10BEST.

Whether you're using this car for a dull commute or a weekend away, the ride isolation and interior noise levels are almost mid-size-sedan pleasant, with or without the truly excellent optional adaptive dampers. Well before the new eighth-generation car arrived, the GTI was one of our most awarded 10Besters, often in conjunction with a Jetta or Golf sibling. The car is built on General Motors' Alpha architecture, which has given us keen driving machines such as the track monster Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE and the 10Best-winning Cadillac CTS V-Sport. It has never been difficult to see the allure: a bona fide German performance car with an affordable price - the $30,540 base figure qualifies by the overwrought standards of the current market - plus the practicality of five seats, good fuel economy, and a larger cabin than some compact crossovers. [Extracted from the article]