Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 3-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED:: $29,865 (base price $24,165)

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 121 cu in, 1984 cc
Power: 200 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 99.9 in
Length: 168.4 in
Width: 71.2 in
Height: 58.5 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3050–3150 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.8 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 28.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 124 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.85 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
C/D observed: 207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
*Stability-control-inhibited

TEST NOTES: Best acceleration is achieved by flooring the gas from idle; there is no launch control. As with other recent Volkswagens, the stability control cannot be switched off.