Almost every car made today is safe, reliable, comfortable, quick, etc. I was unsure how the GTI would be on the road but we drove it to Cincy and back with no issues. The CTS had a fairly hard ride and you felt bumps a lot, it had 19" wheels when they were not getting bent. The GTI works well around town obviously and has decent room in the back.
Smaller diameter rims are almost always better, less weight, better ride, equal handling.