10 - Volkswagen Golf GTI / Jetta GLI
These VWs continue to enjoy the support of large numbers of very devoted fans, and C&D finds good reason for that. It makes the point that the GTI was on the magazine’s very first 10Best list published back in 1983, and that it has done little to betray that belief since then. 2021 marks the 15th consecutive time it appears on the list.
Both the GTI and its non-identical twin the Jetta GLI run on the same 228-hp engine, and either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission – both of which are excellent. These and other factors make the two models just so much darn fun to drive.
What C&D liked:
- Wonderful driving dynamics
- Responsive steering and transmissions
- Still very practical cars
- Great fuel economy
- Distinctively austere interiors, with intuitive controls
Our review of the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
See also: Next Volkswagen Golf GTI Shows Itself Ahead of Geneva Premiere