2011 Volkswagen GTI

Base MSRP $23,695

The GTI sticks with its model heritage, offering surprisingly quick acceleration and crisp handling while sipping fuel. Handling has been improved again in the latest GTI, to give it a lighter, quicker feel, yet the GTI still offers interior appointments that are more premium compared to other sporty small cars and safety and entertainment features that are otherwise in the realm of luxury vehicles. Price is a big selling point for the GTI as well; starting around $23,000, the GTI offers a lot of performance for less money than other hot hatches and a lot less than all-wheel-drive machines like the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.