Love it or hate it, there’s no mistaking the new Volkswagens for anything else, especially with a wide swath of chrome on the face. However, that sea of blinding chrome is gone on the 2006 GTI, replaced by a shiny black insert, a subtle red line as found on the Jetta GLI, and a simple GTI badge. The smoked headlights bear high-intensity xenon bulbs, the grille is black honeycomb, and the lower corners are home to bright fog lights. A view from the side unveils a smooth body devoid of creases and exaggerated shapes, subtle wheel flares, and a raked windshield that works with an upper rear spoiler to create an aerodynamic roof line. Multi-spoke silver alloy wheels dress up the standard model, though gorgeous 18-inch alloys with black pockets are optional. At the 2006 Volkswagen GTI’s tail is a prominently displayed chrome VW badge, large wraparound lamps, a wiper and washer for the rear glass, and dual chrome exhaust tips. In comparison to the pocket rocket and tuner cars blaring their coffee-can exhausts up and down the streets today, all in an attempt to somehow make their ridiculously large wings and neon add-on lights look cool, the understated yet aggressive ’06 GTI is a refreshingly tasteful alternative.

A quick evaluation of the early-production models available for journalist testing in San Diego suggested VW is not only focused on design and power, but also quality. Body panels all lined up nicely, bits and pieces all felt snug and secure, and the gaps were mostly narrow and consistent, though the space between the headlights and the hood looked a bit wide. Same went for the interior, which was outfitted in soft-touch plastics, durable cloth or leather seat and door panel material (we tested versions with the standard cloth and the optional leather), real aluminum trim, and sturdy buttons and knobs that felt as though they were ready for at least 100,000 miles of abuse. Primary controls, like those for the air conditioning, radio, and power features, are clearly marked and logically placed within easy reach.

Spend a few minutes in the 2006 VW GTI, and you’ll need to be reminded that this car starts at less than $25,000; however, there are a few points that would make the experience even better. The front center armrest adjusts for optimum comfort, but it doesn’t lock into place and continuously moves under pressure from your elbow. We’d also rethink the hard plastic grab handles on the lower console, which rub against knees in hard corners. And why is there lower center console grab handle for the driver? If things are getting hairy, shouldn’t his hands be on the wheel?