Base price: 1.8T, $19,640; VR6, $22,570
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-drive; 3-door 5-passenger sedan
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 48/37/18
Wheelbase 98.9 in
Length/width/height 164.9/68.3/56.7 in
Turning circle 35.8 ft
Curb weight 2950–3050 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 22–24/29–31
Fuel-tank capacity/range 14.5 gal/290–348 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front, side, and head (opt) airbags
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-liter DOHC 20-valve 4-in-line, 180 hp; 2.8-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6, 200 hp; 5- or 6-sp man, 5-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, integral trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/disc
ABS standard
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VOLKSWAGEN GTI
The GTI is continuing to fight the reputation that this fourth-generation Golf is a low-performance softy compared with previous generations. Last year VW pumped the horsepower of the 1.8-liter turbo GTI to 180 and put a new four-valve cylinder head on the cast-iron 2.8-liter V-6 to raise horsepower from 174 to 200. VW is also considering bringing stateside a European-tune handling package in 2003 that will make the GTI a true canyon carver. Meanwhile, the only ’03 GTI news is a new color, Silverstone Grey; and leather wraps for the e-brake handle, shift knob, and steering wheel become standard. The VR6 remains one of the largest engines available in a car of this size. It comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 1.8T is available with a five-speed automatic with manumatic operation. Either way, the GTI is a lot of go for the dough.
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