2011 Volkswagen GTI

The 2011 Volkswagen GTI is a top performer and a lot of people say that it is one of the best handling front wheel drive cars in the market today. This car ranked second out of ten chic and fashionable small cars in the industry. The said ranking was arrived at after careful consideration of various reviews, driving tests, and study of the safety and reliability features of each car. The GTI is an advanced and improved version of the Volkswagen Golf but the cool interior and the sleek performance has been retained.

Performance

The GTI gives you a better feel of the road and the car drives well no matter how you handle the wheel. Its steering power is awesome with its fast and quick grip on the road. The brakes respond immediately and you do not have to worry about sudden stops. Another thing you can appreciate about the GTI is the fact that even if it is not the fastest car, you will be impressed with its all new turbo-charge four cylinder engine which comes with flawless transmission features.

If its on-road refinement and smoothness you want, the GTI is just that and a lot more. This car’s 2.0 liter turbo power train which can produce 200 HP and 207 pound feet of engine rotating force makes it one of the most sought after cars in the market. Furthermore, the 6 speed manual transmission set-up is just another complement. You can even use the DSG dual clutch to change from automatic mode to manual. You know very well that the DSG or otherwise known as Direct Shift Gearbox models consumes a lesser amount of fuel.

Exterior & Interior

The VW GTI has a fresh interior and exterior and a lot of people say that the design of the car brings out the strongest characteristic of a GTI. The interior boasts of its quality materials and relaxed seating. The nicely outlined fabrics and smooth textured plastics are equally breath-taking. You will be impressed on how well the manufacturer came up with this improved design. Some reviewers say that the exterior of the VW GTI is a little bit aggressive but it still carries that welcoming mark which its predecessor Golf had.

Safety

The 2011 VW GTI combines both sophistication and quality rolled into one. When it comes to safety and reliability, the insurance gave a top safety rating for the 2011 GTI. This rating is based on car impacts or car crash tests on the side, front and roof portions of the car. However, the federal government has not performed any tests on the 2011 model, but it already gave four stars for the 2010 GTI model. VW gives the assurance that all their cars have passed rigid quality control and standards tests.

Comparisons

When compared with the BMW 1, the VW GTI lost when it comes to speed but it lead in fuel efficiency and economy. Because of the DSG feature, the 2011 GTI got 24 mpg when it comes to city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the BMW 1 (MSRP $29,450; 18 city / 28 hwy) only received less fuel savings.

Pros & Cons

Some reviewers say that the 2011 GTI is not fast enough so it is not really the best buy if you are after speed. However, it is worthwhile to take note of so many upscale conveniences which you can enjoy. This car is a practical hatchback with a top quality body and you will not regret it if you purchase it.

Overall Rating
79 out of 100

What others say:

“A punchy turbo engine, crisp handling, and a dual-clutch gearbox give the 2011 Volkswagen GTI a performance profile that’s anything but stodgy.”Car Connection

“Engine noise is only moderate under full-throttle acceleration. Wind and road ruckus are about what you would expect from a sporty car; they’re present but not overly intrusive. Coarse pavement generates marked tire hum.”Consumer Guide

“It is agile and quick, with a gutsy, turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that sounds good, all of which make it fun to drive but not at the expense of comfort.”Consumer Report

“Many competitively priced sport compacts are quicker and handle better.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Compact Sedan (2DR) Base Price: $23,695.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons Miles Per Gallon: 21 city / 31 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 165.8 in. (421 cm) Width: 70 in. (177 cm)
Height: 57.8 in. (147 cm) Curb Weight: 3034 lbs (1376 kg)
Wheel Base: 101.5 in. (258 cm) Ground Clearance: 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 15.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 2.0L TSI® Turbocharged inline-4 Displacement: 121 cu. In.
Horsepower: 200 hp Max RPM: 6000 rpm
Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1800-5000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds 1/4 Mile: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:4Door 2.0L TSI® MSRP: $24,295; MPG: 21 city / 31 hwy

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