Vehicle: 2007 VW GTI
Price as tested: CDN$29375

Performance: Mk5 GTI is powered by only one powerplant. This 2.0L DOHC turbocharged engine with FSI technology is good for 200 horses and 173 lb/ft of torque. While it “only” has 200hp on paper, it feels more than this figure in real life driving thanks to its torquery nature. The maximium torque arrives at 1950 rpm which is godsent in daily driving. 173 lb/ft of torque also delivers what most drivers wanted in day-in and day-out driving without have to push the engine up the high rpm for maxmium horses. On the other hand, this engine is as willing to rev in redline as its eager down low. Matched with this wonderful little mill is a 6-speed manual gearbox that has good throw and well-defined gates. However, the clutch travel still hard to engage due to VW’s typical high engagement point. It takes time to get used to this engagement point especially during traffic jam, or else, it would get your left leg hurt. If one decided not to go with stick shift, add a grand to the price tag and got yourself a wonderful DSG. This dual clutch sequential gearbox shifts quicker than manual while losing the fun with the awesome paddle shifters that come standard with it.

Handling: Unlike the Euro-spec GTI that I drove back in December, the initial bunch of North American-spec GTI comes standard with 17″ instead of 18″ tires. However, the narrower tires don’t affect much of GTI’s dedlicated chassis dynamics. As you would expect from a GTI, it all starts with a stiff and stout chassis that is free of flex. Matched with the new multil-link rear suspension setting and you got a delightful dynamic package. GTI’s electric steering has always been rated as the best system in the industry, and its rightly so. Its precise, crisp, weights properly and sharp through every turns. Its just so perfect. ESP has high threshold that won’t kicked in until absoultely necessary. Even with 215/45 17″ tires, GTI’s cornering remains flat and stable, understeer is undetectable until you enter a curve in a ridiculous manner. All of this combined with top-notch ride quality that absorbs all sorts of bumps and roughness smoothly without losing the European supple ride. The result is a hot hatch which has ride and handling compromise that shames many of those so-called sports sedans.

Brakes: GTI’s brakes are equally impressive. With standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, the pedal feels solid and firm. True to GTI’s German tradition, its easily modulated and fade-free after couple of hard stops. ABS never kicks in until absoultely necessary is an added bonus.

Interior: Inside the GTI, everything is very logically layout. It starts with a great sets of Plaid cloth seats that offer wonderful supports. Clear and analog instrumentation gauges, stereo placed above climate control are all excellent designs. Everything inside GTI have those tactical, high-quality, substantial feel that is truly Teutonic. The use of high-quality plastic can put many so-called luxury cars to shame.

Even if its a 3-door, back seat is equally comfortable but 3 people is a squeeze back there.

Along with 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and low liftover, the tailgate can also locked it in the highest position for those of us who always need to load luggages in rainy days.

Conclusion: If you are looking for a fun hot hatch that is afforable, fast, handles wonderfully with world-class build quality; there is nothing else better than GTI on the market. When you consider it starts barely below 30 grand, you probably hardly find a better buy anywhere else regardless of price.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 VW GTI
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5