I recently bought a CXi and I can tell you that the GLi is exactly the same thing, i've tried both and decided that the CXi was the better choice, the rear drum brakes are fine, no problems with them at all, pull the hand brake up when ever you like and they will lock up like discs on my previous cars.

The gear box is nice and smooth, its the best shifting car i've had to date. Its firm and responds exactly the way a gear box should.

As far as i have read and tried the power is the same between the GLi and CXi both 88kw both 144 torque. Just try to stay away from red is all I can say, cause the paint fades to a slight pinky colour over time unless you have a car cover/port or garage to keep it in and out of the sun.

Besides that only negative point its an amazing car