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Volkswagen Golf GTI
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Volkswagen's feisty Golf GTI has turned tradition on its ear to become Australia's Best Cars first front-wheel-drive sports car winner. In six years of Best Cars, performance models channelling power through the rear wheels or all wheels have grabbed the limelight. This German car defies those trends as well as superb new rivals to be pick of the performance pile in 2005. It posted an array of scores more faultless than any winner before. GTI gains nine of the highest rankings available along with half a dozen above average scores. What that translates to is a safe, snug, well-built and functional hatch which doesn't forego the fun factor. The GTI is rapid yet refined. It is not the quickest sub-$57k car on offer, that honour goes to the blistering Mistubishi Lancer Evolution IX. However this Golf's heart is never far from its sweet spot with a slick manual shifter or optional auto box providing pleasurable gear changes. And it defies sports car logic by riding well and keeping din down while giving nothing away in handling or braking. Its grip levels are rarely daunted by the engine's 147 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque while its balance and steering integrity are stunning. The progressive brakes bite hard and tirelessly. The GTI only has a temporary use spare tyre but plenty of other practical points. Owners can look forward to surprising value, creature comforts, ample adjustability and a swag of active safety. Changes to Subaru's Impreza WRX make the AWD cult car a better proposition than before, but it is a shock to realise the GTI has its measure on-road. Prominence in comfort, security, handling and braking are hallmarks of the Rex but design dominance is now beyond the Japanese sedan. The spectre of high running costs also still dogs the three-time winner. But value flaws are most evident in the Evo. Now fully legitimate in the Mitsubishi range, and with the warranty to match, this rally-derived AWD will hit the hip pocket. It detracts from what is an unbelievably fast and theft-resistant sedan, gifted with superb seats and electronics which enhance its glorious grip by transferring torque between wheels and axles during cornering. The Evo is, without question, dominant on road at the cost of ride, refinement and functional merits.
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