| Sporty/performance car; Built in Germany |
|
|
| Good condition price range: $9,500 – $24,600* |
2010 Volkswagen GTI
2010 Volkswagen GTI
2010 Volkswagen GTI interior
| Pros: |
|
| Cons: |
|
GTI is a practical hatchback that offers near premium-compact build quality and serious driving-enthusiast appeal. The 2.0T engine is plenty powerful, but Volkswagen’s automated-manual transmission isn’t so enticing. Still, even with somewhat lofty prices–whether new or used–you get what you pay for in a GTI.
Overview
Volkswagen’s sporty GTI was redesigned for 2010, with freshened exterior and interior styling. This was the sixth generation of the GTI, which had been around for nearly three decades. This sporty hatchback continued to be available with front-wheel drive and either two or four doors. The redesigned front end featured a black honeycomb grille and new angled teardrop headlight housings. Both body styles retained the previous model’s turbocharged and intercooled 200-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Transmissions also carried over and included a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual–called the Direct Shift Gearbox–that behaved much like a conventional automatic. Standard safety features included all-disc antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Rear-side airbags could be installed on four-doors at extra cost. Alloy wheels held standard 17-inch tires, but 18-inch rubber was optional. An available Autobahn Package included leather upholstery and a sunroof. Heated front seats were standard. Xenon high-intensity gas-charge headlights and a tinted glass sunroof were optional. GTI rivals included the Mini Cooper and Clubman, Scion tC, Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis coupe, and Mazda RX-8.
Yearly Updates
| 2011 GTI The GTI’s model lineup was revised for 2011. The optional rear-side airbags were discontinued. A sunroof and navigation system were available, and versions so equipped were now priced as separate models. Formerly offered as an option package, the GTI Autobahn was now offered as a separate model. Autobahn versions had equipment similar to cars with the sunroof and navigation system, but leather upholstery, keyless access/engine start, and an upgraded sound system were added. |
| 2012 GTI There were no changes of note to the 2012 Volkswagen GTI. |
| 2013 GTI Fog lights were made standard across the board for 2013. Some versions featured new wheel designs and a retro-inspired golf-ball shift knob too. In February 2013, Volkswagen announced two new limited-edition models, the GTI Wolfsburg Edition and GTI Driver’s Edition. They were only available as 4-door models in a choice of three exterior colors. The Wolfsburg started as a Base model and additions included “Laguna” 18-inch wheels and tweaked interior trim. The Driver’s Edition was based on the Sunroof and Navigation model and added partial leather interior trim and other tweaks. |
| 2014 GTI The 2014 GTI saw a shortened model year because of the impending release of the all-new 2015 version. All 2-door models and most trim levels were dropped, leaving only the Wolfsburg Edition and Driver’s Edition 4-doors. |
