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2007 Volkswagen GTI Full Review
Date Published: 4/23/08
Also in the 2007 Volkswagen GTI Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2007 Volkswagen GTI Review
A 4-dr model joins the 2007 lineup of Volkswagen's sporty compact hatchbacks. GTIs are performance-oriented versions of VW's Rabbit hatchbacks; both share a basic underskin design with VW's Jetta sedan. GTIs have a 200-hp turbocharged 4-cyl engine and are available in 2-dr and 4-dr form. Transmission choices are a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed sequential manual (SMT). ABS, traction/antiskid control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard. Rear side airbags are optional on 4-dr models. All GTIs have a sport suspension with a slightly lower ride height for '07. Sunroof, navigation system, and leather upholstery are optional on base models. A newly available Farenheit 2-dr model includes the SMT, sportier suspension tuning, specific trim, and leather upholstery with heated front seats.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
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2007 Volkswagen GTI Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Rear-seat room |
| Instruments/controls | Rear-seat entry/exit (2-dr) |
| Cargo room | Ride w/18-inch tires |
| Steering/handling | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Among the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars. Outstanding grip in fast turns with quick, precise steering. Brakes delivery worry-free stops.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
Hatchback versatility with lots of useful cargo room, low load floor. Folding split rear seatbacks standard, but they don't lie flat.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
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2007 Volkswagen GTI Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/05/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door hatchback, manual | $22,200 | $20,688 | $640 |
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| Base 2-door hatchback, SMT | $23,295 | $21,761 | $640 |
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| Base 4-door hatchback, manual | $22,720 | $21,150 | $640 |
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| Base 4-door hatchback, SMT | $23,795 | $22,223 | $640 |
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| Fahrenheit 2-door hatchback, SMT | $27,665 | $25,775 | $640 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior airt filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear spoiler, xenon headlights, full-size spare tire, 225/45WR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Fahrenheit adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, steering wheel radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Unique interior and exterior trim, sport suspension, 225/40HR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Pkg. 1
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Base
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$1,370
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$1,250
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Power sunroof, satellite radio.
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Pkg. 2
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Base
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$3,160
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$2,887
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Pkg. 1 plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated washer nozzles.
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Ground Effects Kit
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Base, Fahrenheit
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$1,650
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$1,390
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Body cladding.
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Safety |
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Rear side airbags
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4-door
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$350
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$310
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base
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$1,800
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$1,589
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Moves in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer to center console or replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer to iPod adapter. Requires Pkg. 1 or Pkg. 2.
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Upgraded sound system
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Base
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$325
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$287
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iPod adapter
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Base
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$199
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$176
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Satellite radio
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Base, Fahrenheit
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$375
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$331
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Rubber floormats
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Base, Fahrenheit
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$185
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$145
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Includes cargo mat.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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225/45HR17 all-season tires
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Base
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$0
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$0
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225/40HR18 tires
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Base
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$750
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$663
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Volkswagen GTI Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Volkswagen GTI 2-door hatchback | Volkswagen GTI 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.5 | 101.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 165.8 | 165.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.3 | 69.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.4 | 58.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3100 | 3162 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.1 | 14.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.3 | 35.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 200 @ 5100 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 207 @ 1800 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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|
| 6-speed manual | 23/32 |
| 6-speed automated manual | 25/31 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Volkswagen GTI 2-door hatchback | Volkswagen GTI 4-door hatchback |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Volkswagen GTI Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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