2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Golf GTI is the original hot hatch, the benchmark for all the others. The first generation launched in Canada in 1983 with a mere 90 horsepower. Today, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the hood generates 241 horsepower. It can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. The rear hatch makes it a versatile sporty car, but the lack of physical controls is a problem for drivers.