2006 Volkswagen Golf and GTI: Road Test
2006 Volkswagen Golf and GTI ▼
- MSRP: $16,030 - $21,415
- Invoice: $14,958 - $19,599
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Related to Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit
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Our road test for the 2006 Volkswagen Golf and GTI includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Volkswagen Golf and GTI from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Volkswagen Golf and GTI, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Volkswagen Golf and GTI help you decide if a 2006 Volkswagen Golf and GTI is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 6 | 4.4 |
Golf 2.0-liter 4-cyl adequate from a stop, feels sluggish at 35-55 mph. Torquey turbodiesel furnishes healthy low- and midrange pickup, but needs a downshift for passing at highway speeds. It also emits smelly diesel fumes on cold start-ups. GTI lively despite some turbo lag--a delay in power delivery--especially with automatic transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 9 | 6 | 6.7 |
Test manual-transmission Golf GL averaged 25.0 mpg. Test manual-transmission GLS TDI averaged a frugal 41.5 mpg. No opportunity to measure with GTI. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for the GTI.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4.9 |
Golfs comfortably absorbent, nicely controlled. Ride choppier but not unbearable on GTI.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.6 |
All models nimble, feel sporty. GTIs handle best, though with more cornering lean than ideal. Available antiskid system a rare, laudable safety plus in this price class. So are standard 4-wheel antilock disc brakes that provide short, stable emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Among the more refined small cars. Diesels suffer some clatter at idle and get gruff above 65 mph. Other engines always sound refined and don't intrude much.
CONTROLS
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Mostly clear and well-arranged, though low-mounted audio and climate controls not always easy to adjust while driving. Cabin materials and finish set the class standard. Night lighting for every knob and switch a welcome luxury-car touch.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Above-average leg room. Ditto head room even with sunroof. Firm, supportive seats have simple pump-handle height adjusters, tedious handwheel backrest recliners. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps tailor driving position. Easy outward vision.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 3.9 |
OK head room for two 6-footers, but leg room tight unless front seats are well forward. Entry/exit a squeeze on GTI, somewhat better on Golf.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.7 |
All models have split folding rear seats and low load sills. Limited in-cabin storage includes small glovebox and tiny compartment in the folding center armrest.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
These hatchbacks are available with steep discounts, now that Volkswagen is replacing their 1999-vintage design (see Volkswagen GTI report). The attraction here are refined small cars that are satisfying to drive and come with a laudable list of safety features. On the downside, VW gets below-average customer-satisfaction scores for vehicle reliability and dealer service.
Total Score
| GLS, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GTI, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 58 | 56 | 52 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Compact Cars
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