I've gotta be honest, before I discovered the sublime GTI, I always felt little hatchbacks were for poor uni students or young women given they were cute and unintimidating.
Even though the hatch is larger and more functional than say, a coupe like the A5, 3 series coupe, 350Z, RX8 etc., somehow the coupe shape has a more "manly" presence.
I used to drive a 200sx at uni and I always got a "wow, nice car" from guys and girls.
I never get that response with the GTI. Of course, one of the reasons I drive one is that it is stealthy, not showy, to me a bit more mature with 5 drs etc......but I do miss the admirable looks my old coupe used to get. In fact, most people at work who see me drive my new GTI, don't utter a single comment at all, except one chap who was "in the know" about the GTI heritage and its hidden performance.
Thoughts?