Volkswagen GTI reviews

2003 Volkswagen GTI Driving Impressions

The original GTI, which was regarded as quick in its day, could reach 60 mph in just under 10 seconds. The latest one, though almost 700 lb. heavier, gets there in 7.1 seconds, and it keeps on hustling to a top speed of 130 mph.

Besides the VR6's capacity for hurry-up, IT's smooth, quiet and flexible with good pull throughout its entire operating range. And when you're not in hurry-up mode, the VR6 delivers decent fuel economy. We came in at an average of 23 mpg during our test, and in one long interstate run the GTI tallied almost 30 mpg.

About the only GTI powertrain negative we noted during our travels was a hint of torque steer. Torque steer is the tendency in some front-wheel-drive cars for the wheels to pull one way or the other during hard acceleration from a standing start or from low speeds. At its worst, it feels like the car is trying to wrench the wheel out of the driver's hands. The GTI's torque steer is very mild, but we mark it down in the debit column because this trait has been all but banished from today's front-drive automobiles.

Handling, on the other hand, is a definite plus. Ongoing chassis development of the Golf family has more than kept pace with the world industry, and the GTI's chassis is the best of its breed. Combine a stiff chassis with performance-oriented suspension and low-profile tires and you wind up with a car that responds instantly to the DRIver's every whim - a box-shaped sports car.

There are a couple of asterisks. First, the GTI is relatively tall and may feel a little tippy to those unfamiliar with its dynamics, though body roll is controlled better than in almost any other hatchback we can think of. Second, like every other Golf, the GTI will hike up its inside rear wheel in hard cornering. It's disconcerting when you see someone else do it for the first time, but remember that it doesn't affect the GTI's grip at all because the inside rear tire of a front-drive car isn't doing anything during hard cornering, whether or not it's on the pavement.

Sporty suspension tuning and low-profile tires, even the all-season variety, add up to a relatively stiff ride quality. The new GTI isn't as harsh as the original, but it's firm and can be choppy on rough roads. That's the trade-off for aggressive handling.

The GTI's braking is well-matched to its go-power. In fact, it may well be this car's strongest suit in a very strong performance hand; it is perhaps the best braking offered by any car in this price sector.