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April 3, 2008 http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/volkswagen_gti_2008

  Marty Padgett
Executive EditorMarty Padgett

(2007 model shown)

 

Volkswagen’s hot GTI hatch returns for the 2008 model year — and the tuner influence deepens as VW drops the ride height about two-thirds of an inch on the two-door and four-door models.

 

The GTI’s 2.0 liter, 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine works through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or a Direct Shift six-speed gearbox, a type of manual where the driver controls gear changes but the clutchwork is handled automatically.

 

All GTIs come equipped with 17-inch wheels and performance tires, high-capacity brakes, sport suspension, metal-trimmed pedals, and monochromatic exterior paint schemes — in addition to air conditioning, cruise control, and a rear defroster. The standard safety equipment package includes anti-whiplash head restraints, a tire pressure monitoring system, front-side and curtain airbags, as well as electronic stability control.

 

Other changes for 2008 include standard Sirius satellite radio, the deletion of automatic climate control, and new trim level names: GTI and GTI Autobahn.

 

More sportscar reviews at TheCarConnection.com

More Volkswagen reviews at TheCarConnection.com

 

Get invoice and MSRP prices for the VW GTI

 

Get a dealer quote for the VW GTI

 

 

(2007 model shown)   Volkswagen’s hot GTI hatch returns for the 2008 model year — and the tuner influence deepens as VW drops the ride height about two-thirds of an inch on the two-door and four-door models.   The GTI’s 2.0 liter, 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine works through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or a Direct Shift six-speed gearbox, a type of manual where the driver controls gear changes but the clutchwork is handled automatically.   All GTIs come equipped with 17-inch wheels and performance tires, high-capacity brakes, sport suspension, metal-trimmed pedals, and monochromatic exterior paint schemes — in addition to air conditioning, cruise control, and a rear defroster. The standard safety equipment package includes anti-whiplash head restraints, a tire pressure monitoring system, front-side and curtain airbags, as well as electronic stability control.   Other changes for 2008 include standard Sirius satellite radio, the deletion of automatic climate control, and new trim level names: GTI and GTI Autobahn.   More sportscar reviews at TheCarConnection.com More Volkswagen reviews at TheCarConnection.com   Get invoice and MSRP prices for the VW GTI   Get a dealer quote for the VW GTI     (2007 model shown) Volkswagen’s hot GTI hatch returns for the 2008 model year — and the tuner influence deepens as VW drops the ride height about two-thirds of an inch on the two-door and four-door models. The GTI’s 2.0 liter, 200-horsepower turbocharged ...