While not as stylish as, say, a Mini Cooper, the all-new 2006 Volkswagen GTI has come quite a way from the very boxy hatchback of yore. And though its corners may have been softened, it's face has been made bolder. Plus, there's just enough of a muscular bulge to its fender wells, which are well-filled by 17- or 18-inch tires, and just enough lip to its rear spoiler to hint at this car's performance potential.

This new hot hatch wears the same GTI badge as the original, and it displays it like a well-earned lapel pin against a black, honeycomb grille that features a red accent stripe in the shape of a slightly devilish smile.

The shape of the headlamp covers, which have an almost winking eye form, accentuates this mischievous attitude. Three large, black honeycombed air vents in the lower fascia enhance the strength of the front end, with large fog lamps housed in the outboard intakes.

Viewed in profile, the windshield rakes quickly back over the front of the passenger compartment and the roofline ends with a wind-cheating spoiler above the back window. This view also gains visual strength and a sporty stance from the way the car's waistline rises and the side windows taper above the rear fenders.

Also noticeable in the profile view are the red-colored brake calipers that show through all of the various wheel choices and proclaim that this is an all-around performance car, designed to stop as well as it goes.

Like the profile, the rear view is clean, with large tail lamps mounted high on the car's haunches with twin exhaust tips peaking out from the lower left side of the black bumper.

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