Golf R - Top Gear's Hot Hatch of the Year 2010 winner!

[REXman]

Isn't the R slightly more than the S3 in the UK?

yeah, thats right. So i don't think the S3 being more expensive would have much to do with it.

[runningmanz]

While we are on the subject of awards for the R. did anyone get the Royal Auto magazine here? The Golf R was second to the BMW 135i coupe in the Best Sports Cars in 2010 under $80,000. The R scored a 7/10 for ride and an 8/10 for performance vs the 135i's 10/10 for ride and 9/10 for performance. Is the ride and performance that much better in the 135i? Would have thought the R with DCC in comfort mode and 18" wheels would deserve at least an 8/10 for ride?

http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au...ts%20Under.pdf

[Corey_R]

The R is $48,490 + Onroads. You can can pick a stock one up for as little as $52k drive away.
The 135i is $72,800 - which is already in LCT territory. By the time you've got dealer delviery and taxes, you'd be hard pressed to get a stock one for <$80k drive away.

For $28k difference, you'd be hoping that you get something which is better, since it's smaller, less practical, no better equipped, and the interior quality is not as good. So yeah, I would believe that the ride and performance is scored better than the R

[dave_r]

Is the ride and performance that much better in the 135i?

Its a small coupe with good power to weight and rear wheel drive. Yeah its a better drive but as Corey mention, you pay a nice premium for the privilege and have a car that is ugly to look at (IMO) and useless practically (and that is coming from someone with a 3dr lol).

[triode12]

I wasn't impressed driving the 135i when I tested it back to back with the R.
I felt that it was heavy and not as nimble in comparison to the R. If I was given the choice between the two cars, I'd take the 135i.
I'd then sell it, buy the R and pocket the difference in change.

[Capercat]

...& I would use the balance to mod the R so it can match the 135i in performance.

[REXman]

The R is $48,490 + Onroads. You can can pick a stock one up for as little as $52k drive away.
The 135i is $72,800 - which is already in LCT territory. By the time you've got dealer delviery and taxes, you'd be hard pressed to get a stock one for <$80k drive away.

For $28k difference, you'd be hoping that you get something which is better, since it's smaller, less practical, no better equipped, and the interior quality is not as good. So yeah, I would believe that the ride and performance is scored better than the R

+1 here. Although i dont think too many people will get an R, waiting 6months plus, for $52K. Maybe someone has, thats ok, but then again Im sure there has been cracking discounts on the BMW 1-series. No doubts there.
And agreed, for the money, you'd hope it at least faster.

I wasn't impressed driving the 135i when I tested it back to back with the R.
I felt that it was heavy and not as nimble in comparison to the R. If I was given the choice between the two cars, I'd take the 135i.
I'd then sell it, buy the R and pocket the difference in change.

+1. Never been a fan of the 1-series BMWs. I dont car if the M version has 900KWs. its still an ugly, mis-proportioned car, and a base BMW at the end of the day.

Its a small coupe with good power to weight and rear wheel drive. Yeah its a better drive but as Corey mention, you pay a nice premium for the privilege and have a car that is ugly to look at (IMO) and useless practically (and that is coming from someone with a 3dr lol).

Have to +1 here too..

[b0son]

Anyone with a copy of the mag, do you know what hatches were in the running? Which finished second, etc?

[dave_r]

Anyone with a copy of the mag, do you know what hatches were in the running? Which finished second, etc?

From memory it didn't and the article was a tiny little piece. Must just be an end of year wrap up where they've named their fave for each category or something.

If you search around, you can find a PDF download for the whole mag.

[b0son]

just saw a posting on the Renault forums, and in Top Gear Aus, the Megane RS 250 got their overall car of the year, beating both Golf R and Focus RS. off to get a copy...