Compact Sporty Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2009 Volkswagen GTI
The 2009 Volkswagen GTI is the most appealing compact sporty car according to the results of the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 APEAL Study, ranking ahead of the No. 2-ranked 2009 Volkswagen Eos and the No. 3-ranked 2009 Scion tC , and retaining its top-ranked position in the category.
The GTI is sold as a 2- or 4-door hatchback, equipped with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powering the front wheels through a manual or automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy ratings range from a low of 21 mpg city to a high of 31 mpg highway. It is the performance version of the Volkswagen Rabbit , available in a single trim level and a choice of four colors. Available features include a power sunroof, upgraded wheels, leather-trimmed sport seats, navigation, premium sound, iPod adapter, rear side air bags, and a variety of dealer-installed accessories.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ), the GTI 4-door receives 4-star crash-test ratings for frontal-impact protection, and 5-star crash-test ratings in the side-impact tests. The GTI also receives a 4-star rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) does not rate the GTI for crashworthiness, but calls the Rabbit upon which it is based a “Top Safety Pick.”
In the 2009 APEAL Study, the GTI performed particularly well in the Engine/Transmission, Exterior and Interior categories.
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