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23rd
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Listen up, fellas: Are you at that point in your life where you want a hot new sports car while the significant other wants more -- er -- wholesome things like a family, a bigger house or some furry pets? Maybe all of the above?
Yikes!
Typically, this “starting a family” business gets in the way of that boy-racer pursuit of speed, power and go-fast goodies. Don't fret, with a hot hatch, you can have it all.
Models from Mazda, MINI, Ford, Subaru, Volvo, Volkswagen, and others are all available with the room drivers need for kids and pets and home renovation supplies, along with big-time performance, handling, and braking capabilities.
Most of today's hot hatches are turbocharged. All are fun to drive, and ready to use every day.
Best part? You don't have to tell the wife it's actually a sports car. Here's a look.
Model: VW GTI
Starting Price: $29,375
Overview: Without the GTI, there would be no hot hatches. This machine started the scene decades ago and paved the way for other models. The Volkswagen GTI packs selection and efficient, proven performance loved by thousands of enthusiasts the world over. Available in 3- or 5-door models with a standard turbocharged engine, adaptive headlights, Bluetooth, and a full suite of safety features, the GTI offers a just-right blend of the features and pricing today's family-oriented enthusiast shopper demands. You get 200 horsepower, even more torque, and an all-around package suited well to everyday use.
Pros: This former Canadian Car of the Year winner, as selected by AJAC, has proven it's got what it takes to win over Canadian drivers. The Volkswagen GTI is fuel efficient, comfortable, roomy, well equipped, affordable, and a total blast on a winding back road or track. Manual or Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic transmissions are available. Despite its 200 horsepower punch, the celebrated 2.0T powerplant in the GTI is able to turn in mileage below 7L/100km.
Cons: With 200 horsepower, the Volkswagen GTI isn't the fastest or most powerful hot hatch on the scene.
Noteworthy: Like shifting yourself? Pick the GTI's 6-speed manual transmission. Want a little taste of the world of racecars for your daily commute? The 6-speed dual-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission is for you. This optional piece of hardware operates like a conventional automatic transmission during gentle driving, though it can change gears in hundredths of a second via a set of steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.
Yikes!
Typically, this “starting a family” business gets in the way of that boy-racer pursuit of speed, power and go-fast goodies. Don't fret, with a hot hatch, you can have it all.
Models from Mazda, MINI, Ford, Subaru, Volvo, Volkswagen, and others are all available with the room drivers need for kids and pets and home renovation supplies, along with big-time performance, handling, and braking capabilities.
Most of today's hot hatches are turbocharged. All are fun to drive, and ready to use every day.
Best part? You don't have to tell the wife it's actually a sports car. Here's a look.
Model: VW GTI
Starting Price: $29,375
Overview: Without the GTI, there would be no hot hatches. This machine started the scene decades ago and paved the way for other models. The Volkswagen GTI packs selection and efficient, proven performance loved by thousands of enthusiasts the world over. Available in 3- or 5-door models with a standard turbocharged engine, adaptive headlights, Bluetooth, and a full suite of safety features, the GTI offers a just-right blend of the features and pricing today's family-oriented enthusiast shopper demands. You get 200 horsepower, even more torque, and an all-around package suited well to everyday use.
Pros: This former Canadian Car of the Year winner, as selected by AJAC, has proven it's got what it takes to win over Canadian drivers. The Volkswagen GTI is fuel efficient, comfortable, roomy, well equipped, affordable, and a total blast on a winding back road or track. Manual or Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic transmissions are available. Despite its 200 horsepower punch, the celebrated 2.0T powerplant in the GTI is able to turn in mileage below 7L/100km.
Cons: With 200 horsepower, the Volkswagen GTI isn't the fastest or most powerful hot hatch on the scene.
Noteworthy: Like shifting yourself? Pick the GTI's 6-speed manual transmission. Want a little taste of the world of racecars for your daily commute? The 6-speed dual-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission is for you. This optional piece of hardware operates like a conventional automatic transmission during gentle driving, though it can change gears in hundredths of a second via a set of steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.
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| Photo: Volkswagen |