Power for the 2006 Volkswagen GTI comes from a 2.0-liter, dual overhead cam, 16-valve, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,800 rpm. A turbo-diesel variation will be available in overseas markets, and there are currently no concrete plans to unleash a V6 model.

The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with a leather and alloy-wrapped knob, while a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) six-speed automatic is optional and adds only 34 pounds to the 3,308-lb. GTI. This is the same unit offered on a variety of more expensive Audi models, and can be operated in either normal or sport modes with steering wheel-mounted paddles or a gentle nudge up or down of the shifter. Of course, you can leave the gear selector in drive and worry only about the throttle, brakes, and steering, but that’s not much fun. With the DSG, VW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, compared to about 7.1 seconds with the manual. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.