Standard equipment in the 2007 VW GTI includes side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control and a whole lot of fun. A car like this is why you learn to drive a stick shift.

Photo by Volkswagen (ENLARGE)

Volkswagen GTI

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ABOUT THE VOLKSWAGEN GTI:

Body style: Two-door hatchback, four-door hatchback

Price: MSRP starts at $22,100; tester was $29,290

Drive: Front wheel

Seating: Two in front, three in rear

Engine: 2-liter inline four-cylinder

Transmission: Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic

Miles per gallon of fuel: 23 city / 32 highway

WHAT'S SPECIAL: The 2-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine provides plenty of zip, which is technically measured as 200 horsepower. With the crisply shifting six-speed manual transmission, you can jump from a standing start to 60 mph in seven seconds. The automatic transmission, VW says, is even quicker to 60 mph.

WHAT WE LIKE: This is a car designed to make driving fun. The front-seat side bolsters hold you in place. The steering is tight, precise. The engine provides oomph over a broad band of RPMs, allowing you to jump ahead whine-free without shifting.

WHAT ISN'T THERE: Storage. While the hatchback provides access to an adequate cargo area, there is scant space for stuff in the front seat. The center console is consumed by the six-disc CD changer. That's all the CDs you'll be able to neatly stow.

YOU OUGHTA KNOW: The GTI, first brought to the United States in 1983, is now available as a four-door. That adds a bit of practicality to what is otherwise an undercover sports car. The rear seats are comfortable for two adults, with ample legroom and headroom. A center armrest folds down. There are headrests for all three rear seating positions, but you can't really stick an adult in the middle seat.

EXTRAS: The GTI handles swell, thanks, in part, to a new electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system and sports-tuned suspension. You always feel connected to the road, but without feeling every bump. The car's agility helped it earn a place on the most recent 10 Best Cars list of Car and Driver magazine. Sirius Satellite Radio and a DVD-based navigation system are among the few available options.

AND ANOTHER THING: The heated front seats Ñ part of one of two option packages Ñ fire up quickly. Your buns will be toasty before you drive two miles.