This is my first post on this forum, as I recently purchased my first VW, a 2017 GTI Autobahn (6M PP Grey). I live in the midwest and already owned a weekend toy/ track car. I wanted something fun, comfortable, practical and loaded with features. These are the other cars I considered and test drove before deciding on the GTI:
Lexus IS350
Audi Q5
Acura RDX
Lexus CT200h
Porsche Cayman
Subaru WRX (2013 hatch)
Honda Civic SI
Focus RS
Golf R
Ultimately, I arrived at the GTI for it's perfect combination of quality, comfort, driving dynamics, practicality, fun, understated elegance, discretion, fit and finish, interior design/layout, and cost of ownership.
So far, I've been thrilled with the car.