Making hatches hip

The 2005 Volkswagen GTI sports a tauter suspension, meatier tires and wheels, and a 200-horsepower turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter engine. Unique exterior styling cues will provide greater distinction between the sporty GTI and the regular Golf, and the interior is likely to include thicker seat bolsters and special trim.

Other features include stability control, power lumbar seat adjustment, automatic climate control and a navigation system. The 2005 Volkswagen Golf will start at a base price of about $17,000 and is likely to cost as much as $25,000 with every option, which just undercuts the price range of another premium German hatchback, the Mercedes-Benz C-Coupe, and runs a couple grand higher than the new 2004 Mazda 3.

Hatchbacks are becoming more popular than ever as consumers re-discover their unique blend of fun and functionality in an affordable package. Like Volkswagen Golfs of years past, it's a bit pricier than expected for its size, but there's a premium small car class emerging in North America that includes the likes of the Acura RSX, Mazda 3, MINI Cooper, Pontiac Vibe, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Matrix. The compact hatchback field is getting crowded with many excellent choices; VW no longer owns a significant chunk of its retail turf, as evidenced by dwindling sales in the past couple of years. Time will tell if the 2005 Volkswagen Golf and VW GTI prove to be compelling choices.

-- Photos Courtesy of Volkswagen AG