To say VW's are an "overall better performing car" than some of the cars that have been mentioned in this thread is a bit presumptuous. From my experience, knowledge, reading, etc., VW has reliability issues and I am not much for the VW technology/engineering. Also, it's pretty bad when 3 year old certified pre-owned vehicles which are supposed to represent the best a car can look at that age doesn't impress me.

Also, The Si is about $16k (160 hp). The Spec V is about $17k (175 hp). The GTI ranges from $19k - $22k. Usually each extra thousand financed is about $20/month for a 5 year loan (generally speaking, of course). If I'm going to spend that amount of money, I might as well look at an Accord or TSX (love the TSX!). If indeed the CTR comes into fruition, i would be looking at an estimated $19k for a naturally aspirated 200 hp car.

Lastly, TURBOCHARGED 180 hp? Not impressive at all, regardless of the times you claim. If i wanted to go the forced induction route, I could do it with many of the cars I'm looking at and have a better machine for about the same price.