The depth and breadth of Volkswagen’s self-immolation – the utter mendacity of this Dieselgate scandal that involves dozens of models, six years of production, billions in settlement costs and an unfolding leadership crisis that may yet lead to criminal prosecution – casts a very dark cloud over the company’s unaffected models, most notably the Golf R and its cousin, the GTI.

The GTI cabin.

I have just driven both, five-door versions, and they are brilliant. While testing, I forgot how VW insiders willfully cheated emissions tests and lied to the world. This is a confounding place to be.

What VW did to game emissions tests is offensive. As U.S. regulators note, VW diesels spewed huge amounts of excessive pollution into the atmosphere, causing untold environmental damage. VW also poisoned its relationship with its customers and the public. Rebuilding trust will take years.

VW GTI

Nonetheless, the Golf R and the GTI are wonderful driving machines with tight but not punishing responses; user-friendly technology and technology interfaces; and properly bolstered seats that provide just the right support on long or short rides.

The cars are handsome but also practical hatchbacks with room in back for adults to sit comfortably for hours. Throughout, you find high-quality materials and build quality to match. Both gasoline-driven cars are also remarkably fuel efficient.

It’s easy to be furious at VW for criminal acts, but it’s hard to hate a company that also creates automotive gems like the GTI and Golf R. I am feeling a little bipolar as I write this – high on the R and the GTI, depressed about the enormity of Dieselgate.

Golf R

You may feel the same. What’s undeniable is the genius that has gone into the GTI and R. Perhaps, then, there are two Volkswagens – the one that lied and cheated and this other one that makes racy, affordable cars with tight seams between body panels, engines that sing, steering so sharp I could practically shave with it and suspension tuning that allows you to hold a line in a tight corner without drama yet not suffer in your commute for lack of everyday compliance over imperfect roads.

The more mainstream of this duo is the GTI, which starts at $33,995 for the Autobahn version and $38,095 for the Performance model (all models discussed are five-doors). My performance tester came with a sweet little 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo four rated a 220 horsepower and a more impressive 258 lb-feet of torque.

GTI

What a lovely engine. The power spools up effortlessly, with max torque arriving at just 1,500 rpm. My tester came with the optional six-speed dual-clutch or DSG automatic with Tiptronic paddle shifters. This is the gearbox that anticipates your next year change even as you carry on in the present one. The shifts are precise as a butcher’s scale and they come fast and clean when you really need them – say passing on a two-lane stretch that calls for real jump from 80-120 km/hour.

The GTI, of course, is loaded up with everything from front LED foglights to blind-spot detection, rain-sensing wipers and a very good sound system. The list of standard premium features is as long as your favourite stretch of blacktop. Everything you could possibly want is there, including an easy-to-program satellite navigation system. Extras? Leather at $1,100. Other than more room for my left foot in a tight footwell, I would not change a thing.

Golf R

That said, the Golf R takes all the GTI’s charms and raises them to another level entirely. This is a 282-hp beast with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive and at $41,395 you get the delightful DSG gearbox with its snappy paddle shifters. I love the black brake calipers with the “R” logo here; they deliver a silent scream to the world that you are roaring about is something very special.

You will pay a price in everyday comfort with the R, but it’s not a staggering penalty and the trade-off comes in the joy of a car with capabilities that far, far exceed those of most drivers. You status with those in the know rises with the R, too. Be prepared for the chatty fans.

The GTI and R prove that VW has a deep well of engineering expertise. We can only hope it’s never again debased by a scandal like Dieselgate.