First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI reminds us why we like hot hatches so much

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drives

2010 Volkswagen GTI - Click above for high-res gallery

Performance Icon. That two-word phrase is bandied about so often there's hardly any meaning left in its 15 letters. After all, if a Porsche 911 is rightly referred to as a performance icon, can we call a Honda Civic Si the same? And are we talking any old 911/Civic Si, or just certain years and models? For instance, there is no doubt that the B13 Nissan Sentra SE-R, with its killer SR20DE engine, is a performance icon, but what about the current B17 Sentra SE-R? How about the Spec V? No way - the Versa has a better chassis.

We mention this problem with the Performance Icon label because Volkswagen described the all-new 2010 MkVI GTI to us as the "performance icon of the brand." As you may have noticed, Volkswagen's been delving pretty deeply into its past for marketing purposes as of late. First they tried reintroducing the Rabbit name much to the chagrin of Golf fans nationwide, and now they have Max, the black 1964 Beetle telling you that VW is "Das Auto." On a smaller scale, it's attempting to remind potential GTI buyers that the new model is both a direct descendant of and flag bearer for the original 1983 MkI GTI. Here comes the begged question: is it?

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI

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First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI reminds us why we like hot hatches so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Sixth-gen VW GTI

John Neff — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

The current VW GTI is garnering lots of praise in the motoring press, but it's never too soon to talk about the next iteration. Based on spy photos of the sixth-generation GTI caught testing in Germany, this rendering shows a promising turn in the hot hatch's design. While the basic shape is familiar enough, the front end shows off design cues lifted straight off the GTI W12 650 concept that VW showed at this year's Wörthersee show. The lower front intake is split into three parts just like the 650-horsepower monster compact on which it's based, and the grille itself is outlined in red, as well. eGMCarTech also tells us the next Golf/Rabbit and its GTI version will feature design cues from the VW up! concepts currently making the rounds of international motor shows. What will be powering the next GTI is not known, but most expect the 200-horsepower 2.0L turbo to carry over.

[Source: eGMCarTech]

Rendered Speculation: Sixth-gen VW GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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