The San Francisco Chonicle Calls the GTI a “Buy”

September 5, 2006 – 10:07 pm by Matt Radel
Filed under Volkswagen GTI

Most of the reviews I’ve read on the GTI go something like this: “It’s so much fun, turns on a dime, looks great, is a lot of car for the money, BUT…(insert harsh critique here, usually some nonsense about it being underpowered or something). I haven’t seen one that gives a full endorsement from start to finish - until now.

The San Francisco Chronicle has released it’s review, and what a review it is. I won’t repeat too much of it, but here are a couple of highlights:

“What Volkswagen has done with the new GTI is what many car companies are doing with their “affordable” automobiles. It has given the new car enough power to satisfy normal drivers, enough good handling and road feel to make them think they are behind the wheel of a substantially more competent machine at a price that will make many of them believe they’ve got a good deal. To enhance that impression, Volkswagen also has given the new GTI a top-notch interior, all expertly assembled and upholstered, available with all of the latest electronic gadgetry, such as a 10-speaker premium sound system, to help ease the pain of sitting in traffic jams during suburban-urban-suburban commutes.”

“Head-turning quotient: Depending on the options you choose, you can make the new GTI look tough and masculine or cute and feminine. Hint: It’s mostly in the wheels. For example, combining the six-speed manual version with 18-inch-diameter wheels, spoked-wheel design, and black body with black interior can bring out the “Talladega Nights” in you. Going to 17-inch-diameter cloverleaf wheels, six-speed automatic and a “tornado red” body evokes more of a “Little Miss Sunshine” mood — cute, albeit not enough to win a beauty contest.”

The only complaint they have is that the back doesn’t really seat 3 adults comfortably. Otherwise, they love the hell out of it. At any rate, this is just another piece of really nice press that the new GTI has nabbed since it’s release, and I have to say that I think it deserves it. You gotta give it up for the pocket rocket.

The San Francisco Chonicle Calls the GTI a “Buy”
September 5, 2006 – 10:07 pm by Matt Radel