23. Volkswagen Golf R
The R is the top of the line Golf with a powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It delivers a brutal performance for a family hatchback. The R version is the derivate of the mighty R32 Golfs from the early 2000’s with 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6 engines.
However, the latest versions feature a smaller, more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four that delivers 292 HP. As you can expect, the performance is brutal for a family compact. Going from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds and this car can top 155 mph. Even though this is a hot hatch and hot hatches usually come with flamboyant designs, scoops and spoilers, the Golf R is restrained and discrete.