2009 Volkswagen GTI 2-door 2.0T Hatchback Coupe

Costing well under $25,000, the 2009 Volkswagen GTI returns to its roots by infusing razor-sharp handling with spirited acceleration. Thanks to the GTI's clever hatchback design, drivers can enjoy true German-engineered performance without having to sacrifice comfort for four people or a roomy cargo hold. Although now larger and heavier than the original car, the GTI remains a manageable size and features its most powerful engine to date: A turbocharged 2.0-liter unit pumping out 200 horsepower. Drivers can choose between a slick-shifting six-speed manual or Volkswagen's marvelous Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic, which is without question the best auto-manual transmission money can buy.

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A powerful, flexible engine combined with flat, responsive handling, a lot of grip in the corners and front-wheel-drive predictability make the 2009 Volkswagen GTI a joy to drive enthusiastically wherever appropriate.	While the 2009 Volkswagen GTI out-muscles the Honda Civic Si, MINI Cooper S and Mazda MAZDA3 s, it's also 400 to 600 pounds heavier than those competitors. In fact, this biggest GTI ever weighs as much as Volkswagen's Passat midsize sedan. The extra weight isn't readily apparent, but it's certainly no advantage, either.

The Cold Weather package, which features heated washer nozzles and heated seats, is now standard equipment on every 2009 GTI.