The GTI’s driving environment begins with its unique three-spoke, leather wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio and trip computer controls that, as found in all Volkswagens, tilts and telescopes for optimal driving positioning.
This sporty driver’s tool adds paddle shifters on both sides of the wheel when the optional DSG transmission is added.
Seats, as one expects in a model with this pedigree, are sports designed with ample bolsters for the demands of more spirited driving, with adjustable lumbar support in both front seats. Eight-way, manual sport fabric seats are standard with adjustable head restraints for all seating positions. Also standard is Volkswagen’s “Easy Entry System,” which allows rear occupants more entry space when the front seats are recessed in this practical two-door.
The standard stereo system in the new GTI befits its road manners with a premium 10-speaker AM/FM radio sound system with in-dash six-disc CD player, MP3 format readable, satellite radio compatible for either XM® or SIRIUS�� and theft
deterrence.
Two basic GTI option packages are available. The first adds a power sunroof and satellite radio with a choice of XM or SIRIUS service. The second option package includes Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control, front sport seats with leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, and heated windshield washer nozzles.
While employing the basic tried-and-true independent McPherson strut architecture, the new GTI handling is enhanced by a number of revisions that include a new strut-type axle that helps create a more direct steering ratio; higher transversal axle rigidity; and a lowered tendency to exhibit body roll on tight turns.
This new architecture also uses separate mountings of springs and dampers and allows for improved lower wishbones mounting points, and the use of twin-sleeve shock absorbers.
At the rear, for the first time, the GTI comes equipped with an advanced multilink independent rear suspension. This groundbreaking feature promises not only to improve the GTI’s sporty performance but also helps improve the balance of offering sporty driving dynamics and ride sophistication. The fully independent four-link
suspension, with coil springs, telescopic shocks and stabilizer bar, also allowed the designers and engineers to create more space and practicality to the GTI, including a large opening into the luggage compartment.
Handling performance is honed to perfection by the GTI’s new electromechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, which offers an extremely good “on-center feel” and contributes significantly to the new car’s confident straight-line stability. This gives the new GTI driver a desirable connected-to-the-road feel but
also provides the added capability of active-return steering and straight-ahead driving correction assistance.
Additionally the list of technologically advanced standard equipment on the GTI includes: next-generation Electronic Stabilization Program and a multi-function trip computer with compass, external temperature display, and instant calculations for elapsed time, distance and fuel usage, to mention a few.
In addition to its active safety features, the GTI comes standard with a host of passive safety equipment: driver and front passenger front airbags, driver and front passenger side thorax airbags, Side Curtain Protection® supplemental restraint systems; crash active front headrests; and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
For added assurance, all new Volkswagen automobiles come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited mileage and new vehicle warranties including:
�� Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
�� Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the
initial 12 months/12,000 miles
�� 12 year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation