New car

[ausspace87]

I test drove the GTI before I purchased my RS and I preferred the RS in terms of driveability (the suspension feels slightly less firm with the added weight of the Octavia body) and the interior is much more inviting (the Golf felt like a cocoon with it's narrow windscreen). A couple of my friends have Audi A4's and while the interior feels more upmarket (it should!) and there is less road noise at speed, they all think my RS has character and the value for money is tough to beat. One even said they are kicking themselves for not test driving the RS before buying the A4.

[candy_wagon]

I have had experience with all wheel drive Subarus before, but although there is a safety element to the all wheel drive, I find they understeer to much and are always pushing at the front wheels even through mild bends which undermines its 'safety' advantage. I agree with RSOK that unless you are a flat foot who wants to scream around all day every day (why do Commodore drivers come to mind there...?) then I don't really think there is an advantage with an all wheel drive car as opposed to a good front driver like the RS. They are heavier and more complex, which also means penalties in fuel consumption.

As for the Audi's, unless you are looking at the newer platformed cars like the A6, the steering is Playstation light and the ride quality poor, especially on bigger wheels.

I have only had my RS for 2 weeks but I am quite amazed at the grip available in the RS, even over my previous Focus XR5 that has on tuned suspension - that's in the dry and wet. On that point, the Octavia ride quality is certainly better than the 'hot hatch' Focus in every way from body stiffness, primary and secondary ride and even road noise.