Engine: 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4

Engine Options: 200-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Transmission Options: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox

Standard Safety Equipment: dual front airbags, driver and front-passenger side airbags, side-curtain airbags, 3-point harness for all seating positions, child seat tether anchors and LATCH system, anti-lock brakes (ABS), hydraulic brake assist, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESP), traction control (anti-slip regulation and electronic differential lock, engine-braking assist), daytime running lights

Optional Safety Equipment: rear-seat side-impact airbags

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Wolfsburg, Germany

Model Tested: Volkswagen GTI two-door manual ($22,100)

Standard Equipment: air conditioning, fabric upholstery, 8-way manually adjustable front seats with Easy Entry access to second row, 60/40 split rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio control switches, alloy pedals, high-intensity discharge (Xenon) headlamps with washers, fog lamps, turn signals on power-adjustable exterior rear-view mirrors, intermittent windshield wipers, adjustable-height center arm rest, cruise control, trip computer, power locks and windows, remote door locks and window open/close feature, two power outlets, AM/FM audio, carpeted cargo area with four tie-downs

Options as Tested: Package 1 ($1,370) includes power sunroof and satellite radio; navigation system with six-CD changer ($1,800); all-season performance tires (no charge)

Destination Charge: 630

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 200 @ 5100-6000

Torque: 207 @ 1800-5000

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 23/32

Wheelbase: 101.5 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 165.8/69.3/58.4 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.4/59.7 inches

Turning Cycle: 35.8 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.3/54.7/41.2 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.5/54.6/35.3 inches

Trunk Volume: cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson struts with lower wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 5.6 inches

Curb Weight: 3100 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 225/45R17

Brakes: vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and traction control

Fuel Capacity: 14.5 Gallons