Volkswagen GTI

Volkswagen’s sales in North America have been struggling. We think that’s because the German automaker has been slow to bring in its new and improved vehicles, vehicles that Europeans get months and even years before we do. After driving the all-new 2015 GTI (models that have been cruising German highways since November 2012) we’re thrilled that the new Golf lineup is finally here because the newest version of the iconic hatchback is among the best in the compact car ranks.

The seventh-generation Golf GTI is bigger, lighter, faster and more fuel efficient than previous generations. Horsepower has increased, but price has decreased by $700, and fuel economy has seen improved mpg.