2003 Volkswagen GTI: Proof that good things come in small packages

Power and performance in a small, nimble package — these words truly define a “pocket rocket,” and the Volkswagen GTI is a genuine original.

With its functional hatchback design and two-door sportiness, the GTI offers customers an ideal combination of performance-oriented handling, quality German engineering and a powerplant suited for the long, winding road. The 2003 GTI is available with Volkswagen’s outstanding four-cylinder, 1.8 T engine or its newly revved-up six-cylinder VR6 engine.

This year, both models offer new features. Standard across the lineup are

enhanced windshield wipers (delayed introduction), a leather handbrake and shift knob, a sporty, three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel and backlit buttons for the Premium CD radio (delayed introduction). Continuing the modern design on the exterior, the 2003 GTI 1.8 T will offer new 17-inch alloy wheels as an option later in the model year; the same new wheels are standard on the GTI VR6.

Both models also now offer Volkswagen’s Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP ® ), a system that uses sophisticated yaw and position sensors to help automatically stabilize the vehicle in the event of a sudden emergency maneuver. ESP is optional on GTI 1.8 T and standard on GTI VR6.

For 2003, the GTI offers a new exterior color— Silverstone Gray — along with these additional choices: Black, Tornado Red, Reflex Silver and Indigo Blue.

Faithful to its “pocket rocket” heritage, Volkswagen offers powerful engine choices in both GTI models. The 1.8 T engine delivers 180 horsepower at 5,500

revolutions per minute, with a hefty 173 lbs. ft. of torque in the wide range of 1,950 to 5,000 rpm, for impressive acceleration. Delivering six-cylinder performance from a four-cylinder engine, the 1.8 T is fuel-efficient and engaging, employing a turbocharger, intercooler and Volkswagen’s innovative five-valve-per-cylinder technology. This five-valve configuration allows excellent top-end breathing, while dual overhead camshafts provide for optimal valve control.

The 1.8 T comes with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic with Tiptronic ® to suit driver preferences. The 1.8 T travels from 0-60 miles per hour in a scant 7.5 seconds when equipped with the standard manual transmission, and a quick 8.6 seconds from 0-60 mph when equipped with the automatic.

Those who choose the GTI VR6 will appreciate its latest power boost, recently upgraded in 2002. The VR6 engine produces 200 hp at 6,200 rpm and a hefty 195 lbs. ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm. The GTI VR6 pins passengers to their seats with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds. Designed with driving enthusiasts in mind, the VR6 model is available with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Utilizing specialized gear ratio engineering, the six-speed transmission takes advantage of an optimum performance range.

Originally developed to fit in the area of a four-cylinder, the VR6 has a special space-saving design in which the V angle between the cylinder banks is 15 degrees rather than the 60 or 90 degrees of conventional V6 designs. This innovation gives the VR6 advantages of a compact V6, as well as those of a conventional in-line six-cylinder with a single cylinder head, narrow width and excellent balancing.

Intended for spirited driving, the running gear is sports-tuned and designed for ride quality and dynamic control. At the front, a MacPherson suspension strut concept is used, with an independent suspension via coil springs and lower wishbones. Positive caster gives the GTI good directional stability under acceleration and hard braking, and a perfected strut layout minimizes drive force influence.    The GTI’s chassis benefits from power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel (ventilated front) disc brakes with the latest-generation Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The GTI also has added traction with Volkswagen’s Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Differential Locks (EDLs). The GTI 1.8 T and VR6 are well equipped with many standard features: CFC-free air conditioning; a 60/40 split-folding rear seat; an eight-speaker AM/FM stereo/cassette with Premium CD player; power windows and locks with remote keyless entry; power, heatable  exterior mirrors; cruise control; a tilt/telescoping steering column; rear-window electric defroster; and rear-window wiper with intermittent feature and washer.    Available option packages include the Cold Weather Package with heatable front

seats and heated windshield washer nozzles, the content-rich Leather and Luxury Packages and the Technology Package. This latest package — exclusive to the GTI VR6 — features Climatronic electronic climate control, a self-dimming rearview mirror and rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers. In addition to its  many features, the GTI is one of the safest small cars in its segment. It was among the first compact cars equipped with a standard, advanced side-impact safetysystem called Side Curtain Protection ™ , an airbag system that helps protect the heads of front and rear passengers in a severe side collision. Side Curtain Protection deploys as a protective curtain of air from the A-pillar to the C-pillar, aiding in occupant protection on all side windows.   

Additionally, the GTI offers a long list of standard passive safety features, including driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags, front three-point safety belts with pretensioners and shoulder height adjustment, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in the rear outboard seating positions.-5- As expected in a Volkswagen, active safety in the 2003 GTI comes from its precise handling, the security of front-wheel drive, an advanced Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic distribution and other accident-avoidance features such as Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).    The GTI has been designed to meet the exacting production standards of Germany’s finest cars. High-tech bonding agents, laser welding and self-piercing riveting are used to help create a body with exceptionally high torsional rigidity. In addition, the body employs very narrow panel gaps at the doors and flaps, ensuring a rigid body shell and a solid, one-piece appearance. The GTI also boasts a fully galvanized body that allows for an industry-leading 12-year limited corrosion warranty.    The GTI’s exterior, while designed with outstanding quality, fit and finish in mind, also aims to please the eye. Dual exhaust tailpipes, darkened taillamp lenses, a whip antenna and halogen headlamps housed behind clear, chip-resistant, polycarbonate lenses, are all marks of Volkswagen’s popular, key styling cues.  Inside, the GTI’s compact offerings have a sculpted environment equal to the exterior’s distinct lines. All plastics are coated with a soft lacquer that rivals the feel of premium plastics used in many German luxury cars.    The GTI’s dashboard, which has a finely textured surface, surrounds an easy-to-read instrument panel with four circular dials backlit by a vibrant blue hue and illuminated with red needles. In the rear, height-adjustable headrests are standard equipment, making each passenger’s trip more comfortable.   

For 2003, all Volkswagen cars have a standard four-year/50,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering wear-and-tear items and adjustments during the initial 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership. Additional coverage includes a five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, corrosion perforation coverage for 12 years with unlimited mileage for all fully galvanized Volkswagen vehicles (EuroVan for eight years), and four years/50,000 miles of 24-hour roadside assistance.

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