(continued from above)
With its fully redesigned exterior, including a more aggressive front end,
cleaner side profile, and sleeker hatch area, the GTI upholds its sporty nature.
New interior enhancements help set the GTI apart not only from the competition,
but also previous generations, and allow both the driver and passengers to enjoy
total control and comfort. The 2010 GTI stays true to its heritage by providing
a dynamic driving experience at an affordable price, and is ready to reward its
owners with every start of the ignition.
Design Icon
As an
icon heading into the next decade, the 2010 GTI two and four-door models take a
number of styling cues from the original Mk I, as well as the more recent past,
and revitalizes them. In true GTI style, the more aggressive front end starts
with the hallmark black honeycomb grille with the GTI badge on the passenger
side, and the distinct red stripe outline, which flows into the new angled
teardrop headlight housings (High Intensity Gas-discharged Xenon headlamps with
AFS are optional). Sitting between two halogen fog lamps, the lower front
fascia's cooling duct is blacked out.
A more streamlined profile
continues heading toward the rear, with a more subtle pair of black side skirts
that only run partially along the GTI's lower edge, and the absence of any side
moldings. In the rear, newly-shaped taillights integrated into the quarter
panels and hatch include smoked red brake lenses that are underlined by clear
reverse and turn signal lenses. Blended into the updated rear bumper are red
running lamp lenses, along with a blacked out diffuser with special cutouts for
the chrome-tipped, split dual-exhaust. Low-profile all-season performance tires
are standard. Summer performance tires are an available option. Atop the rear
hatch is a body color duckbill spoiler, which houses the third brake light.
The GTI comes standard with 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season
performance tires, and can be upgraded to larger 18 x 7.5-inch versions with
either all-season or summer performance tires to match. A full-power tinted
glass sunroof is also available as an option.
Volkswagen GTI Coupe: Review (2/2)