Small cars often have more leg room than one might think. I had a Chevy Sonic for a few year and didn't even have my seat all the way back, the same is true with the GTI. In rental cars, I usually push the seat all the way back and then MAYBE move forward a click.
A thing I check before buying a new car is seating position and comfort. In some, I'm just not comfortable even if there is leg room.
I liked that Sonic quite a bit.