Brisk off-the-line acceleration performance is the first thing you notice about the 1.8T. There's a surprising amount of low-rpm torque here, more than enough to spin the front wheels. Traction control steps in when needed to minimize this, enhancing control. Accelerating through the gears, there's no turbo lag. Instead, the power delivery is fluid and linear. This 1.8-liter turbocharged engine is so smooth and it revs so freely that you're encouraged to put the throttle down. In spite of its power, it nets an EPA-rated 24/31-mpg city/highway.

GTI VR6 comes with Volkswagen's VR6, an innovative narrow-angle V6 engine that delivers 181 foot-pounds of torque. It isn't a rocket off the line, but offers good acceleration on the steepest grades.

The 2.0-liter engine offers adequate performance for commuting, but doesn't inspire drivers who enjoy spirited driving. However, the 2.0-liter engine holds its own in traffic, cruising steadily at 80 mph, delivers an EPA-rated 24/31 mpg city/highway. Its relatively low price offers the best value.

If fuel economy is at the top of your shopping list, consider the 1.9-liter TDI, a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder diesel engine. Diesels have a reputation for being noisy, smelly and slow, but Volkswagen has perfected the design. New emissions systems have cleaned up the exhaust scent, and the TDI is only a shade louder than the 2.0-liter gasoline engine. At highway speeds, you'll barely notice the difference. You sacrifice some performance, but the improvement in mileage is dramatic: it gets an EPA-estimated 42/49 mpg.

Golf offers excellent handling and a comfortable, well-controlled ride quality. With compliant coil springs and gas-filled shocks, the driver feels connected to the road while vibrations and bumps are comfortably muffled. MacPherson struts in front and the independent torsion-beam suspension in the rear help keep the car rooted to the road. Aggressive maneuvers generate little body roll. The longer wheelbase and the much stiffer chassis of the fourth-generation Golf reduce vibration on rough roads and improve handling in tight corners.

The Golf's firm brake pedal provides good feedback to the driver. This car is stable under hard braking. ABS, which comes standard, is ready to prevent wheel lockup, allowing the driver to maintain steering control in an emergency stop.

GLS and GTI models come with Volkswagen's Anti-Slip Regulation system (ASR), which detects wheel slippage and applies braking force to that particular wheel. Working with an Electronic Differential Lock at speeds below 25 mph, ASR controls throttle response to maximize traction and minimize slipping for enhanced driver control in tight cornering situations. Pressing a button in the center of the dash turns ASR off.