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Volkswagen‘s latest Golf has been on sale in Europe since late 2003, and the GTI three-door hatchback since mid-2005, but the wait is finally over for U.S. buyers. In January 2006, after being introduced at the 2006 Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows, the Golf GTI serves as the launch model for the fifth-generation Golf on these shores. The latest GTI arrives as a 2006 model year vehicle, even though the prior generation had a part-year 2006MY run.
Standard Golf models go on sale during the second quarter of 2006, but it is the GTI that Vehicle Voice correspondents and Golf enthusiasts around the country are most interested in. Given our past experiences with the Audi A3 and the Golf IV R32 models, we’re looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a GTI. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know.

200HP and Six Gears
The GTI gets VW’s 200HP 2.0L DOHC 16v FSI I4, also available in entries including the Jetta and Audi A3, mated to a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission. FSI in VW-speak means fuel-stratified injection, direct injection to you and me. Though electronically limited to 130HP in the States, we expect the Golf GTI to quickly find its way onto our favorite drives list.
As with previous models, standard Golf and Jetta will share more than just the 200HP 2.0L. Look for the 150HP non-turbo 2.0L and the 100HP 1.9L diesel options in the standard Golf, just like the Jetta. VW offers more than ten engines in international versions of the Golf, but U.S. buyers will see only three or four options.
The latest Golf offers improved use of space and above-average build quality that should give it a competitive advantage. Styling features even cleaner lines, plainer surfaces, and historic Golf cues like extra-wide C-pillars, ovoid headlamps, rectangle wrap-around taillights, and a triple-bar radiator grille. The interior has a new dashboard architecture, more sophisticated materials, and improved ergonomics.

GTI Signs
The GTI can be indentified not only by the GTI badges front and rear, but also by the honeycomb mesh in the upper and lower front grille, its halogen fog lamps, the extra air intakes, a low front spoiler, a roof spoiler, red brake calipers, and dual chrome tailpipes. Standard wheels are seventeens with low-profile summer tires and all-seasons a no-cost option, but eighteens can be ordered.
Inside, there is alloy trim on the door sills, door handles, and pedals; brushed metal accents are found on the dash, and the instrument panel gauges are aluminum and black. As with previous GTIs, there are sport seats. The new three-spoke steering wheel comes with standard audio and phone controls on the GTI, as well as paddle shifters for those ordering the DSG transmission.
GTI Features and Options
Standard safety features on the GTI, and all Golf V models, include six airbags, active front headrests, and the latest ESP system. The Golf GTI incorporates more standard features than the Golf, including a premium ten-speaker audio system, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a trip computer, headlight washers, heated exterior mirrors, cruise control, six-CD changer between front seats, and a premium stereo are among the features standard on the GTI, there are two options packages. The first adds a power sunroof and satellite radio (buyer’s choice between XM and Sirius); the second includes the first plus adds dual-zone climate control, leather seats, heated front seats, heated windshield wiper nozzles, and a “top level” sport seat.
Pricing
The GTI with the standard six-speed gets a base price tag of $21,990 (plus $630 destination). Taking the DSG brings the price up to $23,065. Package 1 (sunroof and satellite radio) sets you back only $1,370. Package 2 has a price tag of $3,160, but includes package 1 as well as the aforementioned convenience features. Equipping a DSG GTI with the $3,160 option package, adding the $1,800 in-dash six-disc CD and DVD navigation unit, and upgrading the seventeen-inch wheels to eighteens means a GTI with a launch MSRP of $28,775, before the $630 destination fee.
Checking all the options boxes on the GTI’s list takes the car to a price point with lots of fun-to-drive options, includinga standard DSG A3 (which gets you a five-door instead of a three-door hatchback), the Ford Mustang GT coupe, pretty much fully optioned out Mazda MX-5 or Pontiac Solstice, a Mini Cooper S with the John Cooper Works package, a Subaru Impreza WRX (though not 300HP STi), or even a Pontiac G6 GTP. All of these cars offer far different personalities, but at $29,000, the Golf GTI loses some of its cheap thrills appeal. Speaking of pricing, the also new-for-2006 197HP, six-speed manual transmission Civic Si coupe looks like a steal at less than $22,000 (including navigation and XM radio).
Our suggestion? Skip the DVD navigation and in-dash CD changer, but take the eighteen-inch wheels. While the $3,160 package includes lots of nice convenience features, the standard car is very well equipped and has the essentials. If you must have heated seats and a sunroof, go for it. If not, take the base GTI with the eighteen-inch wheels gets you out the door for about $23,500 with what we expect to be a great driver’s car.