2006 Volkswagen GTI Pkg 1 review from North America

Haven't owned car long enough to encounter issues. Will update this if possible if problems arise.

Very quick, not the fastest thing on the road, but no slouch at all by any measure. The linear powerband kind of fools your 'butt' dyno, but this *is* a quick little monster. The DSG transmission is a fairly new technology to the US; the 2 clutches in the system make for extremely fast shifts, and the absence of a torque converter means there's no power loss penalty - there's paddle shifters on the steering wheel too.

Handling is good, but as with any stock car, it can always be improved with aftermarket suspension/sway bars, etc. In stock form, it has a goofy 4x4 look and really needs to be lowered 1-2" to improve the stance/look of the car. The ride is firm and fairly taut (this is a sporty car after all).

Interior is as always VW top notch design; great bolstered seats, dash layout, etc. - the only caveat is that the stock audio system is somewhat *blah*, but it does have XM or Sirius and plays mp3's which is nice. Xenon/HID headlights are standard. It's a hatchback, so it has a fair amount of hauling capability with the seats down.

This car would get a perfect 10 score if the jacked up suspension wasn't a minor nagging issue, regardless, I must say that driving is enjoyable once again.