2009 Volkswagen GLI Car Review

Drive Time drives and gives a full review to the 2009 Volkswagen GLI

2009 Volkswagen GLI Car Review Steve Hammes: The Volkswagen GLI moves into the 2009 model year with only minor changes including new color choices making 17-inch all-season tires standard. The availability of a touch screen navigation system with a aux-in jack and the previously optional cold whether package is now standard with all interiors. The Jeddah based GLI is the Go Faster version of that car with performance minded upgrades. The powertrain combines VW’s 2-liter direct injected turbo charged four-cylinder, with either a traditional 6-speed manual or their excellent 6-speed automated manual. The latter is a dual clutch gearbox which allows for shifting via steering wheel mounted paddles, atop on the shifter or by using the fully automatic mode. It adds $1100.00 to the price and comes with a launch mode, which improves acceleration. The DSG equipped GLI hit 60 miles per our in 6.9 seconds. That’s .3 seconds faster than the standard stick shift. It also returns better fuel economy netting 22 miles per gallon city and 29 highway on recommended premium unleaded. The 200 horse drive-by-wire engine is capable of a top speed of 127. The fully independent sport suspension features MacPherson struts in the front and a four link rear along with a host of electronic aids to bless the GLI with the same supporting maneuvers as its smaller sibling the GTI. Available packages and port installed options allow the GLI buyer to customize with various degrees of a Euro sports look. The Autobahn package features sport seats, a power sunroof and V-Tech’s(ph) door trim. There’s also a sport styling kit, a ground effects kit, wing spoilers, lip spoilers, and 18-inch black wheels if you so desire. MSRP of the GLI Stick Shift is $25,470.00 with a fully loaded model climbing in to the mid 30’s. For Drive Time on Yahoo! Autos, I'm Steve Hammes.