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2006 VW GTI
 Gaywheels.com welcomes the return of Axel Rod to discuss the 2006 VW GTI. Long awaited on these shores, the new GTI offers performance in a practical package. Gaywheels.com: So, we are discussing the 2006 VW GTI today... just to get things going, Axel, on a scale of 1 - 10, where 10 is "zuper", where do you stand on the GTI? Axel Rod: As small, sporty cars go...definitely a 9 Gaywheels.com: I'd agree. There is no such thing as perfect car...but why not a 10? Axel Rod: It's really not that big outside OR inside and there are a few details that aren't perfect. Gaywheels.com: Ok, we know you like 'em big...but let's focus on the positive aspects of the car at first  Axel Rod: The Golf--uh, I mean, Rabbit--no, wait--GTI--makes a great go of the two-box look. But at the end of the day, it's still a box. Gaywheels.com: A sleeker box than the past but you can definitely tell it is based on a more mundane people mover being that the Rabbit, I mean Golf, is the main vehicle for VW in the European market Axel Rod: Oh yeah...it's hard to get past its econo-box roots Gaywheels.com: but then again, having the versatility of a hatch with a 2.0L, 200 hp turbo motor isn't a bad thing Advertisement
Axel Rod: True. Not that you'll confuse the hatch space of the GTI with a station wagon. Or even an Elantra GT. Gaywheels.com: Not everyone...I mean not every car can
be versatile. Did you try out the
cargo space? We were able put two
bikes in the back along with luggage for a long weekend in Axel Rod: It's a good size for most people--you'll be able to bring home that stinky chair from the da-da-da commercials. And it's a lot more usable room than the Jetta GLI. Gaywheels.com: Ah, the first "gay vague commercial from VW"....memories...so what did you think about the driving dynamics? Axel Rod: Simply first rate Gaywheels.com: We had the GTI with the DSG...I am not a
fan of the DSG but I can see why people would like it. The handling,
acceleration and MPG were all impressive.
We drove to Axel Rod: Well, if having the car shift for you makes you feel like less of a man, then you won't like it. It's also not tuned for the grandma driver. But than again, if you're looking for a grandma car, then the GTI isn't right for you in the first place.  Gaywheels.com: True. My issue is that if you drive the car at a leisurely pace, the DSG can get ahead of the driver....during hard acceleration though, it is simply superb Axel Rod: I disagree...I think that the economy mode is good enough for the average GTI driver, even when stuck in stop and go traffic. Gaywheels.com: You didn't feel the hesitation? I was able to confuse it in stop and go... Axel Rod: Nope...but then again, I tend to drive cars very hard. You'd be amazed what I can do to a Town Car... Gaywheels.com: I've heard I'd be amazed at what you can do IN a Town Car! Axel Rod: LOL...that too  Gaywheels.com: Let's talk competition...is the GTI only for Euro lovers or do you think the guys who love Hondas will be swayed by the German version of fun? Axel Rod: I think this is the first GTI in years that'll make Civic Si drivers think twice. Especially since the new Si is so polarizing. Gaywheels.com:
Hell, it is the first VW in years that will make true GTI
drivers think twice! Also, I am all
about versatility and the Si can't swallow what the GTI can....let me rephrase
that....it is a sports car that you can hit the Homo Depot in Axel Rod: Definitely...great on the track, and on the way home from the track. Axel Rod: The Si has the one advantage of being lighter on its feet. Not that the GTI isn't agile, but it can't get past the extra bulk it carries around.  Gaywheels.com: So, it is pretty clear that we liked the GTI. The litmus test is "would you buy one"? Axel Rod: Well, this is the other area where the score goes from a 10 to a 9... Axel Rod: The GTI can get VERY expensive if you're not careful with the options sheet. Gaywheels.com: Very true. Like taking a hot man out on a date, it is a lot of fun at first but when the bill comes around it can be a bit shocking. Axel Rod: But you gotta pay to play. And if you want to go all the way...bring AmEx--Diner's Club isn't taken around here. Gaywheels.com: So, what do you think the "boulevard factor" is on this car? Does it get attention? Did you get noticed when driving it? Axel Rod: Probably not. But that may not be a bad thing...you'll also avoid the unwanted attention of the police. Gaywheels.com: Good point. I'd have to say it is a bit incognito and depending on the consumer, that can be good or bad. For me, it is perfect. Gaywheels.com: So, anything else you'd like to add? Axel Rod: Well, there's a four-door now, and if more is better, then the two additional doors are definitely worth the extra money. Gaywheels.com: That brings us back to the versatility argument. Some would say that a 4-door GTI is sacrilegious but I'd spring for the extra doors for sure Gaywheels.com: One last thing, the GTI is one of the few cars that simply put a huge smile on my face. Like the Jetta GLI, I couldn’t wait to drive it and made up excuses to run errands Axel Rod: I agree on the fun factor...though I'd say both the Civic Si and MINI Cooper S can give equal amounts of enjoyment, depending on your priorities, and I'd drive both before buying anything Gaywheels.com: But of the three, the GTI is the only one on the "gay-friendly" list. If that is important to you, it could be the deal breaker Axel Rod: Yep...very true Gaywheels.com: Ok then, Auf Wiedersehen! Specs: * 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine making 200 hp Price: * Base MSRP $21,990 Volkswagen is a gay-friendly company. Calculate the payments for a 2006 VW GTI Get a free insurance quote for a 2006 VW GTIGet a free price quote on a 2006 VW GTI from a dealer near you |