Good fuel efficiency, performance, handling, and engineering. Advanced interior system (GPS, backup camera). Feels safe. Great looking car (body shape, I like hatchback style cars). It looks sporty and modern.
Major cons include expensive maintenance and moderate amount of recalls for each model is always expected with Volkswagen cars. Also the radio buttons to switch to the next song on the radio is sometimes difficult to find while driving.
The 2018 Volkswagen GTI has an average owner rating of 4.88 out of 5 which ranks it #2 of 31 other Small Cars.
From the Vehicle History blog
Overall
Front
Rollover
Side
Moderate Overlap Front
Side
Roof Strength
Driver-side Overlap Front