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2008 Volkswagen GTI Review
Lowered ride height for improved handling.
2008 GTI Review Summary & Specifications
The Volkswagen GTI boasts sporty handling and more power than either the Honda Civic Si or Mini Cooper S. The GTI offers either its short-throw six-speed manual or fast-shifting DSG automatic with shifter paddles. With its subtly Teutonic styling, the GTI may not look like a performance car, but those inside will have no doubt about its dynamic capabilities. They also will enjoy the room, comfort and cargo capacity of its versatile interior. They may even come to like that Interlagos plaid upholstery. We do.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Larry Edsall drove the new GTI in the Phoenix area.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Volkswagen GTI two-door with manual transmission ($22,730); 2-door with automatic ($23,805); four-door with manual ($23,230); four-door with automatic ($24,305) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4 |
| Engines (optional) | 200-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual front airbags, driver and front-passenger side airbags, side-curtain airbags, 3-point harness for all seating positions, child seat tether anchors and LATCH system, anti-lock brakes (ABS), hydraulic brake assist, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESP), traction control (anti-slip regulation and electronic differential lock, engine-braking assist) |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear-seat side-impact airbags |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Wolfsburg, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-374-8389 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.vw.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 22730 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Volkswagen GTI two-door with manual transmission ($22,730) |
| Standard Equipment | fabric upholstery, air conditioning, 8-way manually adjustable front seats with Easy Entry access to second row, 60/40 split rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio control switches, alloy pedals, high-intensity discharge (xenon) headlights with washers, fog lights, turn signals on power-adjustable exterior rear-view mirrors, intermittent windshield wipers, adjustable-height center arm rest, cruise control, trip computer, power locks and windows, remote door locks and window open/close feature, two power outlets, AM/FM/6-CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary input jack, Sirius Satellite Radio, carpeted cargo area with four tie-downs |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Autobahn Package ($3,020) includes power sunroof, sports seats with partial leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and washer nozzles, audio system amplifier; navigation system with six-CD changer ($1,800); all-season performance tires (no charge) |
| Destination Charge | 640 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 28190 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 200 @ 5100-6000 |
| Torque | 207 @ 1800-5000 |
| Fuel Economy | 21/29 |
| Wheelbase | 101.5 |
| Length/Width/Height | 165.8/69.3/58.4 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.3/54.7/41.2 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.5/54.6/35.3 |
| Trunk Volume | 15.1 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson struts with lower wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, four-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 5.6 |
| Curb Weight | 3100 |
| Stock Tires | 225/45HR17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and traction control |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 |
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