For nearly three decades, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has represented a potent combination of sports car-like finesse and tuned driving excitement in a versatile hatchback design. The all-new 2010 GTI ushers in the sixth generation of Volkswagen's "hot hatch" lineage, and continues the evolution of an award-winning formula that has impressed driving enthusiasts across the globe. With its fully redesigned exterior, including a more aggressive front end, cleaner side profile, and sleeker hatch area, the Volkswagen Golf GTI upholds its sporty nature. New interior enhancements help set the GTI apart not only from the competition, but also previous generations, and allow both the driver and passengers to enjoy total control and comfort. 23,290, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI stays true to its heritage by providing a dynamic driving experience at an affordable price, and is ready to reward its owners with every start of the ignition. As an icon heading into the next decade, the 2010 Golf GTI two and four-door models take a number of styling cues from the original Mk I, as well as the more recent past, and revitalizes them.
A more streamlined profile continues heading toward the rear, with a more subtle pair of black side skirts that only run partially along the Volkswagen Golf GTI's lower edge, and the absence of any side moldings. In the rear, newly-shaped taillights integrated into the quarter panels and hatch include smoked red brake lenses that are underlined by clear reverse and turn signal lenses. Blended into the updated rear bumper are red running lamp lenses, along with a blacked out diffuser with special cutouts for the chrome-tipped, split dual-exhaust. Low-profile all-season performance tires are standard. Summer performance tires are an available option. Atop the rear hatch is a body color duckbill spoiler, which houses the third brake light. The Volkswagen Golf GTI comes standard with 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels wrapped in allseason performance tires, and can be upgraded to larger 18 x 7.5-inch versions with either all-season or summer performance tires to match. A full-power tinted glass sunroof is also available as an option.
Under the hood, the latest version of the VW Golf GTI utilizes the acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine, with FSI direct fuel injection and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters. Bred for smooth, top-notch performance, the engine features an advanced, fully-electronic management system that combines drive-by-wire throttle control and FSI direct fuel injection to cut back on emissions while increasing overall fuel efficiency and power. Producing 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm, and 207 lbs.-ft. 1,800 all the way up to 5,000 rpm, the Volkswagen Golf GTI's 2.0-liter engine is prepared to take to the road with force. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the Volkswagen Golf GTI can go from a zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and on to an electronically limited 130 mph top speed. Power delivery remains smooth and direct across the rpm range, allowing for a swift, 7.5 second run from 37 to 62 mph in fifth gear, and finishes with a redline of 6,500 rpm.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2.0T engine and six-speed manual transmission deliver an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg in city driving. For drivers who want the performance of a traditional manual transmission with the precision and ease of use of an automatic gearbox, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is available with an optional automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission. This technologically advanced six-speed transmission incorporates an automatic dualclutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. With a special computer controlling the process, one clutch is engaged on the next gear needed while the clutch from the previous gear is released. The results are crisp, quick shifts without the loss of power that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox, and the ability for the Volkswagen Golf GTI to reach 60 mph in 6.7 seconds from a standstill. The 2010 GTI's fuel economy is improved when equipped with the DSG transmission, which attains an EPAestimated 32 mpg in highway driving, and 24 mpg in city driving.
