2011 Volkswagen GTI User Reviews

Smiles Per Gallon — Shopping for a new hot hatch to buy, I narrowed my search to the 2011 GTI, WRX, and MazdaSpeed3. The GTI was the winner...here is why: Drivability: As a driving enthusiast and avid kart racer, I look for a specific type of car to own...a car that I can have fun in every scenario...Smiles per gallon if you will. The GTI powerband was the perfect blend for me with 200hp and 207 pound feet of torque in an approx 3100 lb car. At 2k rpm you get all the power you possibly need out of this little 4cyl Turbo motor, all the way up thru 6k rpm. The power is consistent....again, the powerband on this mark 6 GTI is perfect for someone wanting to really push this car, in any gear. The brakes could be slightly better, but you can make that change with some improved aftermarket pads. There is no lag like in the WRX...the wrx power doesn’t kick in until 4k rpms which causes you to thrash it to get the right power. You have to strangle the wrx, getting it wound up to 4k rpms. If you are caught in the wrong gear (ever so slightly) you'll have the same type power as a base corolla…its an issue for those need power NOW moments. The Mazdaspeed3 suffers from bad torque steer. Its been documented on previous generations and hasn’t been fixed. Interior: Fit and finish on the GTI is world class. The materials used are above the standard. The interior wears well, fits well, and looks great. From the flat bottom steering wheel, to the ctr console, to the seat fabric, to the head liner etc. Ergonomically it fit my 6’2” frame well. The sunroof could be a little bigger. The standard speaker system (non Autobahn package) are better than the Bose in my previous 05 G35. The dash and layout are very Audi-esk. The interface between the radio, computer, steering wheel controls and blue tooth are the best ive come across. VW made it a point to make this interior a best-in-class-interior and they nailed it. The WRX interior is horrific with the cheapest of cheap plastics, a 10 year old radio, and speakers that you couldn’t give away. The dash is nice, but the inside is by far, the worst interior of, in my opinion, almost any new vehicle currently for sale. The Mazdaspeed3 fell in between both, and met most of my standards, but for the strange hypnotizing red fabric and qwerky dash and center layout. Its just a little to wierd for me. Exterior: 1st place WRX. 2nd place GTI, 3rd place MS3. If I could buy a car with the GTI interior and drivability, but the wrx body, thats whay Id be lining up to buy. GTI body is, in my opinion one of the best looking hot hatches on the road. Although I slightly favor the agressiveness of the wrx, the GTI is a great mix or refined sportiness. The rear diffuser, honeycomb grill, spoiler, and especially the Detroit rims make it stand out significantly against a VW Golf. The paint is good and wears well, it has held up to New England winters well. (something Subaru owners long for). Overall a sharp looking hatch. Reliability: I put 28k on my GTI before my vehicular ADD kicked in and I traded it. Ill be honest, I thrashed this GTI as soon as It was broken in properly and it never had any issues. Not one. Maybe I was lucky, but I had a great experience throughout the year and a half and 28k miles I used my GTI. I drove hard, I broke hard, I pushed its grip to the limit on a daily basis (all safely of course) and it never blinked an eye at what I threw at it. I tracked it once and the brakes were quickly out of their comfort zone, but for regular driving on roads you will be fine. Overall, I traded my GTI about a year ago and frequently look at buying another MK6 GTI to tie me over until I get in line for one of the first MK7 GTI’s to his the US. If you love to drive, buy a GTI. You WILL NOT be disappointed.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Very Practical And Excellent To Drive — very german, fantastic to drive, fuel efficient and handsome looking, feels very high quality, has fantastic seats, it feels very solid and very confident every time I get in it, it is very spacious compared to competitors, maybe not as fast but still the most comfortable and practical.

Primary Use: Commuting to work