If you consider that it results from a kind of leisure project. And now 1.9 million are already gone over the counter. Originally strictly reserved for the two-door, now available with four. And constantly the car testers ask if now the path of virtue was abandoned. That seems to have little sense because it has become different, despite plaid seats and golf ball shift knob. The old ease is gone, but it was not to do otherwise. In Formula 1 dies yet hardly a racer, thank goodness. But the GTI has received other qualities. Whether that's already high-peformance? With an eight, twelve or sixteen cylinder you really should not compare it. As I said, it now has four doors. And not the crazy prices of these fast cars. Two-thirds of their minimum consumption is the highest attainable in the GTI. It remains affordable on VW-level, perhaps has only lost a little its youthful charm. But presumably you would also be a little disillusioned, you would know the average age of GTI buyers. Important Buying Tips: maybe you do without all extras, but take the performance package. No, not to reach the 250 km/h limit with the 7 kW (10 HP) more. Also not because of red lacquered brake calipers. It's about this phenomenal limited-slip differential (Fig. 4) that the car pulls into the lane and not brakes into it. This at the GTI even more as still quite a torque draws on the front axle and this does not remain unnoticed from the steering. About the direct shift gearbox you can argue. It's with almost 2000 euros not cheap, compared with experienced drivers consumes a bit more and nibbling on the performance. On the other hand, this tightening force without interruption of traction is still a pleasure. More recommendable is the adaptive chassis, together with the limited-slip differential for almost the same extra charge. Since you can ask yourself at rest, what for a feeling you like, from hard to almost comfortable. In summary: You make a fundamental decision with relatively large amount of money for a car, especially if you fall prey to the options list. Who uses the capabilities of such cars rarely, then comes to ponder. Who loves such thing will delights itself at the engine sound, instead to feel it disturbing. It's been a fundamental decision, but quite a lot left over from the possibilities of an ordinary VW Golf. 11/13