Volkswagen GTI MK 7 – Best In Show So Far?: Paris 2012 Live Shots

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Yesterday’s coverage was fairly snarky, for the simple reason that none of the product was particularly compelling or exciting. But I love the look of the new VW GTI, especially in this blue hue. In my senior year of high school, my father bought a 2006 Jetta 2.0T with the DSG gearbox; it might be one of the all-time great sleepers, with just enough power to be fun in the city, but not enough to get you in serious trouble. Even on mundane all-season tires, it was one of the better FWD platforms I’ve ever driven. I can’t imagine how much fun the new GTI will be with more power and 200 fewer lbs.



Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Disaster Disaster on Sep 30, 2012

    Not really a fan of the huge fake (I assume) slotted brake intakes in the lower front grill. Do like that it hasn't adopted the big mouth grill that so many new cars are sporting. Two tone side mirrors don't add anything either.

  • Beemernator Beemernator on Oct 01, 2012

    I used to be a real VW Golf anorak back in the eighties and nineties. Then my VR6 found endless ways to fleece me and I have never been back to a VW dealer again. These days I find it hard to tell the Mark V, VI and VII apart. But that is just me. Looking at the VW sales figures, they are doing just fine without me as as a fanboi.

  • Lou_BC Actuality a very reasonable question.
  • Lou_BC Peak rocket esthetic in those taillights (last photo)
  • Lou_BC A pickup for most people would be a safe used car bet. Hard use/ abuse is relatively easy to spot and most people do not come close to using their full capabilities.
  • Lorenzo People don't want EVs, they want inexpensive vehicles. EVs are not that. To paraphrase the philosopher Yogi Berra: If people don't wanna buy 'em, how you gonna stop 'em?
  • Ras815 Ok, you weren't kidding. That rear pillar window trick is freakin' awesome. Even in 2024.
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