Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - First Edition

[sbowden]

yeah, I know what you mean about the go-fast bits... but we'll be getting white, so shouldn't be too lairy. Wife likes the look of the current XR5, but we're yet to see the ST in the flesh. It will be a shame to say goodbye to that beautiful throaty induction noise from the T5... but I wont' miss seeing the fuel gauge plumet at the same time!!

[PGS_AUS]

Its interesting.

There's three big things I miss from my XR5 that the R I traded it in on I don't think "does" as well. Firstly the seats. While comfortable the R seats don't grip as well laterally in my mind. Secondly the general engine induction and exhaust noise isn't quite as rousing and thirdly I have on a couple of occassions missed the much better boot space though I knew that was going to be a bit of a compromise going into the R.

I am still astounded though that the R gets so much better fuel economy that the XR5 in day to day driving and the Rs outright grip is always inspiring (though perhaps not as much outright fun to drive ) . Having read the various local and overseas preliminary reveiws of the ST I can't help but think that perhaps the R may not stay with me quite as long as I had intended (or that perhaps I should have bought an RS when I looked at one 19 months ago - though the thought of $56K for a Focus still frightens me)

[sbowden]

I've just read the Wheels Magazine preview of the Focus ST. it sounds exciting, a worthy replacement for the excellent XR5, and I'll be happy for my wife to have one to replace her 07 XR5, but I'm not swayed away from my goal of owning a Mk VII GTI.

Firstly I'm going to stick with DSG (even if the Mk VII goes to the dry clutch version) Focus ST does not offer anything other than its (slick) six-speed. I think DSG (esp with paddleshifters) is just the best of both worlds.

Secondly, the report says Focus ST has failed to address or improve the massive turning circle of the XR5...this is a real bug-bear.
One of the huge benefits of my Golf is the nimble way it fits into small spaces, like shopping centre car-parks. The XR5 (and ST) will often need a second take to hit the same space. And tight laneways etc are a nightmare if you need to turn around...5-point turn, anyone?

And finally I'm happy to pay a couple of grand more for the VW quality... build, interior, understated appearance.

Waiting til late next year or early 2014 for full release isn't a problem, I'll just have to put an APR stage one into my 118TSI...

[elephino]

First European reviews of the A-class are starting to come through. They're not as positive as I was expecting but they're not full reviews yet.

[Mk3 AAA]

How did you leave out the BMW and Ford.

I like the new Focus ST (not in the horrid colours it's usually in in pictures)



But in a shade.

I hope the MkVII R gets the Audi 5cyl turbo, dropping the V6 was no fun.

[Ryan_R]

The specs look good, not quite a fan of the looks though (back appears to have collapsed, and the interior is extremely... busy)




This version looks a bit better (at least as far as the center console part is concerned)



I wouldn't say no to having a go though

[clip]

DS4 Racing in a heartbeat!

[RoccoR]

The rear of the ford focus is my main gripe with the car, and of course the interior build quality. I can't wait to get my scirocco R next week

[DoggieHowser]

Man the ST interior looks really busy.

The new A Class on the other hand looks very sweet...

[alebonau]

the ford is definitely other extreme in extrovert compared to the understated golf gti.

re the merc a class, top gear have done a first drive review,
First drive: the new Mercedes A-Class - BBC Top Gear

their impressions indicate its not really a hot hatch as such...

anyways will see what its like when its out. looking good to extending my warranty on the mk6 golf gti at the present. then sit it out see what comes !