2012 Volkswagen Golf

The 2012 Golf is Volkswagen's compact hatchback, the one that gives you a bit more space and a more planted feel than the smaller Polo. It's a genuinely fun car to drive, with sharp steering and a chassis that feels eager through corners, though the ride is on the firmer side. Inside, the Golf feels more upscale than its price suggests, with a clean dashboard and comfortable seats that hold you well. The hatchback body makes it surprisingly practical, with a decent cargo area and rear seats that fold down for bigger loads. You drop the diesel's fuel economy and gain a cheaper buy-in versus the TDI, with a gas engine that's smoother and more eager around town. Its 2.5L I5 sends 170 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic, an eager combination that feels stronger than the numbers suggest.