Overall, the 2016 VW GTI lives up to the hype and its heritage as the original "hot hatch." It's slightly more expensive than similar cars in the segment, but I feel like the quality and end product justify the price.

The Volkswagen GTI is a fantastic all-around car that is a blast to drive yet practical at the same time. Just fold down the rear seats and pop the hatch to find a large cargo area. The car has the pep and spirit to get you around town with a smile on your face. The 2.0 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also incredibly reliable. The GTI's fit and finish are top-notch and you can tell you are driving a German-engineered car. The doors have a pleasant weight to them, nothing rattles or squeaks, and the ergonomics are incredibly intuitive and natural. On the whole, there are few, if any, cars in the same price range that could offer the same level of quality, reliability, utility, and performance in one package.