What happens when Volkswagens exacting requirements are applied to a sporty compact and luxurious sedan? The 2009 Volkswagen GLI, of course! Volkswagen takes their cars very seriously, though and the GLI is evidence of that. One begins to question their choices as the price creeps skyward, though.

The GLI blurs the line between sporty compact sedans and more luxury models by combining power, comfort and control into one persuasive package. The GLI comes with only one power option; a turbocharged four-cylinder, 2 litre engine putting out 200 hp and 207 pound-feet of torque, which propels the GLI up to 60mph in under 8 seconds.

The second part of the equation; the handling, is taken care of by firm suspension and extremely responsive steering which relays a huge amount of data to the drivers finger tips.

The trinity is completed by a complete set of luxury fixtures and a wealth of safety features. Antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, stability control, traction control and full-length head curtain airbags are all standard.

The 2009 Volkswagen GLI starts at roughly $25,000 but you’ll want to grab the optional 6 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to get the best out of every drive.