What's New for the 2005 Volkswagen GTI?
A new GTI, planned for a 2005 debut but now pushed to October as a 2006 model, is on the way complete with a 200-horsepower direct-injection turbo four under the hood. To bridge the gap between old car and new, the current-generation GTI soldiers on for its seventh year with no further modifications. The hot R32, however, is history.

Advantages of the 2005 Volkswagen GTI:

• Impressive cargo space
• Extra features, such as side-curtain airbags, go above and beyond most small hatchbacks
• Despite sporting pretensions, doesn't beat you up during daily commutes

Objections to the 2005 Volkswagen GTI:

• Not as athletic as other nimble sport hatchbacks
• Premium price for average performance in the class
• Will be replaced next year by a completely redesigned version

Editor's Advice:
Those who need a liberal dose of performance while driving a sensible car know that the GTI is the sporty version of the Volkswagen Golf. It rides on a sport-tuned suspension and offers a choice of a turbocharged inline four making 180 horsepower or a V6 rated at 200 ponies. Unlike some of the more singular-minded sport hatchback coupes such as the Toyota Celica GT-S, the Volkswagen GTI is gentle enough over road irregularities to be used as a daily commuter, with plenty of amenities that make everyday driving a pleasure. This segment has experienced lots of growth in recent years, and the Mini Cooper S is the GTI's most direct competitor. The VW GTI deserves some new underpinnings to compete on more equal footing, and we'll see a redesigned model for the 2006 model year.