Consumer Reports Gives Volkswagen GTI Top Rating

GTI outranks 11 different coupes and sedans, tested by Consumer Reports, as Top Sporty Car Under $25,000

AUBURN HILLS, MI – May 15, 2006: The highly acclaimed all-new

FAST is smiling because of the Consumer Reports' accolade

Volkswagen GTI has been named the top sporty car under $25,000 by Consumer Reports. The car received the top scores in its class, and the magazine acknowledged its powerful engine, sporty performance, well-crafted interior and impressive list of standard safety features.

The fifth generation Volkswagen GTI comes standard with a high-tech turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that creates 200 horsepower at 5100 revolutions per minute and an adrenaline-pumping 207 pound-feet of torque at just 1800 rpm. Other significant technical updates include standard traction control with Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), an electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and for the first time, an advanced multi-link fully independent sports-tuned rear suspension.

Base-priced at $21,990, the all-new GTI continues the Volkswagen tradition of a value-priced, fun-to-drive, German engineered driving experience. The 2006 GTI comes equipped with 17-inch wheels and tires, blacked-out trim, and larger brakes. Inside, the redesign features sport-bolstered seating and a flat-bottomed Formula One (F1) inspired steering wheel adding to the sporty appeal.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, GLI, Jetta, Passat, Passat Wagon, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.