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2008 Volkswagen GTI Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Volkswagen GTI Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen GTI Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Volkswagen GTI Review
The 2008 Volkswagen R32 marks the return of a super-high-performance hatchback to this automaker's lineup. Meanwhile, the GTI is largely unchanged. GTIs are front-wheel drive hatchbacks with either 2 or 4 doors. They have a turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. The R32 is all-wheel drive, has a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6, and automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. A new Autobahn Package for the GTI includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof. R32s have sportier suspension tuning and unique trim.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cylinder hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
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2008 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 and impressive highway passing punch. The manual transmission shifts with exemplary precision, but some testers would like shorter throws. The automatic shifts smoothly in automatic or manual mode. It's also quick enough that enthusiast drivers may be tempted to opt for it instead of the manual. R32 has more usable power, particularly for passing and merging, but suffers from annoying low-speed throttle lag.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Despite some low-speed turbo lag, GTIs have quick acceleration and impressive highway passing punch. The manual transmission shifts with exemplary precision, but some testers would like shorter throws. The automatic shifts smoothly in automatic or manual mode. It's also quick enough that enthusiast drivers may be tempted to opt for it instead of the manual. R32 has more usable power, particularly for passing and merging, but suffers from annoying low-speed throttle lag.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, GTIs averaged 16.8-19.1 mpg with manual transmission, 23.6 with the automatic, both in slightly more highway travel vs. city driving. Test R32 averaged 20.2 mpg in mostly city driving.
VW recommends premium-grade gas.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, GTIs averaged 16.8-19.1 mpg with manual transmission, 23.6 with the automatic, both in slightly more highway travel vs. city driving. Test R32 averaged 20.2 mpg in mostly city driving.
VW recommends premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Firm suspension tuning irons out small imperfections well enough, but all thump over sharp bumps. Scalloped surfaces can trigger abrupt vertical body motions. Models with the optional 18-inch tires, including R32, are more harsh than those with standard 17s.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Firm suspension tuning irons out small imperfections well enough, but all thump over sharp bumps. Scalloped surfaces can trigger abrupt vertical body motions. Models with the optional 18-inch tires, including R32, are more harsh than those with standard 17s.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Among the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars. All have outstanding grip in fast turns with quick, precise steering. The brakes deliver worry-free stops. In snowy conditions, R32 with its standard AWD is especially capable.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Among the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars. All have outstanding grip in fast turns with quick, precise steering. The brakes deliver worry-free stops. In snowy conditions, R32 with its standard AWD is especially capable.
Quietness
Engine noise is only moderate under full-throttle acceleration. One test GTI suffered from some engine clatter at idle. Coarse pavement generates marked hum.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.2 |
Engine noise is only moderate under full-throttle acceleration. One test GTI suffered from some engine clatter at idle. Coarse pavement generates marked hum.
Controls
The gauges are unobstructed and clearly marked, but some testers find legibility hindered by the blue/purple dashboard lighting. Most switchgear is handy and intuitive. The navigation system, however, takes study to program and absorbs too many audio functions.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
The gauges are unobstructed and clearly marked, but some testers find legibility hindered by the blue/purple dashboard lighting. Most switchgear is handy and intuitive. The navigation system, however, takes study to program and absorbs too many audio functions.
Details
Interior decor is especially impressive with quality fabrics, nicely textured plastics, and many soft-touch surfaces. One test car did suffer from a minor dashboard creak. A few plastic R32 cabin trim pieces, meant to look upscale, are disappointingly cheap in look and feel.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.8 |
Interior decor is especially impressive with quality fabrics, nicely textured plastics, and many soft-touch surfaces. One test car did suffer from a minor dashboard creak. A few plastic R32 cabin trim pieces, meant to look upscale, are disappointingly cheap in look and feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Great legroom from ultralong seat tracks. Headroom is generous even below the sunroof housing. Driving position is aided by a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel. GTI's sport buckets help snug passengers during aggressive cornering. R32's more aggressively bolstered sports may prove too confining for larger drivers, and disappoint with lack of power controls, a sin at $35,000.
Wide roof pillars slightly hinder aft visibility.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Great legroom from ultralong seat tracks. Headroom is generous even below the sunroof housing. Driving position is aided by a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel. GTI's sport buckets help snug passengers during aggressive cornering. R32's more aggressively bolstered sports may prove too confining for larger drivers, and disappoint with lack of power controls, a sin at $35,000.
Wide roof pillars slightly hinder aft visibility.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Good headroom, plus adult-size legroom if front seats aren't pushed all the way back. Entry and exit demand dexterity in 2-door models.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1.4 |
Good headroom, plus adult-size legroom if front seats aren't pushed all the way back. Entry and exit demand dexterity in 2-door models.
Cargo Room
Hatchback versatility with lots of useful cargo room and a low load floor. Folding split rear seatbacks are standard, but they don't lie flat.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 2.9 |
Hatchback versatility with lots of useful cargo room and a low load floor. Folding split rear seatbacks are 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. Still, this is a practical hatchback with near premium-compact build quality and serious driving-enthusiast appeal. That blend earns this sporty hatchback our Recommended nod. The flagship R32 is marginally more fun, but its nearly $10,000 premium over the already rewarding-to-drive GTI is hard to justify.
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 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. Still, this is a practical hatchback with near premium-compact build quality and serious driving-enthusiast appeal. That blend earns this sporty hatchback our Recommended nod. The flagship R32 is marginally more fun, but its nearly $10,000 premium over the already rewarding-to-drive GTI is hard to justify.
Total Score
| GTI 2-door, manual | GTI 4-door, manual | GTI 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | R32 | Class Average |
| 69 | 70 | 68 | 65 | 53.2 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Volkswagen GTI Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/14/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door hatchback, manual | $22,800 | $21,258 | $650 |
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| Base 2-door hatchback, automatic | $23,875 | $22,331 | $650 |
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| Base 4-door hatchback, manual | $23,300 | $21,721 | $650 |
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| Base 4-door hatchback, automatic | $24,375 | $22,794 | $650 |
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| R32 2-door hatchback, automatic | $32,990 | $31,283 | $650 |
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 automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, 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 air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height and lumbar adjustment, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, 225/45HR17 tires, alloy wheels.
R32 adds to Base:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, all-wheel drive.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers w/heated washer nozzles, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 225/40HR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Autobahn Pkg.
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Base
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$3,020
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$2,796
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Leather upholstery, heated front sport seats, power sunroof, upgraded sound system, heated washer nozzles.
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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Base
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$225
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$199
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Heated front seats, heated washer nozzles.
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Ground Effects Kit
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Base
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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, R32
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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. Base requires Autobahn Pkg. 6-disc CD changer.
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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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Power sunroof
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Base
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$1,000
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$883
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Rubber floormats
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Base
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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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225/40HR18 tires
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Base
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$750
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$663
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225/40YR18 tires
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Base
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$890
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$787
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 3.2 /195 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 200 @ 5100 | 250 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 207 @ 1800 | 236 @ 2500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 21/29 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | 22/29 | 18/23 |
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 | NA | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 5 |
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/unlimited | -- |
| 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, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Volkswagen GTI Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen GTI Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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