ABOUT
This is my brand new 2007 Volkswagen GTi. It's the best car I've ever owned. A little background info...
My first car was a 1983 Volkswagen GTi...the first model year they imported it into the States. I've also owned a black MKII, a black MKIII, and two MKIVs -- a silver 4-door 2.slow and a rare 4-door 1.8t. I've also owned a 2001 Ford Focus SVT and a 2005 Mini Cooper S.
My current GTi is the base, base, base model; 17" rims, no sunroof or nav., cloth seats, 6 speed tranny. I thought about getting the DSG, and when I test drove that particular iteration, I thought it was great, but I just couldn't picture driving being as fun without a traditional manual. I'm not saying that a stick is better than paddle-shifters, it's just not time for me to make that leap.
So, the car is amazing. The power is phenomenal, and very linear for a turbocharged 4-banger. I find it a little trickier to stay inside this powerband than my 1.8t MKIV, but that's probably because it's a 6 spd. Overall though, it is a much stronger and smoother engine. I do wish I could get an extra 500-1000 RPM, though. (An APR chip will take care of that when I get some cash.) Inside, the interior is what you've come to expect from recent VWs; great materials and ergonomics. The seats are much improved over the MKIV with big beefy bolsters and a nice-looking plaid pattern. The speedo and gauges are a step-up from the previous version, but I don't much care for the large bulky buttons on the radio -- they look and feel cheaper than the rest of the car. The steering wheel is incredible, and makes you want to hold it at 10 and 2. The shifter compliments the steering wheel nicely with cool aluminum brush tin (which is present at several places throughout the cabin). Mechanically, the shifter is taut and solid, but a short-shift is definitely in order.
All of these great things aside, the MKVs greatest accomplishment is its handling. It handles better than my Cooper S and is on par if not a little better than my Focus SVT. The only area in which it lacks is the steering -- not enough feedback, a little too much power-assist. That said, it is leagues above the MKIV and one of the best handling FWD hatches in the world -- if not the best.
Overall, my MKV GTi -- even in base trim -- beats every other car I have ever owned. More than that though, I can't think of any other car on the US market (for the price) that I would rather have. I'm very very happy...but can't wait to mod it...
MODS
Don't know if I will go all the way and do coil-overs, fr. and rr. sways, or just some progressive springs.
