2009 Volkswagen GTI: Road Test
2009 Volkswagen GTI ▼
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- MSRP: $23,230 - $24,930
- Invoice: $21,656 - $23,310
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Related to Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit
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Our road test for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen GTI help you decide if a 2009 Volkswagen GTI is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
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.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, GTIs averaged 16.8-19.1 mpg with manual transmission, 23.6 with the automatic. VW recommends premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.2 |
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 are more harsh than those with standard 17s.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
GTI is 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.
QUIETNESS
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.3 |
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
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
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.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
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. Wide roof pillars slightly hinder aft visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 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
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.3 |
GTI is Recommended for offering 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.
Total Score
| 2-door, manual | 4-door, manual | 2-door w/18-in wheels, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 70 | 68 | 54.3 |
Total Score: 69
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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