The 2010 GTI had no noticeable torque steer. At least nothing that was an issue at all.
The GTI is right at the edge of how much power can be sent through the front wheels. The Speed3 has way more power, and torque steers like mad. Sure, the car is a demon that can make some serious speed (hence the name?) and handles better most any FWD car (save perhaps the GTI) but I'd much rather have a 270hp AWD or RWD car, thanks.
The main problem with all FWD designs is the transverse orientation of the engine and location of the transmission. It means they're all stupidly front heavy. The basic cars (Civic, Corolla, etc) have soft suspensions and they're tuned for safe, predictable understeer. When pushed, they all become limp-wristed ninnies that don't respond to throttle steering at all other than dramatic drop-throttle oversteer, which is not "control." Steering feedback, in all of them, sucks thanks to the fact that all the power is being directed through the same wheels you're trying to steer with.
But, the FWD designs are cheap to make, offer safe and predictable handling for the commuter crowd, and plain work in the economy segments. And driving one at low speeds well back from the limits of even their economy tires, and they could be "sort of fun." Really get to the limits of the tires and chassis, and I just don't find them fun at all. Drive a well sorted out RWD car and the differences are not subtle, but dramatic. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a prime example. The 2.0T is not a terribly powerful car in the world of performance cars, but the chassis is set up for spirited driving. The front wheels do nothing but steer, and the car is fun to drive. It feels nothing like a FWD economy car, but is priced like one!!
Sure, there are some performance oriented FWD cars (Speed3, Cobalt SS, GTI) but they're a small portion of the compact segment, and are not even a blip on the sales charts. The majority of Civics sold are the non-Si models with soft suspensions and uninspiring FWD understeer. The Honda Fit feels like a wobbly shopping cart to me when you push it hard through an off-ramp. Maybe somewhat better than a Corolla (which has an even softer tune) but anyone that thinks their Fit is a "great handling" car hasn't driven a great handling car, or can't tell the difference anyway. That said, I love the Fit. Great package, but c'mon, it's not constantly begging to be taken to a road-course and wrung out.