High degrees of pleasure!
Fans of Volkswagen remember the first-generation GTI as an impressive car, with unparalleled power in the compact segment and handling that made every other automaker envious. The original GTI was a hot little street bomb which enthusiasts loved to drive aggressively a couple of decades ago.
When Volkswagen decided to revive the nameplate in 2006, the bar was pretty high, as were the expectations of GTI fans. The solution was to reinvent the hot-hatch genre by using the new Rabbit as a starting point while preserving the fun factor that made the GTI famous.
A sizeable challenge
In reality, the new-generation GTI, especially the Fahrenheit limited edition, comes extremely close to reaching that goal. Indeed, while the previous model banked on its lightweight construction to deliver high performances, today's drivers have a hard time living without a bunch of accessories, which inevitably increases weight.
As it turns out, VW chose to inject a good dose of comfort into the GTI, even though it meant compromising performance a bit. The result is quite rewarding: while it can still move with spirited intensity, the little GTI is now being touted as an everyday car that you will never regret buying.
Accessories are aplenty and comfort is a main highlight. Actually, fit and finish are such that you feel like you're sitting in a more upscale vehicle. The dashboard, in typical Volkswagen fashion, has that little something that makes it appear more refined. It has to be said, though, that the bright orange treatment of the exclusive Fahrenheit model is carried over inside, in the form of body-colored stitching and inserts. The Recaro sports seats are both comfortable and supportive; the quality leather is really worth mentioning as it gives more flair to the interior.
Fans of Volkswagen remember the first-generation GTI as an impressive car, with unparalleled power in the compact segment and handling that made every other automaker envious. The original GTI was a hot little street bomb which enthusiasts loved to drive aggressively a couple of decades ago.
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| The few kilos gained over the years are justified. |
When Volkswagen decided to revive the nameplate in 2006, the bar was pretty high, as were the expectations of GTI fans. The solution was to reinvent the hot-hatch genre by using the new Rabbit as a starting point while preserving the fun factor that made the GTI famous.
A sizeable challenge
In reality, the new-generation GTI, especially the Fahrenheit limited edition, comes extremely close to reaching that goal. Indeed, while the previous model banked on its lightweight construction to deliver high performances, today's drivers have a hard time living without a bunch of accessories, which inevitably increases weight.
As it turns out, VW chose to inject a good dose of comfort into the GTI, even though it meant compromising performance a bit. The result is quite rewarding: while it can still move with spirited intensity, the little GTI is now being touted as an everyday car that you will never regret buying.
Accessories are aplenty and comfort is a main highlight. Actually, fit and finish are such that you feel like you're sitting in a more upscale vehicle. The dashboard, in typical Volkswagen fashion, has that little something that makes it appear more refined. It has to be said, though, that the bright orange treatment of the exclusive Fahrenheit model is carried over inside, in the form of body-colored stitching and inserts. The Recaro sports seats are both comfortable and supportive; the quality leather is really worth mentioning as it gives more flair to the interior.
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| Small changes that make a big difference. |