lock brakes as standard, the one only displeasing element is that you have to push down a way on the brake pedal before they start to take control, but otherwise, the brakes do deliver the power you need to make smooth stops. The calipers are now painted red just to make it more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Equipped as standard on this model are some 17 inch wheels.
The suspension on the new GTI is as good as its really going to get for a vehicle with as short a wheelbase is this has. It’s not a bad experience it’s just that on certain types of roads the vehicle can produce a slight and consistent up and down motion when driving; this is due to the suspension when the rear suspension hits a bump, the suspension on the front of the vehicle doesn’t have adequate time to settle. After prolonged driving this can become a nuisance.
The Interior of the GTI;
What comes as no surprise at all is the quality of the cabin within the GTI model. The materials used within appear high quality and more padding throughout the vehicle, similar to more luxury models. Available as standard is a touch screen radio, 6 CD unit with integrated iPod compatibility and cloth upholstery; leather upholstery is available as an optional extra.
In the front of this vehicle it offers more than adequate headroom but as far as legroom goes the GTI can feel a little tight in this respect, while there is more legroom at the rear seats. By comparing the 2 door and 4 door variations the dimensions of the vehicle identical. The trunk allows for 15.3 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are up, while if the rear seats are lowered it can boost the trunk capacity to a maximum of 46 cubic feet.
Safety Features of the GTI;
The GTI is equipped as standard with front side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, stability system and anti-lock brakes. The rear side impact airbags are available as an optional extra for the 4 door variation.
The Pricing of the new GTI;
The base price of the 2 door variation of the GTI starts around $23,465 while the 4 door version comes in at a slightly higher price point of $24,070. If you happen to want to include all of the optional extras for the GTI you’ll be likely paying over $32,000 for the privilege.
And Finally; While the new GTI model hasn’t been as great an overhaul as what was expected, it should without a doubt still manage to retain its fan base and possibly even gain some new fans.
Further Readings:
- Volkswagen Sharan 5dr mpv 2.0 TDI Bluemotion S Technical Specifications
- Volkswagen Tiguan Track & Avenue
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Filed Under: Car Brands