Finding a true value is not as easy as it sounds, for as good as a deal may look, there’s invariably a catch. Real bargains are more a myth than reality, except for rare instances, such as when Volkswagen offers an affordable pocket rocket that measures up to the joy of the 1983 original.

It’s been a long time since a worthy vehicle has worn the GTI name, and the completely redesigned 2006 model promises to remedy the situation and polish this once-heralded sport compact badge. Behind the all-new styling and sinister-looking face is a 200-horsepower turbocharged engine with 207 lb.-ft. of off-the-line punch mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission. Or, choose the remarkable DSG automatic as found in upper-crust Audi models, and shift without a clutch when the mood strikes. Add to that quality materials and construction, and standard features like side-impact and side-curtain airbags as well as a 10-speaker sound system, and the $22,620 base price starts to smell like a smokin’ deal.