2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The increase in features brings an increase in price for the Volkswagen GTI. The base price starts at $28,695 before a $995 destination fee in the US. This gets you a manual GTI, but if you want DSG on the base trim, it's available for $29,495. The slightly more premium SE has a base price of $32,665, with DSG also $800 dearer. Finally, the Autobahn costs $36,945 in manual guise or $37,745 with the DSG.

The VAQ front differential fitted to all GTIs is an electronic system that Volkswagen says is predictive, rather than reactive. The result is that it can correctly reassign power depending on the conditions, the angle of the steering wheel, and the level of throttle input you give. This makes it up to eight seconds quicker around the Nurburgring's infamous north loop than a GTI without the electronic LSD would be. It's not just about carving the perfect line either - the GTI will indulge you in some lift-off oversteer antics if you so desire, it's neutral handling and balanced chassis helping induce pure happiness.

If you spec the Autobahn model, VW's Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive dampers make the GTI even better, with the various driving modes that are standard (Normal, Sport, and customizable Individual) being supplemented by Comfort. In this mode, the DCC switches to an ultra-compliant and comfortable runaround. In Sport, everything stiffens up for better handling. This duality of purpose helps solidify our love for the GTI just as much as the versatile power plant does. Should you not wish to splash out on the Autobahn trim, fear not. The standard GTI is still excellent, and the ride is not unbearably harsh, nor excessively floaty. If you want a small sports car but can't compromise on rear-seat space, the GTI is the perfect answer.

Although the seventh generation of the new Golf GTI has been on sale in the US since 2015, the things that drew us to it haven't changed since we first drove one. The seats are supportive but comfortable; the interior is sporty but livable, premium but affordable. The performance from the brilliant 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger is also equally matched by great gas mileage, and the starting price is not excessive. While we wait with bated breath for the upcoming Golf, the current generation continues to both thrill and comfort drivers and passengers alike. It's not the fastest, nor is it the most luxurious hot hatch you can buy, but in terms of being the best practical hatch you can play with every day for how much value it holds, it's still the boss.

The base GTI is a brilliant choice, blending value for money with performance. However, as much as we love the tartan fabric on the base model, the larger infotainment screen available on the SE, along with a sunroof, make it highly attractive. The same applies to the Autobahn with its added safety kit. Whichever version you pick, the GTI is sure to be a solid performer.

The VW Golf GTI and the Golf R share much between them, with the GTI's platform and engine providing the basis for the Golf R. However, they are very different - particularly when it comes to price. When it was still on sale, the seventh-gen Golf R started at over $40,000 more than the GTI, and although its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is a brilliant way to handle the additional power from a bigger turbo (60 hp more and 22 lb-ft extra), the R is a bit too premium to be as fun and carefree as the GTI. The GTI doesn't take itself as seriously and is a car you can have fun with even at lower speeds, whereas the Golf R's all-weather traction makes it a little more focused, heavy, and expensive. The Golf R is an outstanding hot hatch, but the simplicity, price, and fun of the GTI mean that it's still the better car for daily enjoyment.

那些感兴趣的一个有趣的和负担得起的2.0升four-cylinder car may be attracted by the Subaru WRX sedan. At an MSRP of $27,495, it's just over a thousand dollars cheaper than a base Golf GTI. With all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual as standard, and 268 hp under the hood, the Scooby is an affordable performance car that is guaranteed to out-launch a GTI at the traffic lights. However, paired to a heavy all-wheel-drive system, the WRX scores three mpg less when the manual models of each are compared. A boxer's rorty, off-balance engine note may allow you to forgive the heavier consumption, but these days, Subarus are more sedate in that department. With the same torque as the WRX, less weight to play with, and a cargo area that's easily bigger than the Subaru's trunk, the GTI is both more fun and more practical. The ultimate hot hatch still beats cars that aren't even in its class.