X

Photos: 2007 Volkswagen GTI

The sporty GTI's DSG transmission gives it an edge over the Honda Civic Si among hot hatchbacks. But the GTI's cabin electronics leave a lot to be desired.

CNET Reviews staff
32108407-2-440-0.jpg
1 of 15 CNET Networks
The GTI is one of the foremost cars in the hot hatchback segment. Its strongest rival is the Honda Civic Si.
32108407-2-440-FT.jpg
2 of 15 CNET Networks
The GTI has some serious performance styling, notably its honeycomb grille and air intakes. The grille gets a red pinstripe that looks good on both white or black GTIs.
32108407-2-440-SD.jpg
3 of 15 CNET Networks
This year, the GTI is available in two- or four-door versions. The four-door GTI adds 62 pounds over the two-door version.
32108407-2-440-SS01.jpg
4 of 15 CNET Networks
Hot hatches, with their boxy rear ends, have a distinctive styling all their own, and a hint of practicality.
32108407-2-440-SS02.jpg
5 of 15 CNET Networks
Configured as shown, the GTI has no more cargo space than the average compact sedan. But take out the rear cover and fold down the seats, and the cargo area becomes much more substantial.
32108407-2-440-INT.jpg
6 of 15 CNET Networks
Although the GTI uses quality switchgear and materials, the luxury only feels skin deep.
32108407-2-440-DT3.jpg
7 of 15 CNET Networks
We were unimpressed with the navigation system, which uses a slow processor and takes too much time to draw its maps.
32108407-2-440-DT4.jpg
8 of 15 CNET Networks
With the navigation option present, the CD changer gets mounted in the center console. The console-mounted changer, as opposed to the in-dash unit, can't play MP3 CDs.
32108407-2-440-SS03.jpg
9 of 15 CNET Networks
You can operate the disc changer with the buttons lining the LCD.
32108407-2-440-SS04.jpg
10 of 15 CNET Networks
The radio preset list mimics the layout of the CD screen.
32108407-2-440-SS05.jpg
11 of 15 CNET Networks
We were very happy with the audio quality of the stereo system.
32108407-2-440-DT5.jpg
12 of 15 CNET Networks
The Direct Shift Gearbox really makes the GTI stand out. Its sport mode is surprisingly aggressive.
32108407-2-440-SS09.jpg
13 of 15 CNET Networks
The GTI's steering wheel gets a sporty flat area at the bottom. The paddle shifters on the spokes allow lightning-fast gear shifts.
32108407-2-440-SS08.jpg
14 of 15 CNET Networks
One detail Volkswagen got from its Audi make is the useful LED display in the middle of the instrument cluster. It can show trip computer data, navigation, or stereo information.
32108407-2-440-SS10.jpg
15 of 15 CNET Networks
The turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine in the GTI makes a delightful growl.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos