1- 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen GTI could be credited with creating this segment, or at least for having brought the idea of sporty compact cars to the masses. As the originator, it is little surprise then that it finds itself on top of our list as our favourite...
Its classic, sporty hatchback configuration always has us thinking that this is the no-compromise weekday family hauler with tons of potential for weekend fun.
The cabin is smartly laid out, the materials are nice, the seats provide all kinds of support in all the right places, and finding a comfortable driving position is easy as pie. The GTI has all the necessary elements to make it work as a daily driver without the worry of boredom setting in.
Volkswagen's brilliant 2.0TSI engine is just as happy puttering about town as it is being beat to within inches of its life on the track. On the road, the combination of the excellent DSG transmission and engine managed satisfyingly low fuel consumption as well as high levels of pleasure. The absence of lag translates into immediate throttle response, smile-inducing acceleration and passing manoeuvres.
If the FR-S is a 9.5/10 for track, the GTI rings in at a solid 8/10. However, what the GTI lacks in sheer skill it makes up for and then some in nearly every other way. The 2012 Volkswagen GTI led the way nearly 37 years ago and for us, still does.
The Volkswagen GTI could be credited with creating this segment, or at least for having brought the idea of sporty compact cars to the masses. As the originator, it is little surprise then that it finds itself on top of our list as our favourite...
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| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |
Its classic, sporty hatchback configuration always has us thinking that this is the no-compromise weekday family hauler with tons of potential for weekend fun.
The cabin is smartly laid out, the materials are nice, the seats provide all kinds of support in all the right places, and finding a comfortable driving position is easy as pie. The GTI has all the necessary elements to make it work as a daily driver without the worry of boredom setting in.
Volkswagen's brilliant 2.0TSI engine is just as happy puttering about town as it is being beat to within inches of its life on the track. On the road, the combination of the excellent DSG transmission and engine managed satisfyingly low fuel consumption as well as high levels of pleasure. The absence of lag translates into immediate throttle response, smile-inducing acceleration and passing manoeuvres.
If the FR-S is a 9.5/10 for track, the GTI rings in at a solid 8/10. However, what the GTI lacks in sheer skill it makes up for and then some in nearly every other way. The 2012 Volkswagen GTI led the way nearly 37 years ago and for us, still does.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert |