New 2007 Volkswagen GTI Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Volkswagen GTI Exterior Review
Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
The GTI is available both as a two-door and a four-door model, and while both versions are generally seen as striking and sporty, the "new design has somewhat polarized VW diehards," according to BusinessWeek.
Speaking for many of the test drivers' observations, New Car Test Drive writes, "The '07 Volkswagen GTI has come quite a way from the square-cornered hatchback of yore." The reviewer continues, "And though its creases may have been softened, its face has been made bolder. Plus, there's just enough of a muscular bulge to the fender wells filled by 17- or 18-inch tires and just enough lip to the rear spoiler to hint at the performance potential." Our own U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman adds, "It doesn't look ferocious, but the GTI emotes fun."
The Wall Street Journal explains, "The GTI is handsome, largely because it looks like what it is: an evolution of the original Volkswagen Rabbit devised in the early 1970s by Italian stylist Giugiaro. The latest version has a slightly more-rounded body than before, and flared fenders that seem to just barely enclose its wide tires." The Auto Channel points out another nod to the GTI's stylistic beginnings: "Cars have faces, and the GTI's face exhibits a smirking grin, with the red pinstripe (just like on the original) at the bottom of the grille for the smile proper and the arch at the front of the hood, over the headlights, as the furrowed brow."
The GTI's exterior isn't a complete throwback, however. Velocity Journal says, "Volkswagen has done an excellent job of taking the standard hatchback body style and incorporating contemporary design themes." "In comparison to the pocket rocket and tuner cars blaring their coffee-can exhausts up and down the streets today," argues Autobytel, "the understated yet aggressive" GTI represents "a refreshingly tasteful alternative." The Sacramento Bee concurs, "Exterior styling radiated aggressiveness, but it was not over the top."
While many reviewers speak highly of the GTI's exterior styling, a few note that the car has not received universal praise from VW and GTI die-hards for its aggressive stance. MSN notes that the GTI "has an especially ungainly appearance, with an overly aggressive-looking front end and chunky shape."
Exterior Trims
"New for 2007," notes Kelley Blue Book, "is the addition of a four-door model, a first for U.S. production GTIs." The four-door model doubles the size of the GTI fleet, and is praised by reviewers for its versatility. TechnoRide writes, "If, say, you're a young married couple, having four doors means you don't have to dump the GTI for 'something more practical, honey,' when the baby arrives. And until then, it allows for easier access for all your drinking buddies, including the designated driver." Automobile Magazine finds, "The newly available four-door version only enhances what is already a supremely practical proposition." BusinessWeek likes the small premium commanded by the two extra doors, deciding, "At just $500 the four-door option seems like a no-brainer."
