20. VOLKSWAGEN GTI
WHY IT'S ON OUR HIT PARADE: The vehicle that launched the hot-hatch category over a quarter-century ago is still winning comparison tests owing to its blending of traditional Teutonic ride/handling and charming tartan-plaid seat inserts with state-of-the-art technology like a torquey turbo-direct-injected four mated to a paddle-shifted twin-clutch transmission. It's first-class fun that fits in a 14-foot-long parking space.
COOL FACT: Set the DSG's launch control (ESP off, shifter in "S" position, brake torque and go) for a perfect 3000-rpm clutch drop every time.
SUM UP: A performance icon that is still burnishing its image.
THE DETAILS
Price: $24,740-$25,340
Powertrain: 2.0L/200-hp/207-lb-ft/turbo I-4/6-sp twin-clutch auto
Vital Stats: 0-60: 6.0 sec/quarter: 14.6 sec/EPA: 22/29 mpg
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