Volkswagen GTi: The competition

The Volkswagen GTi is certainly a legend. Others are trying to appeal to similar customers, including the Honda Civic Si, the Hyundai Elantra N and the Subaru WRX.

Honda Civic Si

Price: from $ 33,000 (estimate)

A full review of the new Civic Si will be released shortly. It is therefore risky to comment on the advances of this new generation which, on paper, represents a healthy development compared to the previous one. If we were to judge the latter against the GTi, the German would win because of its wider, more linear engine range, smoother handling, and the versatility that its hatchback body gives it.

Hyundai Elantra N

Price: from $ 38,799 (estimate)

Elantra N or GTi? The choice appears difficult. The N has a more volcanic temperament likely to appeal to enthusiasts who want to avoid compromises. Its manual transmission is linked to a more precise control, while the automatic dual-clutch transmission has nothing to envy that of the GTi. Never mind, the latter is more pleasant in everyday life, more comfortable, more functional. Wiser too, no doubt, and it offers a more diverse range capable of appealing to a much larger audience.

Subaru WRX

Price: $ 30,995 (estimate)

Like the Civic Si, the new version of the WRX (our photo) has yet to be tested. That said, the Japanese will still benefit from superior traction than the Volkswagen, courtesy of its constant-mesh all-wheel drive. On paper, the WRX will produce more power, but its setup (flat engine) usually hinders revs.

Subaru, however, promises a wider power curve. To check. As for the manual gearbox, this apparently has not been changed at all. We must therefore expect a command that is even less precise than that of Volkswagen. And the automatic transmission remains a CVT …