Volkswagen Golf R
The R is the top-of-the-line Golf with a powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and brutal performance for a hatchback. The R version derivates the mighty R32 Golfs from the early 2000s, featuring those 3.2-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engines (via AutoCar).
However, the latest versions feature a smaller, more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four delivering over 300 hp. As you can expect, the performance is quite brutal for a family compact. To get from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds and this car can top 155 mph, which is fantastic. Also, it’s a Volkswagen so it isn’t expensive to buy or maintain today.