Vee Dub's $25k cruise missile is the financially challenged pistonhead's Porsche. We're talking maximum bang for the buck (discounting the cramped MINI Cooper S and pricier, harder-riding Subaru WRX STi and Mitsubishi Evo). The GTI is also an ideal chariot for less adrenal enthusiasts with kids and an aversion to gas stations, who still like to fart around from time to time.

VW's reputation for reliability disappeared about the same time luftballoon singer Nena declared "Denkst Du vielleicht grad' an mich" ("Back at base, bugs in the software"). Only time will tell if the new Golf has the ICBM-proof build the brand needs to reestablish the whole German-quality shtick.

· Speed Merchants:

· Fashion Victims:

· Treehuggers:

· Mack Daddies: No

· Tuner Crowd:

· Hairdressers:

· Penny Pinchers:

· Euro Snobs:

· Working Stiffs:

· Technogeeks:

· Poseurs:

· Soccer Moms: No

· Nascar Dads: No

· Golfing Grandparents:

· Manufacturer: Volkswagen

· Model tested: Golf GTI DSG

· Model year: '06

· Price as Tested: $23,880

· Engine type: 2.0-liter inline-4, fsi, intercooled turbo

· Horsepower: 200 hp @ 5100 - 6000 rpm

· Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1800 - 5000 rpm

· Redline: 6500 rpm

· Wheels and Tires: 17J X 17: alloy wheels, 225/45 R17W summer performance tires

· Drive type: front-wheel drive

· 0 - 60: 6.3 seconds

· 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds

· Top speed: 130 mph (limited)

· Fuel economy city/highway: 25 / 31

· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: Not Rated

[by ]

Related:

Jalopnik Reviews, 2006 Volkswagen Golf GTI, ; [internal]

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