VW’s latest GTI spotlights a redesigned interior. The tested vehicle’s black-red-gray plaid seats and red accent points (gear boot stitching and shifter knob ring) supply a smile-inducing additive. Analog cluster gauges and a multi-function computer display provide the driver with a quick source point for fuel mileage and other information. GTI’s attention to detail is also evident on the exterior. After pressing the key fob button for trunk release, the hatch-handle is the VW logo-badge. (Push the top of the VW logo and the bottom of the logo serves as a lifting handle.)

GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter intercooled and turbocharged four-cylinder. The engine, which produces 200 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 207 pounds-feet of torque between 1800 and 5000 rpm, mates to a 6-speed manual transmission. GTI is a great scamper with on-demand passing power, but the GTI is also conservative on the fuel consumption meter with an estimated mpg of 21 city and 31 highway. Steering this fine handling car is effortless as the electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering has amazingly great on-center feel. GTI has a fully independent front and rear suspension and comes with standard 17-inch wheels and all-season tires. MSRP of the GTI is $23,890.