Base Versus Loaded: 2011 Volkswagen Golf GTI
After toying around with various configurators for previous Base Versus Loaded pieces, some of which allow users to tack on enough options to nearly double the price of the base vehicle, it’s refreshing to be able to load up a car for just a few thousand dollars. Such is the case with the Volkswagen GTI.
Here, we used the two-door version of the zippiest Golf, and we were only able to add on one package (which included all the features of the two lower-priced packages available). The only other expense was in swapping the six-speed manual transmission for a DSG Configuring a top-of-the-line GTI was an easy task.
One thing to note, the DSG offers greater fuel efficiency (24/33 mpg vs. the manual’s 21/31), and an improvement in 0-60 time (6.7 seconds vs. 6.8).
Base
Price: $23,695 (two-door GTI) + $770 (destination charge) + $0 (options) = $24,465
Loaded
Price: $23,695 (two-door GTI) + $770 (destination charge) + $6630 (options) = $31,095
What Does $5530 Buy?
Drivetrain
Six-speed DSG transmission – $1100
Packages
GTI Autobahn Package – $5530
– Power tilting/sliding tinted sunroof
-Touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with MP3- and WMA-compatible in-dash 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio and SD memory card reader
– Leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel
– RNS 315 navigation system with 5" color touchscreen in center console and SD memory card reader
– Bi-Xenon™ high-intensity headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), directionally adjustable
– Leather seating surfaces
– Dynaudio® premium sound system with 8 high-end speakers (4 tweeters, 4 bass/midrange)
– 300-watt amplifier and DSP (Digital Signal Processor) technology
– Keyless access with push-button start
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