Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

Engine Options: 150-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder; 1.9-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder; 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: 6-speed DSG with Tiptronic

Transmission Options: 5-speed manual; 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic; 6-speed manual; 6-speed DSG automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage front driver and passenger airbags; front side-impact thorax airbags; front and rear side curtain-style head protection airbags; three-point seat belts at all five seating positions; height-adjustable front seatbelts; safety belt pre-tensioners with load limiters for the front seats; emergency locking retractors for every belt; four-channel ABS; Electronic Differential Lock (EDL); Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

Optional Safety Equipment: Electronic Stability Program (ESP); rear thorax side-impact airbags

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Puebla, Mexico

Model Tested: Volkswagen GLI automatic ($24,665)

Standard Equipment: manual single-zone climate control with pollen and smog filter; tilt and telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel; power windows with one-touch operation and key opening/closing; front sport seats, eight-way manually adjustable for height, reach and recline; adjustable lumbar support for both front seats; sport cloth upholstery; center console with two cup holders, sliding armrest; power outlet; alloy" interior trim; rear passenger ventilation for heat and A/C; sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and sliding function; cruise control; Premium AM/FM sound system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, MP3 readable, satellite radio compatible, 10 speakers, theft-deterrent warning light; automatic headlamps; 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest and pass-through; 17-inch alloy wheels; fully carpeted trunk with tie-down hooks; full-size spare wheel/tire; high intensity gas-discharge bi-Xenon headlights with auto-leveling and washers; front halogen projector foglamps integrated into the bumper; black mesh grille with red surround trim; blue tinted glass"

Options as Tested: Package 2 ($3,200) includes leather seating surfaces, top sport seats, heated front seats, Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, heated washer nozzles; 7.5x18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40R18H summer tires ($750); rear side airbags ($350)

Destination Charge: 615

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 200 @ 5500-6000 rpm

Torque: 207 @ 1800-4700

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 25/31

Wheelbase: 101.5 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 179.3/69.3/57.5 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.7/59.7 inches

Turning Cycle: 35.8 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 38.5/54.8/41.2 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.2/53.1/35.4 inches

Trunk Volume: 16 cubic feet

Payload: 1105

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson strut

Ground Clearance: 5.4 inches

Curb Weight: 3352 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 225/40R18H summer performance

Brakes: vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 14.5 Gallons