2008 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback

4dr HB DSG PZEV

Starting at $14,375 | Starting at 22 MPG City - 29 MPG Highway

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$14,375 average Retail
$24,375 original MSRP

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Printable Version

2008 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

Virtually unchanged for 2008, the Volkswagen GTI is an ultra-performing machine in a small package. With a 200 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, the GTI is extremely capable at quick speeds and features unique interior appointments too. Configured as a Hatchback and available with either two or four doors, the GTI comes equipped with either a 6-speed manual transmission or what�s known as a DSG (a Direct Shift Gearbox) available in 6-speeds. The GTI also features uniquely-colored tinted windows and high-density discharge headlights.

Benefits of Driving a 2008 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback

The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit's standard five-cylinder engine is more torquey and responsive than many other rival four-cylinder engines, and the Rabbit offers a wealth of standard equipment, plus more safety features than most other cars in its price range. The GTI models bring perky performance and improved handling to the same practical hatchback body style.

What's new for 2008?

Both the VW Rabbit and the sporty GTI model see minor changes for 2008. The Rabbit's 2.5L inline five-cylinder engine now makes 170 horsepower, up 20 from last year, and tire pressure monitors are newly standard. The GTI gets revised suspension settings that reduce its ride height by nearly an inch.

Model Strengths

Convenient hatchback design
standard safety equipment
low price (Rabbit)
performance and handling (GTI)
fuel efficiency (GTI).

Model Review

VW's value-priced 2008 Rabbit, and the performance-oriented GTI are both available in three- or five-door hatchback body styles.

Printable Version

2008 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback

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2008 Volkswagen GTI: What's New

Source: The Car Connection

(2007 model shown)

Volkswagen's hot GTI hatch returns for the 2008 model year - and the tuner influence deepens as VW drops the ride height about two-thirds of an inch on the two-door and four-door models.

The GTI's 2.0 liter, 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine works through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or a Direct Shift six-speed gearbox, a type of manual where the driver controls gear changes but the clutchwork is handled automatically.

All GTIs come equipped with 17-inch wheels and performance tires, high-capacity brakes, sport suspension, metal-trimmed pedals, and monochromatic exterior paint schemes - in addition to air conditioning, cruise control, and a rear defroster. The standard safety equipment package includes anti-whiplash head restraints, a tire pressure monitoring system, front-side and curtain airbags, as well as electronic stability control.

Other changes for 2008 include standard Sirius satellite radio, the deletion of automatic climate control, and new trim level names: GTI and GTI Autobahn.

Printable Version

2008 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback

Safety Ratings What do the Safety Ratings mean? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests: Driver Crash Grade: Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury. Passenger Crash Grade: Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger. Rollover Resistance: Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover. Side Impact Crash Test - Front: Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury. Side Impact Crash Test - Rear: Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.
Driver Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Passenger Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Rollover Resistance	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Front	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Rear	No consumer rating Rate & Review

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction
4-Wheel ABS	Std
Traction/Stability Control	Std
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Std

Passenger Restraint
Driver Air Bag	Std
Passenger Air Bag	Std
Side Air Bag	Std
Side Head Air Bag	Std
Rear Body Side Air Bag	Opt
Rear Head side Air Bag	Std
Child Safety Locks	Std

Road Visibility
HID Headlights	Std
Daytime Running Lights	Std
Fog Lamps	Std
Intermittent Wipers	Std
Variable Inter. Wipers	Std

Security
Alarm	Std
Anti-theft System	Std

Printable Version

2008 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback

Original Warranty Original Warranty An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment. The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including: Basic Warranty: Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters. Drivetrain Warranty: This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be. Roadside Assistance: The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car. Corrosion Warranty: This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal. Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.	Miles	Months
Basic	50,000	48
Drivetrain	60,000	60
Corrosion	0	144
Roadside Assistance	50,000	48

Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Certified Pre-Owned Warranty To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points. Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer. Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include: Age/Mileage Eligibility To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers. Lease Term Certified Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less. Point Inspection These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details. Return/Exchange Program Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car. Roadside Assistance Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty. Special Financing Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers. Transferable Warranty When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect. Warranty Deductible This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.
2 years / 24,000 miles from the purchase date comprehensive limited warranty including the balance of the 4 year/50,000 mile original limited powertrain & corrosion warranty.
Age/Mileage Eligibility	6 years / 75,000 miles
Lease Term Certified	No
Point Inspection	112-Point Inspection
Return/Exchange Program	No
Roadside Assistance	2 Year 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
Special Financing	Yes
Transferrable Warranty	Yes, at no cost to buyer
Warranty Deductible	$50