Somewhere during a heart-stopping, GTI-pounding romp through roads most people could only dream of, it struck me. We often talk about what makes a European car "feel" different than a vehicle made in Asia or America, particularly in this increasingly homogenized car market where global engineering teams are finding new ways to clone nearly everything. True automotive inspiration isn't found in a sterile lab but out on the road, and Europe arguably has some of the best in the world. Almost nowhere else do roads have the variation, challenge, length and majesty of scenery found in Europe. That is the secret ingredient - cars developed for people that drive these types of roads every day. Roads that require a vehicle to not only glide down the highway but also handle well, transition well, inspire confidence and most important, are fun to drive. The type of roads that most Europeans drive every day not only inspire but dictate this distinctly European character trait that is often lost on other vehicles... Full Story...

Thanks for adding to the excitement!

-It's cheaper than everyone thought, maintaining a slightly higher price tag than a comparable civic Si (but on a comparative basis no larger than in past years)

-It's some $3.5k cheaper than a Jetta GLi, for what reason?

-Other than looking lame-o, the suspension is nearly as good as in Europe.

-Then engine actually puts down about 220hp (pre-chip )

-It has standard H.I.D.'s

-We are getting those sweetness-retro looking plaid seats - but you have to give up some bolster over the leather.

But people on here, NEVER being satisfied, will complain that:

-HID is standard (why not make the car $500 cheaper?)

-Lack of Side Bolster in Plaid seats

-Price too high when compared to the price of a 1988 GTi

-Rides too high

-Doesn't make enough power

-It's heavy and not as light as a 1988 GTi

-It's not a 1988 GTi.

Did I miss and complaints that are about to come flooding in?

Car looks great! If it werent' for all the problems I've had with my MKIV, I would buy one soon after release. However, I cannot in a sane state of mind give more money to a company that has saddled me with my current MKIV MoneyPit. It's time go Japanese or move up market for my next car.

Gotta get a sunroof and stupid sat. radio if you want leather and heated seats.

Quote, originally posted by PAH062567 »

Gotta get a sunroof and stupid sat. radio if you want leather and heated seats.

screw leather, i want plaid!

and i don't think the ride height will be much of an issue as everybody is going to slam them anyways lol

Quote, originally posted by firefighterjunkie »

Get off my bigmak!

Germany. East Germany actually. Former MiG assembly plant. Quality will be top-notch though, no worries.

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Long Gone- 81 Rabbit, 85 GTI, 94 Golf, 84 GTI, 84 GTI Cab, 00 Golf TDI, 90 GTI

i'm really disapointed in the seating options though. i want bolsters but i don't need leather... oh well.

Looks good boys.

You meant gotta get the stupid leather and nav to get a sunroof?

BTW, never noticed the super hot steering wheels that come in the new V!!

http://www.s14.net
http://www.customobsessions.com

do what now?

you have to get Satellite RADIO (xm or sirius) to get a sunroof.

Tier 1: sat radio and sunroof.

Tier 2: (Tier 1+) Leather, dual zone etc.

In essence, you will not be able to have leather as a stand alone option (though I guarantee a bunch of people seeking to trade seats when they get here - as plenty of people will be buying some of the trick Euro Recaros in plaid, or the Recaro leather/plaid combos!)

If you can bargain a bit, and get this car for in the $21's or $22's with a bit of kit -thats a big steal. May not be Honda SI cheap, but I wont complain if its got a longer warranty, HID's, in-dash 6 disc, and comes with floormats.

OH...forgot to ask Jamie or someone - full size spare for the US market version?????

yes

Better you than me!

Alpine White is only for Pimps. All others need not apply!

Keep Doing Whatcha Wanna Do, Why, Cuz its your car and your money!

You can thank big U.S. SUV's for the higher ride height - considering the higher ride height makes the side crash test scores better.

I'm still waiting for the R36 - nice to see it has this GTI for it's base.

Modified by badb5 at 4:39 PM 12-5-2005

http://www.usgbc.org

http://www.ecosteel.com/

His-07 GTI Reflex Silver, 2 Door, Package 2, Nav, Factory Body Kit, 19" BBS CH.
Hers-07 Rabbit Candy White, 2 Door, Votex Kit, 17" Visions

Hi res for wallpaper? Please.

Thanks for the unbiased observations on the seats, ride height, and lack of DSG launch control. Hope VW is paying close attention to this thread. Now..I may wait to 2007 for them to sort things out. Who know...by then I may have bought something else.

Crappy OSIR V1 Fitment: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3318310

No doubt!

Quote, originally posted by OCDVW »

I'm looking to get a stripper model...no A/C, no sunroof, gimme the cloth and wind windows if possible...I'm VERY excited about the Mk5 GTI. I was set on a white one, but the darker grey (Platinum Grey maybe?) is doing it for me right now

i seriously dount that will ever happen... it would be nice for a 25th AE though. the fact that we get two option packages and the only single options are NAV and 18" wheels leads me to believe there won't be much versatility on the assembly line. it would cost a ton to rework everything...

can you even get those options (or lack there of) in europe??

Quote, originally posted by barnholio »

Jan. 9th Las Vegas speedway I won this GTI incentive contest from VW and get to drive the GTI with the assistance of the Skip Barber racing school!!!! I finally get the big payoff for working at A VW dealership could'nt sleep the night they told me i won!!!! insert Hommer drool

you work at that Ellis VW in Marietta GA? Please tell me you saw that thread a few years back where you guys tried to sue a vortexer? It got over 1,000,000 views...