The GTI's rigid unibody structure includes front and rear crumple zones. All seating positions have three-point harnesses. Dual front and front side airbags, antilock brakes, and all-speed traction control are standard. It combines comfort and handling ability, with plenty of suspension travel and a perfect match of spring and shock absorber rates. It has less weight on its front wheels than the VR6-engined GTI GLX, and so feels even more nimble.
Torque steer is minimal.
In its current form, the GTI is a true baby grand touring car, with long-term comfort and entertaining handling. A sport suspension with recalibrated springs and shocks, and 17-inch alloy wheels replacing the standard 16s, is slated for model year 2001. I had the opportunity to drive a GTI GLS so equipped at the press introduction, and found that it had less body roll in corners with little compromise in comfort. It should be a worthwhile, but not absolutely necessary, option. The GTI is the lightest of the bunch, and so has the best performance.