The new GTI performs well with either transmission. Even the slower manual-equipped model is more than half a second quicker than the previous-generation manual GTI. Braking figures have improved, too, though the 0.96 g skidpad figure only matches that of the old car rather than exceeding it. The dual-clutch automatic model we tested fared even better. It was quicker, stopped shorter and put up better figures on the skidpad than the manual model. In fact, braking and skidpad figures were better than the more powerful (but heavier) Volkswagen Golf R. That said, the R is significantly quicker in a straight line and would outpace the GTI on track.

The GTI compares favorably to its sport compact rivals, too, most of which are sedans rather than hatchbacks. The Elantra N is one of our favorite sport compacts, and the Hyundai is more powerful and a hair quicker than the Volkswagen, but braking and skidpad figures were in the same ballpark. You can see just how close these two are in terms of performance in our head-to-head U-Drags race.

The Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si and Acura Integra also compete in this space. The Subaru puts up competitive performance figures, but the Honda and Acura are frankly way off the pace. We’re holding out hope that the new Civic Type R will put the Civic back in the conversation.

Bench racing is never the last word

Numbers are great for quick comparisons, but a 0 to 60 mph time won’t tell you if a car is fun to drive. Speed can feel sterile if a car…