Sporty and fun to drive and comes loaded with standard options.The GLS, has power windows (with one-touch operation for the front windows), power mirrors, an adjustable front center armrest with storage, velour upholstery and cruise control as standard equipment. Note that the GLS Turbo also comes with VW's Anti-Slip Regulation -- traction control, that is. Alloy wheels and the CD changer are also on the options list for the GLS other extras include a premium Monsoon sound system, a moonroof and seat heaters. All Golfs come with an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, though the 2-year/24,000-mile basic coverage could certainly stand improvement.

Consumers will be impressed by Golf's structural rigidity, which not only provides a solid, quiet body with precise gaps between the doors and body panels, but an overall feeling of quality. It all rides on a front MacPherson strut/rear torsion-beam suspension. This setup not only provides the most comfortable ride of any compact car on the market today, but also succeeds in communicating with the driver, such that the Golf is a lot more fun in corners than your average Honda Civic.

Inside, the instrument panel is stylish yet functional, and Volkswagen's attention to detail is immediately evident, given the high-quality textured plastics used throughout the cabin and tight build quality. The analog gauges are backlit in blue with vibrant red pointers the company wanted this combination to be marque-specific, noting that these are the same colors used by international air traffic on airfields at night. Seats are firm and supportive, and owners will have 18 cubic feet of cargo space at their disposal, even with the rear seats in use. If you need more space, you can fold down the 60/40-split rear bench to a flat load floor.