2009 Volkswagen GTI Reviews and Buying Tips
The GTI make success with a huge seller for VW, As the 2009 Volkswagen GTI release is VW’s self-proclaimed “absolute highlight” at the Paris Auto Show.
Introduction of 2009 Volkswagen GTI
The 2009 GTI is a 2- or 4-door, 5-passenger sports coupe, or sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 2.0T Coupe to the 2.0T Sedan PZEV.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
The 2009 GTI is a carryover from 2008.
Index of Volkswagen GTI Reviews
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- By Willfrom Madison, WI—Caveat: I test drove this car today in DSG form, but don’t own it. I drive a Mazda 3 5-door auto, so that’s my yardstick. That said, if you offered me an even trade today I wouldn’t take it.My test drive revealed to me certain characteristics I’m looking for in a sporty car that have nothing to do with the size of its engine. My Mazda 3 has tight steering with precise feedback that responds to the slightest movement left or right. This makes the car feel like it’s right in the palm of my hands. The tradeoff is a somewhat rough highway ride that demands constant vigilance and correction. The 2009 GTI requires more rotations of the wheel to make a turn and offers less resistance. This makes it easier to drive on the highway, but sacrifices that immediate communication that makes zipping around town such a joy in my 3.Now I haven’t checked any data sheets, but the GTI ride felt higher off the ground than the 3. Being further from the road itself makes you feel less connected, as any SUV driver should attest. When I drive my Mazda it feels lower to the ground; acceleration feels like I’m crawling across the pavement and the front tires are my hands. Perhaps I didn’t make the right seat adjustments on my GTI tester to make it low enough, I don’t know. But my overall impression was one of insulation. Again, great if your gearing up for a long trip on the interstate, but thoroughly uninspiring around town.I’ve also driven an Audi TT 2.0T recently and boy did it put a smile on my face. Compared to the GTI the steering was tighter, the ride was lower, and the engine felt more responsive. That could have been due to a more aggressive throttle tip-in, shared with my Mazda. Quicker tip-in seems like an artificial gimmick added to make it feel sportier, but it works. Then again, maybe I’m just used to it. The point is, my 3 puts a smile on my face. The Audi TT put a big smile on my face when I drove it. The GTI was nice, but underwhelming. I had expected so much more.
About Volkswagen
Volkswagen Canada started in 1952 and now relies on a network of 130 dealers. In addition to the affordable City Golf and City Jetta, Rabbit, Jetta (sedan, wagon, TDI) and Passat), the people’s car company offers the retro-inspired New Beetle (coupe, cabriolet), the sporty GTI and EOS as well as the Touareg 2 and Tiguan SUVs.
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Comment by
George on 11 June 2009:
I just got the 2.0T Coupe:)Handling, performance, comfot, very good for the price rang. after my son got this vehicle I tested and found nothing negative to say. well made.
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Comment by
Charles M on 11 June 2009:
Just bought a ‘09 Candy White 3-door GTI, 6-speed transmission a must for any real drivers wanting to experience how the GTI really drives… car looks and drives amazing…i bought mine with the 18″ rims and sun roof, was thinking about the Thunder Bunny body kit but it brougt the price up a little too much… turbo feels and sounds amazing…car is rated for 31 MPG but i have not been able to get over 28 MPG..i don’t drive it that hard so i dont know why i can’t achieve the MPG but i wouldn’t trade this for anything else…mine came with a aux plug for my iPod, so i can just plug it in and go, love this feature…..AMAZING VEHICLE
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Comment by +1
Dieter on 11 June 2009:
The 2.0T Coupe PZEV GTI is a driving Dynamo! Has performance in spades, utility [can transport my kayaks and bikes and all assorted gear] and still have room to spare for my ever-patient wife, with all her gear. Talk about value!
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Comment by +1
erik on 11 June 2009:
I love this 2.0T Sedan car and let all my friends drive it so they can experience what 21k can get them. I feel like I am driving a sports car, but then when I take it out of Sport mode, I get 32 miles to the gallon. I put winter tires on it and it handles great in the winter too!
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