The selection was made from a total of fifty vehicles from American, European and Asian manufacturers. It was the balanced concept of the Golf GTI in particular that impressed the jury. On the one hand, it has true sporting attributes — supported by the intelligent DSG automatic gearbox — and, on the other, it does not compromise in terms of comfort, for example, space and high-quality feel.

The editors were mainly impressed by the GTI chassis, however. It delivers composed and precise responses that the American experts believe result from the "autobahn breeding" of the GTI.

The Golf GTI is available in Germany with the 2.0l 200 hp engine from €25,650. The two special models "Edition 30" and "Pirelli" — both with performance raised to 230PS — start at €29,175 and €30,175.