From the logbook: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Consumer Reports News: December 05, 2011 08:38 AM

Find Ratings

Sports cars

See Dealer Pricing

We realize that times are tough all over. Let's say you really, really want a cool sports sedan (Audi A4; Infiniti G37; or BMW 3 Series with a few options) but simply can't swing the payments. Well, here's an entertaining alternative: Volkswagen's fun (and affordable) Jetta GLI.

How affordable? A GLI with the "Autobahn" trim (18" wheels and a sunroof) and six-speed manual transmission (but no nav--just like our test car was configured) will set you back only $26,835. The 2.0-liter, 200-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides gobs of power in any gear --even at low revs--yet also delivers a very frugal 27 mpg overall in our tests. Sadly, it requires premium fuel.

So, is it fun to drive?

Take a look at these raw logbook comments and tell us what you think:

"[Handling] is far better than the regular Jetta, but not quite a GTI."

"Lots of grip; body roll is well controlled."

"On-center steering feel is slightly vague."

"More fun to drive than the Civic Si."

"The powertrain transforms this cargreat enginesounds better than our Camaro V8 convertible."

"Same sweet manual GTI transmission -better than the DSG."

"The ride is very firm but not stiff."

"The driving position has decent space, but my leg hits the console."

"Have to sit closer than I want to comfortably depress the clutch pedal."

"Wish the front seat had more lumbar support."

"Interior is much nicer than Jetta SE, but the cheap door panels remain."

"Some rattles in the rear package shelf when driving on back roads."

"Best Jetta so far with the current design."

We think you can make the argument that the GLI is a bargain sports sedan--quite different than the previous Jetta we tested. Clearly, we like driving it a lot. And for people on a tight budget, it might just be the car to help enthusiasts battle the winter blues.