This week at egmCarTech, we are test-driving the new 2010 Volkswagen GTI. While at first we were surprised when the car won the 2010 Automobile of the Year by Automobile magazine over cars like the BMW Z4 and the Porsche Cayman S, we soon realized why after taking our first spin in the new V-dub hot hatch.

First Impressions: It is stonkingly fast and handles exceptionally well. Power for the 2010 Volkswagen GTI comes from a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 200-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.7 seconds when mated to Volkswagen’s 6-speed automatic DSG with Triptronic. The GTI also has a top speed of 149 mph.

The car offers nonstop torque in any gear at any speed and the front-wheel-drive setup never seems to be an issue. One bone we do have to pick with the GTI is the subpar braking – it almost feels sedan-like, which is a bit annoying for a car with this much zip and power. Nonetheless, the EPA-rated fuel-economy of 24/32 mpg (city/highway) is sure to make your wallet happy.

Prices for the 2010 Volkswagen GTI start at $23,290. Our test-vehicle is fitted with a bunch of options including the $2,795 Autobahn package (leather front sport seats and power sunroof), $1,750 DVD satellite navigation system, $1,100 6-speed automatic DSG w/triptronic, $750 18-inch alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, $700 bi-xenon headlamps, $476 Dynaudio advanced sound system and $199 for Bluetooth connectivity. With a $700 destination charge, that brings pricing to a whopping $31,760.

As always, stay tuned for daily updates and make sure you ask us all the questions you want answered about the 2010 GTI. If you want a faster response, send us a Tweet at our Twitter account.

Weekly Test-Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI:

- By: Omar Rana

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.