This iconic hatchback ?pony car? has been restyled inside and out for the 2010 model year,to provide a look that?s more conservative and more luxurious,according to Volkswagen. The GTI is basically the performance version of the Volkswagen Golf,and has been on the market since the mid-1970s. It?s available in front-wheel drive,with 2 or 4 side doors. Its main competitors include the Ford Mustang,Mini Cooper,Scion tC,and others.

Both the 2-door and 4-door versions of the 2010 Volkswagen GTI are offered in a single trim level with options. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels,sport suspension,air conditioning,cruise control,heated front seats and mirrors,power accessories,trip computer,Bluetooth connectivity,and an 8-speaker sound system. The Autobahn package of options includes partial leather upholstery,sunroof,and upgraded sport seats. Other options include 18-inch wheels,summer tires,hard-drive-based navigation system,bi-Xenon headlights,and a premium sound system.

The 2010 Volkswagen GTI?s standard power plant is a 200-horsepower,2.0-liter,turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 207 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the standard 6-speed manual transmission,according to the EPA. With the optional 6-speed direct-shift gearbox (or ?DSG,? an automated manual setup),the GTI delivers 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Volkswagen GTI include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist,stability control,front side air bags,and side curtain air bags. Rear side air bags are optional on the sedan. In government crash tests,the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the GTI 4 (out of 5) stars for driver and front-passenger protection in front-impact tests,and 5 stars for front- and rear-seat occupants in side-impact tests.

Starting MSRP for the 2010 Volkswagen GTI was $23,465.