1st place: 2008 Volkswagen GTI
The Hot Hatch that pretty much started it all some 25 years ago prevails again. It may not have the most striking sheetmetal or the most powerful engine, but the GTI charmed us by its all-around dynamism and everyday drivability.
On the dragstrip, the VW may be short on horses compared with the rest of the bunch, but the result is an easier car to launch; 0-100 km/h took 7.4 seconds, a hair quicker than the Mazda and the Chevy which have 60 more horses. The VW cleared the quarter mile in 15.4 seconds at 146 km/h. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 produces 200 ponies and 207 lb-ft and produces very little steer torque, clear advantage in this quartet.
On the road, the GTI feels like a fined-tuned machine. Passing power is always a downshift away, and you can even get an optional dual-clutch automatic transmission. The seats are the best of the group, despite the curse-generating manual knob for adjusting the seatbacks.
The hatch opens very high and out of harm's way, and although we could only get a 3-door version of the GTI, we've driven the 5-door before; rear-seat entry and exit in the latter is easy. The cockpit benefits from premium materials and excellent ergonomics, but the dash creaked a little while driving and we wish the steering wheel would tilt higher.
The suspension isn't as stiff as other Hot Hatches in this comparo, and we've noticed some body roll during lane-change manoeuvres, but the compromise is a more comfortable ride for the daily commute.
Handling is obviously one of the GTI's strong points, but the stability control system proved to be more intrusive on the track than the others in this test. The cherry on the sundae is that the GTI was the most fuel-efficient of the foursome.
It doesn't take the win over the Mazda by much, but it displays Volkswagen's experience when it comes to creating a Hot Hatch that's both sporty and civilized. And with a recent price drop, the GTI is the 2nd cheapest car here, starting at $27,975, although a 5-door version costs $1,000 more.
"What it lacks in character is more than made up for with sure-footed moves, usable power and classic looks. It feels more expensive than it is." -Michel Deslauriers
The Hot Hatch that pretty much started it all some 25 years ago prevails again. It may not have the most striking sheetmetal or the most powerful engine, but the GTI charmed us by its all-around dynamism and everyday drivability.
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On the dragstrip, the VW may be short on horses compared with the rest of the bunch, but the result is an easier car to launch; 0-100 km/h took 7.4 seconds, a hair quicker than the Mazda and the Chevy which have 60 more horses. The VW cleared the quarter mile in 15.4 seconds at 146 km/h. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 produces 200 ponies and 207 lb-ft and produces very little steer torque, clear advantage in this quartet.
On the road, the GTI feels like a fined-tuned machine. Passing power is always a downshift away, and you can even get an optional dual-clutch automatic transmission. The seats are the best of the group, despite the curse-generating manual knob for adjusting the seatbacks.
The hatch opens very high and out of harm's way, and although we could only get a 3-door version of the GTI, we've driven the 5-door before; rear-seat entry and exit in the latter is easy. The cockpit benefits from premium materials and excellent ergonomics, but the dash creaked a little while driving and we wish the steering wheel would tilt higher.
The suspension isn't as stiff as other Hot Hatches in this comparo, and we've noticed some body roll during lane-change manoeuvres, but the compromise is a more comfortable ride for the daily commute.
Handling is obviously one of the GTI's strong points, but the stability control system proved to be more intrusive on the track than the others in this test. The cherry on the sundae is that the GTI was the most fuel-efficient of the foursome.
 |
It doesn't take the win over the Mazda by much, but it displays Volkswagen's experience when it comes to creating a Hot Hatch that's both sporty and civilized. And with a recent price drop, the GTI is the 2nd cheapest car here, starting at $27,975, although a 5-door version costs $1,000 more.
"What it lacks in character is more than made up for with sure-footed moves, usable power and classic looks. It feels more expensive than it is." -Michel Deslauriers
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