By Tara Weingarten
When a Little Goes a Long Way

You wouldn’t know it, but this scrappy little hatch costs about the same as an entry-level Mercedes-Benz. The snob appeal is all under the hood—in its taut, high-performance suspension and all-wheel-drive traction. Enthusiasts thrill to the R32’s quick acceleration and sharp steering. Just 5,000 will be produced.

Interior: Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters allows you to switch gears with the flick of a finger. It has polished aluminum trim, stylized carbon fiber and optional GPS like those found on pricey exotics.

Engine: A wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing 3.2-liter VR-6, 250hp engine. Slide the DSG six-speed automatic transmission into sport mode and feel the yank of power in this lightweight hatchback.

Handling: Bright blue brake calipers on 18-inch alloy wheels with anti-theft locks mean business. A substantial racing-inspired sport suspension keeps the line in tight cornering.