First Impressions
My wife looked at me with a hint of disbelief, “How can you be so excited about a Volkswagen?” she muttered. Brushing the comment aside, I was far too busy trying to catch the 2010 GTI in my old Land Rover – not an easy prospect. “Just look at it!” I shouted (my Rover gets loud over 70 mph). I dropped a gear and accelerated hard to catch a glimpse… indignant wife and all.
She just didn’t understand.
There, before me, was a glistening white 2010 Volkswagen GTI (view photos). It would be weeks before I got my hands on one and the photos in the magazines did not do it justice. For a GTI fan (I am) this was a meaningful change. “It looks the same to me,” she chirped. Fortunately, my Rover’s tire and wind noise drowned out such blasphemy.
Okay, I can see her point. It was the mission of the designers at Volkswagen to keep the design recognizable. To the layperson, this is another sporty GTI, but to car-folk, it is so much more. In fact, the only design element that remained from the old model is the roof panel.
This new, angular front-end forgoes the 2009’s curvilinear front design for something stronger and more masculine. To a certain extent, this is a clue to Volkswagen’s new family design. Soon, other vehicles will land on our shore with this triangular theme and taut lines.
Neatly bent creases replace softer lines along the body. I find the easiest way to identify a 2010 GTI is by the larger taillights, angular headlights and tighter profile. The dual exhaust bookend the lower bumper – this is a sublime design addition that adds strength. Sit a 2010 Volkswagen GTI next to a 2009 and the changes are more apparent.
Even though the design is based on the Volkswagen Golf, the new Volkswagen GTI has a larger presence and is immediately recognizable. My favorite aspect is the knowledge that all of the go-fast additions to the 2010 Volkswagen GTI truly represent real performance potential. This is not a mock-up of a sporty machine or a “boy racer.” The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is the real deal.
Obvious to most, I love this new GTI.
Pricing, Trims and Options
The Volkswagen GTI 2-door with the standard 6-speed manual starts at $23,489 with the 6-speed DSG dual clutch automated automatic an additional $1,100. A 4-door, 6-speed manual 2010 Volkswagen GTI bases at $24,089 with the 6-speed DSG dual clutch automated automatic an additional $1,100.
Only a few options are available since many standard features come with the 2010 Volkswagen GTI and packages bundle many of the most popular choices. The Autobahn Package offers: leather seating surfaces, power sunroof and sport front seats with lumbar adjustment ($2,795).
Options include:
- Sunroof ($1,000)
- Rear side airbags on the 4-door only ($350)
- Bi-Xenon headlights ($700)
- Dynaudio 300W sound system ($476)
- DVD satellite navigation ($1,750)
Interior Features
Few if any competitors can match the 2010 Volkswagen GTI’s interior. Every automotive journalist I know agrees that it is the best among the competition. Add to this an interior that can hold as much as a small SUV and spot driving can go hand in hand with utilitarian.
If an average consumer were blindfolded and placed inside the 2010 Volkswagen GTI after sitting in competitive rides, I am confident the VW would win. Touch the materials, for they are solid. Luxuriate in the driver’s seat, for it is one of the most comfortable in this bracket. Grip the steering wheel and marvel at its sporty feel and racing-car design. Not only is the steering wheel the best in this bracket, it is one of the best feeling steering wheels on the market.
The visual impact of the 2010 Volkswagen GTI is compelling as well.
Those who remember the early GTIs may remember a cheeky plaid pattern on the seating surfaces. A modern interpretation of that style is apparent here, without being too obnoxious. A leather option covers the plaid. The whole interior on either 2 or 4-door model is simple, elegant and beautifully presented. I dig the high quality Dynaudio premium sound system, too.
Legroom, elbow room and headroom are excellent. The rear seat is roomy and ideal for children’s seats. I found the rear bench seat a tad flat, although my passengers never complained. Driver and front passenger seating is comfortable while being supportive for fast driving.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
The GTI is based on the 2010 Volkswagen Golf, which received an overall “good” score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) on all 4-door models. This is the IIHS’s top score.
Volkswagen GTI’s standard safety equipment includes: stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
On the 4-door, rear side airbags are optional.
Volkswagen’s standard warranty is 3 years/36,000 for a new vehicle. The powertrain warranty is 5 years/60,000 miles and an anti-corrosion warranty is 12 years/unlimited distance.