The Only Cute Thing in This Volkswagen Golf GTI Commercial Is the Dog

So while the communication for this kind of cars has to focus on things such as acceleration, top speed, and handling, it also needs to have something else, a "je ne sais quoi" that will pull it out of the mundane. It needs to be cute.

Volkswagen lacks a true sports car right now, even though the Golf GTI Clubsport R has just set a new front-wheel-drive record on the 'Ring. The Golf GTI is regarded by many as one of the best hot hatches around - definitely the best all-rounder - but that's not the kind of characterization a car fanatic is looking for when choosing his next ride. The GTI is not a sports car, it's a (very good) sports car substitute.

With its 210 hp obtained from a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo engine, it's got a very decent 0-60 mph sprint of around 6.5 seconds, while also offering seating for five and a well-sized trunk considering the car's exterior dimensions. It is a solid option for those looking for a bit more adrenaline in their lives, but it's definitely not a dream car.

Volkswagen appears to disagree since that is exactly the theme of its latest video commercial launched in the US: the turbocharged dream machine. Sadly, this paves the way for one of the worst puns we've seen in the advertising world lately, as the clip shows the Volkswagen GTI being literally a "dream machine." The protagonist, a GTI owner, is having an afternoon nap on his couch together with his lazy dog, when his snoring suddenly starts to resemble something.

It's the sound of the GTI's engine as he zigs and zags from left to right, pressing the throttle pedal with his right foot, all while he's sleeping. The spot does try to be cute - and it almost succeeds - but it's not because of the creative minds that did the writing, but for the basset hound's acting. That's the problem when using animals or babies in your advertising: they tend to steal the show.