Acceleration

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
7	7	7	4.6

Despite some low-speed turbo lag, GTIs have quick acceleration, impressive highway passing punch. Manual transmission shifts with exemplary precision, but some testers would like shorter throws. SMT shifts so quickly, smoothly in manual or automatic mode as to be a tempting alternative for enthusiast drivers.

Fuel Economy

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
5	5	6	6.5

Test GTIs averaged 16.8-19.1 mpg with manual transmission, 23.6 with SMT, both in slightly more highway travel vs. city driving. VW recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
5	5	4	5.3

Firm suspension irons out small imperfections well enough, but thumps over shartp bumps. Scalloped surfaces can trigger abrupt vertical body motions. Models with optional 18-inch tires more harsh than those with standard 17s. No opportunity to test Farenheit, which has even sportier suspension tuning than base GTIs.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
8	8	8	5.8

Among the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars. Outstanding grip in fast turns with quick, precise steering. Brakes delivery worry-free stops.

Quietness

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
4	4	4	4.4

Smooth, eager engine moderately loud at full throttle, subdued otherwise, though test SMT model suffered some clatter at idle. Coarse pavement generates marked hum from GTI's 17- and 18-inch tires.

Controls

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
6	7	6	5.9

Gaugues unobstructed, clearly marked, but some testers find legibility hindered by blue/purple dashboard lighting. Most switchgear handy, intuitive, but navigation system takes study to program, absorbs too many audio functions. High-quality interior impresses for many soft-touch surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
7	7	7	5.6

Great leg room from ultralong seat tracks. Head room generous even below sunroof housing. Driving position aided by standard tilt/telescope steering wheel. Seats have easy manual height adjustment; GTI's sport buckets help snug passengers in aggressive cornering. Wide rear roof pillars slightly hinder aft visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
3	4	3	4

Good head room, plus adult-size leg room if front seats aren't pushed all the way back. Entry/exit demands dexterity in 2-dr models.

Cargo Room

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
7	7	7	4.8

Hatchback versatility with lots of useful cargo room, low load floor. Folding split rear seatbacks standard, but they don't lie flat.

Value within Class

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
6	6	6	6

GTI offers many laudable standard safety features, and some uncommonly upscale conveniences. But options can lift sticker prices to the top of the class. Also, Volkswagen scores subpar customer-satisfaction ratings for reliability and dealer service. Still, this is a a practical hatchback with near premium-compact build quality and serious driving-enthusiast appeal.

Total Score

2-dr w/nav. sys., man.	4-dr, man.	2-dr w/nav.sys., 18-in whls., SMT	Class Average
58	60	58	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60