Enthusiasts starved for affordable German performance were rewarded with the Volkswagen GTI back in 1983, a monochromatic hot hatch patterned after one of Europe’s most fun models but based on the relatively pedestrian Americanized Rabbit. Nevertheless, the original GTI featured practicality blended with responsive handling if not outright straight-line performance, and the car cultivated a loyal band of customers.

Over the years, the VW GTI gained more weight than oomph, but by the start of the 21st century it enjoyed healthy horsepower combined with understated good looks. The only thing missing was the sharp, crisp handling that had characterized the GTI for years.

Half a decade later, enthusiast buyers on a budget have a brand-new, and extremely compelling, GTI to consider. This one is equipped with Volkswagen’s new direct-injection turbo four, offers the company’s excellent Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) as an option, and based on seat time in the similar Jetta GLI, ought to prove big fun to drive.