The new GTI has arrived

i think i would loose my license in that little goodie in no time. that car looks like it wants to do a constant tribute to the bilstien cup racing of the good olld days!

i would be carrying the inside rear wheel at each opportunity!

have fun.

 

That is a HOT car! I love em too

 

The commericals VW has put out for the GTI are funny. I would get the 3 door because as you said its already heavy as it is.

 

Ever since i drove one a year ago in the UK i swore i would buy one as soon as they're available in the states.

 

It looks pretty good!! 3-door is the way to go.

 

I'm definitely a fan of the new GTI. I'm really interested in the R34 that they're bringing to America. The R32 is already out in Europe, but when it comes to America it'll be powered by a 3.4 liter V6 from the Passat (hence the name-change to R34 from R32). I have no clue when it's coming over here, but I've been keeping my eyes peeled for any news on it. I think you should consider paying the extra money and getting the R.

 

"Get to know your fast."

 

You mean the new 3.6 from the Passat.. It will be the R36, a Jetta R36 is also in the works.

The new 3.6 will make 300+hp in the 2007 Audi TT.. but I doubt we'll see that much power in the Golf, probably the same 280hp as the Passat motor.

A new Golf R wont be out for atleast another year. If we're lucky I'd say plan for Summer 2007.

If you want more power than the 2.0T GTI.. wait until the GTI VR6, 3.2 VR6 with 240hp.. dont know its release though. Or you can buy the APR Chip for the 2.0T and have 250hp/300tq (93 octane).

 

i love the car. saw a black one in new york the other day. really is quite good looking in its simplicity.

 

I drove the GTI w/DSG, and it is a great little car-5 door is definitely on my consider list if I can wait 'til June; otherwise GLI.....

With a chip to go to 240-250 hp, and some lowering springs, you can't lose with this car. From what I've heard the 2.0T has been reliable thus far....

 

I went and looked at the new GTI tonight. It looked great. I am not usually a big fan of white cars but the GTI looks good in it. And yes if I get one I will pass on the leather and go with the plaid seats and the 18" wheels. I owned a 98 GTI VR6 and I loved it. I know it wasn't the best handling car but the engine was so smooth. I have driven a DSG equipped TT and the transmission is fabulous. If you get one I would strongly suggest getting the DSG transmission. I plan on driving one soon. I could have driven one tonight but I didn't have time. I will go soon to drive that and the new Cayman S.

 

Very hot little car. Miles better looking than the Jetta, which turned out looking like the last Civic.

 

Personally I prefer the manual but as a daily driver in the NYC area and more importantly, with a wife who can't drive a manual, the DSG is a no-brainer.

I'm thinking white or silver stripper car. 18 inch wheels look nice but for the Third World streets I drive on I foresee bent rims in my future. Apr chip and lowering springs are all the car really needs.

"Get that Fast under control, son".

 

I have a stripper MK III gti (x flow) with a sachs Sporting set, spherical control arm bushings, and big sways. It is an AMAZING everyday day. It makes everyday that much better AND IT NEVER BREAKS!

 

Any updates here? Did any of you get the GTI?

I went by and drove one last night and absolutely had a ball. I enjoyed this little hatchback FAR more than the Mini Cooper S.

Anyone know what the reliability is like on the DSG trans?

 

I drove a new GTI on Saturday. It was white, plaid seats, DSG. It was fun, but ....

1) The Air Conditioning is a major problem on these cars (and the Audi A3). Let VWAG sort this out before you buy. People are reporting multiple dealer visits to get charges and replacement condensers. The car I test drove had AC that was barely even cold & the 25 minute drive still didn't get the cabin cold. Read some GTI forums and see all the people with AC issues. Working AC that blows COLD is very important for me in a daily driver.

2) The 2.0T is a nice engine, but there is a flat spot off idle when matched to DSG. When at a light, and sitting it 1st gear, you try to accelerate away and the DSG clutch releases slowly and the car bogs seriously. It's rather annoying. If you try to overcompensate for the bog (not sure if it's 50% turbo lag and 50% DSG issue), you'll spin and chirp your front tires. It's a reall annoyance. Adding a chip will probably only enhance this problem.

3) The car does give the sensation that you're not going as fast as you are. Part of that is because of the smooth ride and stable suspension ... but ... it is commonly known now that VW is off with their speedometers. People are reporting seeing 80 mph on the speedo when their NAV unit shows a more realistic speed of maybe 73 mph. That's a significant disparity. There is, as of yet, no fix for the calibration problem.

4) Others have reported some random check lights on the dash. Typical VW stuff. Annoying, but not really serious.

5) Word is that special edition vehicles may come out for '08 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the GTI in the U.S. The 30th anniversary cars are coming out this year in Europe. If you want cool trim and maybe a cool color, you might just be better off waiting.

I would like to buy a 5 door GTI with DSG as my daily driver, but I think I should wait. Too many improvements are needed and too many bugs need to be worked out.

 

I'm still considering the 5-door.

Edit: But I have to get a PPI six states over first.

 

3 or 5 door its all good. The new GTi is a hot little car. I saw a "gang" of them cruiseing around a little while ago. New and Old. I hope VW decides to modify the bumpers a bit on the R32 and ship them to Canada.

 

BUY ONE- I've got a package zero Black manual 3 door and absolutely love it. Its an incredible little machine. The handling is great and the engine isreally torquey
and really smooth. GET ONE

 

Right now is a great time to buy a GTI since they're bringing in the new Rabbit's. I tested a red 3door with plaid seats. Its exactly what I want. THe DSG is fantastic though I worry about reliability (electronics/computers equal trouble)

 

To those who are holding out for the R32/36 - whatever you're getting in the states, you ought to go try a GTi - over here they have the better reputation! Many believe that the added weight of the V6 makes the R32 very nose-heavy and consequently it experiences more understeer than the more agile GTi. I also know a VW salesman who's driven both extensively on road and track and he says he'd take the GTi every time - and no he wasn't trying to sell me one (he's a friend who I've known since childhood).

Surprised how many of you are wanting the plaid (or tartan as we call it) seats - over here the optional leather is by far the more popular option, despite the additional cost.

On the point about plastic seats in Mini Coopers - over here they come as standard with cloth with leather as an option - don't know if your plastic is actually genuine leather, but if my Cooper S is anything to go by, you'd be forgiven for thinking it is - the leather really isn't what you'd expect of a BMW product - many people get their cars re-upholstered over here with some rather natty leather/alcantara combos.