Volkswagen Golf R 2003Change

Positioned above the vaunted GTI in Volkswagen's Golf model range, the latest Golf R sticks with an all-wheel-drive configuration but ditches the naturally aspirated V6 of the previous iteration for a high-output turbo four. Though still not the quickest car in its class, the Golf R boasts tight handling, a smooth-shifting transmission and a well-trimmed interior.

The Golf R features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, shared with the Audi TTS, that makes a healthy 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Whereas the outgoing car came exclusively with a six-speed dual clutch gearbox, a six-speed manual transmission is now the sole option.