2009 Volkswagen GTI Features Review

June 25, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

options can lift sticker prices to the top of the class
ConsumerGuide

Most of the Autobahn's features are also offered as stand-alone options
Edmunds

if you wish to choose one of the other various available wheels you must either forego the sunroof or pay for an extra set of rims
Kelley Blue Book

According to Edmunds, standard equipment on the 2009 Volkswagen GTI includes “xenon HID headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, sport front seats, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and a 10-speaker, six-CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio, an auxiliary jack and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.”

“Equipment not included on a base GTI includes a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and rear seat side-impact airbags (four-door models),” reports Kelley Blue Book

Motor Trend says, “If you like built-in nav systems, the GTI offers two packages with visual and audible commands in the color screen in the center console and on the multifunction computer in the dash. The difference between the packages is whether you want a center-console-mounted six-CD changer or a built-in iPod connector.”

“The Autobahn Package adds a sunroof, a premium audio system, leather upholstery and heated front seats with power-adjustable lumbar support. Most of the Autobahn's features are also offered as stand-alone options,” reports Edmunds. “The Thunderbunny Package adds sporty exterior styling elements such as a front spoiler and a rear valance. Other upgrades for the GTI include 18-inch wheels, an iPod adapter and, when equipped with the Autobahn Package, a navigation system.

Kelley Blue Book remarks, “Oddly, VW packages the available sunroof with the 18-inch Hufeisen alloy wheels, meaning if you wish to choose one of the other various available wheels you must either forego the sunroof or pay for an extra set of rims.”

Finally, shoppers will definitely want to keep an eye on the bottom-line price. ConsumerGuide warns, “options can lift sticker prices to the top of the class."

Conclusion

The 2009 Volkswagen GTI combines hatchback convenience with upscale features.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:options can lift sticker prices to the top of the classConsumerGuideMost of the Autobahn's features are also offered as stand-alone optionsEdmundsif you wish to choose one of the other various available wheels you must either forego the sunroof or pay for an extra set of rimsKelley Blue Book According to Edmunds, standard equipment on the 2009 Volkswagen GTI includes “xenon HID headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, sport front seats, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and a 10-speaker, six-CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio, an auxiliary jack and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.” “Equipment not included on a base GTI includes a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and rear seat side-impact airbags (four-door models),” reports Kelley Blue Book Motor Trend says, “If you like built-in nav systems, the GTI offers two packages with visual and audible commands in the color screen in the center console and on the multifunction computer in the dash. The difference between the packages is whether you want a center-console-mounted six-CD changer or a built-in iPod connector.” “The Autobahn Package adds a sunroof, a premium audio system, leather upholstery and heated front seats with power-adjustable lumbar support. Most of the Autobahn's features are also offered as stand-alone options,” reports Edmunds. “The Thunderbunny Package adds sporty exterior styling elements such as a front spoiler and a rear valance. Other upgrades for the GTI include 18-inch wheels, an iPod adapter and, when equipped with the Autobahn Package, a navigation system. Kelley Blue Book remarks, “Oddly, VW packages the available sunroof with the 18-inch Hufeisen alloy wheels, meaning if you wish to choose one of the other various available wheels you must either forego the sunroof or pay for an extra set of rims.” Finally, shoppers will definitely want to keep an eye on the bottom-line price. ConsumerGuide warns, “options can lift sticker prices to the top of the class." ConclusionThe 2009 Volkswagen GTI combines hatchback convenience with upscale features. 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI STYLING | [7 out of 10] Motor Trend: “styling is a bit on the conservative side” Kelley Blue Book: “drivers can enjoy true German-engineered performance without having to sacrifice comfort” Automotive.com: “the five-door can't help but look a bit more utilitarian than ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Volkswagen GTI lands somewhere between less-mature small, sporty coupes and hatches, like the Civic Si and Mazdaspeed3, and more mature, entry-level sporty luxury coupes like the BMW 1-Series. The Volvo C30 is perhaps the most direct rival to the GTI, though the C30 is decidedly sportier in appearance. Audi’s A3 is a slightly larger alternative to the GTI, with five doors for those who want something closer to a wagon. It is admittedly quite a bit more expensive. Yet another rival for the GTI is the MINI Cooper S; many urbanites might appreciate its smaller, nimbler feel.

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See the Volkswagen GTI in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  thecarsky #1, Posted: 10/13/2009

    it is so nice when you can drive this car... really simple and really comfortable....

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