GTI’s ergonomics and visibility scores were category leaders, and scores for interior styling and interior quality smashed the competition, too. Engine smoothness and refinement were also rated tops-- as was the smoothness and refinement of the optional DSG gearbox. The latter helps keep fuel consumption down, which helped the GTI earn the best fuel consumption score in the group.

The two-litre turbo engine starts and idles in dead silence, and is smooth enough to warrant frequent checks for stalling. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

Steering, handling and braking feel were at or near the top of the charts as well. Include a high-speed winding road on your test drive, and you’ll quickly see why.

If comfort, quality, and economy sound like attributes on your new car wishlist, you’ll likely agree with the GTI’s category-leading “overall value” score, too.

Points aside, your writer recently revisited the GTI to see how it might grab the interest of test drivers checking out the affordable performance field for themselves.

Several attributes impress even before the engine is started. The modestly-equipped tester’s plad-lined cabin got plenty of at-hand storage and trim materials that could do double-duty in an Audi product any day of the week.

The hatchback body is flexible, with rear seats that fold flat and accommodate even grown-up humans in their upright position. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed relative roominess, storage compartments, and a flip-down armrest with cupholder.

The two-litre turbo engine starts and idles in dead silence, and is smooth enough to warrant frequent checks for stalling. Driven gently, it makes enough versatile torque to pull the car along from very low revs, too.

But that’s no fun.

Jam it, and the turbocharger comes online to belt out neck-straining acceleration accompanied by a warm, mellow hum from the engine bay. Tires squirm for grip through most of first gear, but the engine, even redlined, never sounds overworked or harsh.

The hatchback body is flexible, with rear seats that fold flat and accommodate even grown-up humans in their upright position. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)