| The 2007 MkV Volkswagen GTI, as it's name implies | | | | addition to automatic for around town driving. For those |
| is the 5th generation of the Golf GTI series of cars | | | | feeling adventurous, a sport mode exists which will |
| that Volkswagen started producing in 1976. All GTI | | | | hold each gear to redline (6500 rpm!) before up shifting |
| iterations have been based off the entry level Golf | | | | to make sure you always are in the power band. |
| (also known as the Rabbit in the US), but which have | | | | The MkV GTI has 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged |
| been modified in sporting ways to enhance the | | | | engine with direct fuel injection. Power figures are 200 |
| appearance, handling, and performance of the base | | | | horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. These numbers |
| Golf. One feature that both the first generation (MkI) | | | | may seem modest, but the torque curve this engine |
| and the fifth generation (MkV) have in common is the | | | | provides is what has earned it a place on Ward's Best |
| use of red and gray plaid cloth upholstering of the | | | | Engine List multiple times. From roughly 1800 rpm to the |
| seats. Another shared feature that denotes the family | | | | 6500 rpm redline the torque curve is very flat. The |
| lineage is a red trim line in the front grill. | | | | result of this is fantastic, providing effortless |
| The MkV GTI wears many hats because of the | | | | acceleration. Passing at highway speeds is a non-issue |
| versatile features designed into the car. It is a | | | | in every gear. |
| hatchback, which makes it very easy to load a | | | | Depending on optional equipment, the original price of |
| reasonable amount of cargo into the rear. 15.1 cubic | | | | the MkV GTI varied from $22,000-$27,000. In all |
| feet of storage space exists when all seats remain | | | | specifications, this yielded a great value for the money. |
| upright. This can be substantially increased when the | | | | For under $30,000 (sometimes well under) one could |
| rear 60/40 bench seat is folded down. | | | | get a very sporty car which comfortably seats 4 |
| Two choices of transmission are available in the MkV | | | | adults, carries a load of groceries, gets 30 miles to the |
| GTI: 1) Standard six-speed manual 2) Optional DSG | | | | gallon, and puts a smile on your face! |
| twin-clutch manual. Both are excellent choices, fitting | | | | It is 2010 (model year) now, and a new kid is on the |
| the sporty nature of the vehicle. The DSG transmission | | | | block, the MkVI GTI, an update of the MkV. Surely it |
| has extremely quick, nearly seamless shifting from | | | | too carries the torch forward for the Volkswagen GTI |
| gear to gear. A manual shift mode is available in | | | | family. |