Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

Engine Options: 150-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder; 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox automatic

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

Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage front airbags; front passenger side-impact airbags; front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags; safety belt pre-tensioners with load limiters for the front seats; emergency locking retractors for every belt; four-channel ABS; Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control

Optional Safety Equipment: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) anti-skid electronics on base model ($450); rear side-impact airbags ($350)

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Puebla, Mexico

Model Tested: Volkswagen GLI ($23,990)

Standard Equipment: cloth upholstery; eight-way manually adjustable front seats; manual tilt and telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel; power windows with one-touch and door-key operation; center console with two cup holders, sliding armrest and power outlet; Alloy interior trim; AM/FM stereo with 10 speakers and in-dash six-CD changer; automatic headlamps; 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest and pass-through; 17-inch alloy wheels; high intensity gas-discharge bi-Xenon headlights with auto-leveling and washers; integrated halogen foglamps; black mesh grille with red surround trim; carpeted trunk with tie-down hooks; full-size spare wheel/tire; blue tinted glass

Options as Tested: Package 2 ($3,500) includes leather seating surfaces, sport seats, heated front seats, Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, satellite radio, heated washer nozzles; Direct Shift Gearbox six-speed auto-manual transmission ($1,075); 7.5x18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40R18H summer tires ($750); rear side airbags ($350)

Destination Charge: 630

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 200 @ 5500

Torque: 207 @ 1800

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

Wheelbase: 101.5 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 179.3/70.1/57.4 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.7/59.8 inches

Turning Cycle: 35.1 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: 955

Suspension, f: independent MacPherson strut with anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 5.4 inches

Curb Weight: 3334 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 225/40R18H summer performance

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

Fuel Capacity: 14.5 Gallons