The 2009 Volkswagen GTI lands somewhere between less-mature small, sporty coupes and hatches, like the Civic Si and Mazdaspeed3, and more mature, entry-level sporty luxury coupes like the BMW 1-Series.
The Volvo C30 is perhaps the most direct rival to the GTI, though the C30 is decidedly sportier in appearance.
Audi’s A3 is a slightly larger alternative to the GTI, with five doors for those who want something closer to a wagon.
It is admittedly quite a bit more expensive.
Yet another rival for the GTI is the MINI Cooper S; many urbanites might appreciate its smaller, nimbler feel.
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 2009 Volkswagen GolfBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Audi A3Browse Used Listings |  2008 Volvo C30Browse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | ||
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The 2009 Volkswagen GTI is the most conservative-looking of sporty hatches—and a bit pricey for a dressed-up Rabbit—but it redeems itself with the driving experience. |
The 2009 Audi A3 is more than a spruced-up VW hatchback, thanks to the fabulous interior, S-tronic transmission, and V-6 bark. |
The 2008 Volvo C30 is a satisfying, high-quality hatchback that connects "small" and "premium" in all the right ways. |
| MSRP From | ||
| $23,230 | $26,920 | $22,950 |
| Gas Mileage | ||
| 21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||
| Gas Turbocharged I4 | Gas I4 | I5 Turbo |
| EPA Class | ||
| Compact | Small Station Wgn | Compact |
| Style Name | ||
| 2-Door HB Manual | 4-Door HB MT 2.0T FrontTrak | 2-Door Coupe Automatic Version 1.0 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Passenger Doors | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||
| 2 Door HB | 4 Door HB | 2 Door Coupe |
| Transmission | ||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2009 Audi A3 | 2009 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2008 Volvo C30 | |
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