The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the brand’s sporty compact car. It has a rich tradition of blending the practicality of the Golf hatchback with a zippier engine and sportier mechanicals, creating a car that many enthusiasts regard as near-perfect. Prices start at an MSRP of $26,415. It’s a humble performance car that’s just as suited to sprinting along mountain roads as it is tackling a haul of goods from Wal-Mart.
Pros: Fun Yet Practical, Great Overall Balance, Quality Interior, Low-Key Good Looks
Cons: Can Get Pricey, Less Room Than Some Competitors, Black-Only Interior Options
Looks Best In: Great Falls Green exterior (*e-Golf shown)/Black interior
What You Should Know: The Golf GTI has plenty of zoom for most, however Volkswagen does offer the higher-performance AWD Golf R to take things to another level.
Coolest Feature: The smile-inducing turbocharged engine makes the Golf GTI a hoot to drive.
Competition: Subaru WRX, Lexus IS, Ford Focus ST
Summary: Fast without excessive flash, this is a performance car for introverts who have a fun side.
Did You Know? According to Volkswagen “GTI” stand for Grand Touring Injection.
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[Images: Volkswagen]
