2006 Volkswagen GLI
By Jeff Voth
Date Posted: 1/16/2006
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The small town of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the second oldest city in the United
States, founded in 1607 by the Spanish. Translated literally, it means "Holy Faith"
and is often referred to as "The Different City". Encircled by millions of acres of
forest, it rises 7,000 feet above sea level.
As the starting point for many different outdoor recreational activities, it offered the
perfect location to showcase the 2006 Volkswagen GLI.
With the launch of the new 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5L earlier this year, followed
shortly thereafter by the TDI, (turbo diesel) it seemed reasonable to assume the
higher performing GLI variant would slot in right behind. And so it was that
Volkswagen brought us to the desert and some of the finest roads in the United
States to put it through its paces.
In my opinion, the small to midsize sport sedan market is not awash with soul
stirring cars at the moment. The two most likely candidates deserving attention are
the Acura TSX and Nissan Altima SE-R. Excellent vehicles in their own right, they
represent what it takes to compete successfully in the market. Beyond these two
models however, the choice is mostly uninspiring.
Having spent the better part of a day behind the wheel of the new Volkswagen GLI, I
would strongly suggest that before spending your hard earned dollars on a new car,
you take a test drive in this excellent sedan.
Attitude is something the 2006 GLI has in spades. An aggressive, blacked out grille
dominates the fascia of this sport sedan. The racy paint scheme is carried through
the lower sill and into the rear bumper, as well as the bottom half of the side
mirrors.
Large, oval styled headlights with round lower foglights and red grille trim add to the
appeal of the new GLI. Blue tinted glass is unique to this model, as is the body kit,
light washers and dual exhaust.
The new GLI comes equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine with intercooler.
Producing a vigorous 200 hp @ 5,500- 6,000 rpm and 207 lbs-ft of torque between
1,800- 4,700 rpm, this fine Euro-sedan throws down the gauntlet and dares others
to take up the challenge.
What separates the new GLI from its competitors is the stunning ease with which it
delivers power to the road.
The in-line, 4-cylinder turbo, responds effortlessly to every request for power, while
the whisper quiet cabin insulates passengers in quiet comfort. On more than one
occasion, I found myself driving 30 mph over the posted speed limit, without even
realizing how fast the car was going. On that note, top speed for new GLI is limited
to 130 mph.
This is not to say the new GLI disengages the driver from the road. On the contrary,
it provides the opportunity to focus on the road ahead and not the distractions
caused by wind and road noise.
A front wheel drive car, the GLI rides on standard 17" alloy wheels equipped with
225/45 R17 low profile tires.
The front suspension features a McPherson strut design with lower wishbones,
aluminum subframe and a tubular anti-rollbar. The rear suspension is a 4-link
arrangement with separate spring/shock absorbers, subframe and a tubular anti-
rollbar as well.
What further differentiates the GLI from the competition is Volkswagen's use of
electromechanical steering with speed dependent steering assist. Whether you are
cruising down the highway, or heading full speed into a sharp righthander, the GLI
always feels connected.
Shifting the Volkswagen GLI is effortless in both the 6-speed manual and automatic
transmissions.
The 6-speed automatic features DSG, (Direct Shift Gearbox), a unique design that
employs a two-clutch setup to change gears. The first clutch adjusts 1st, 3rd, 5th and
Reverse, while the second changes 2nd, 4th and 6th gears. Flawless in its execution,
DSG actually achieves better fuel economy in the city than the manual equipped GLI.
In a further nod to performance, the new GLI features aluminum pedals and a
Formula 1 inspired steering wheel. Flat bottomed, the 4-spoke wheel offers excellent
ergonomics, along with easy-to-use radio controls. Behind the steering wheel,
flippers promote shifting gears "manually" in a DSG equipped GLI.
All gauges are easy to read and logical. I include in this assessment the heating and
cooling adjustments, as well as the power window, mirror and sunroof controls. Each
control switch offers tangible feedback and the intuitive placement so important
when driving at night. During the evening hours, all active switches glow in a subtle,
but helpful, red colour.
Seating in the new GLI is exceptional, with "Recaro" design front seats and practical
room for three adults in the back. Adjustments for driver and front passenger include
backrest, fore and aft, lumbar and VW's signature manual crank that raises and
lowers the seat for added comfort.
Another reason to like the 2006 GLI and Jetta for that matter is the new front
passenger cupholder design. Finally a German car company provides dual cupholders
capable of handling two large coffees without having to place them side by side in a
precarious position. Why it has taken this long is one of life's great mysteries, but
the problem has finally been solved in the new Jetta.
Cloth seats are standard, with leather being an option many are sure to order. Either
way, you will still be most impressed with the interior of the GLI as it is truly superb.
The 2006 Volkswagen GLI looks to be a winner. With bold styling, aggressive
handling and a smooth, yet forceful turbo engine, it has all the characteristics one
looks for in an affordable sport sedan. If Volkswagen continues to make positive
strides in the areas of reliability and build quality, the new GLI should take its
rightful place as one of the best new cars in the market.
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| 2006 VW GLI VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Affordable Sport Sedan |
| Model Options: |
Affordable Sport Sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
2578 mm (101.5 inches) |
| Overall Length: |
4554 mm (179.3 inches) |
| Engine Size: |
2.0-L in-line 4-cylinder turbo |
| Transmission: |
Manual- 6 speed, Auto- 6 speed with DSG |
| Drive: |
FWD |
| Braking: |
Power assist 4-wheel disc with ABS/EBD |
| Airbags: |
2 (front) 2 (side), side curtain and rear side |
| MSRP Price: |
TBA |
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