Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - Second Edition

[Ryan_R]

If you've seen the latest TopGear, you would've seen Jeremy amazed by the new Astra VXR (besides the Vauxhall brand-name), not so impressed with the Focus ST (trackwise), and only enjoyed the handling characteristics of the Megane (didn't like the lack of equipment/price, seatbelt, and lack of straight-line power). In fact he was more glowing in his review of the new Kia Cee'd.

If you know your way around torrents you can find the episode here: FinalGear.com :: Shows :: Top Gear :: Season 19 :: Episode 4

[Dutch77]

yawn, definitely not golf gti competition, not sure why I thought would ever be !
Drive - Hyundai i30 SR hot hatch

more luke warm than hot hatch !

Agreed, but for those that can't stretch the budget.. at least they're having a crack unlike most of their competition. I'd pick this over a Veloster.

I note they hint there could be a two tier warm (hot) hatch structure, with this being the lower of the two. I'm guessing the turbo from the Veloster might be option two? Trouble is the i30 weighs more than the Veloster and that thing is about 1.5 secs too slow in its 100 kay sprint as it is.

[jrgti]

On paper the Merc looks good however I am confident it's dct is no match for the dct of the vw/audi group. Currently have a GTI myself, and it is good to see the rise in other competing hatches.
Hope to see more competitive pricing or packages from VW/Audi for the R/A3quattro respectively because if I do upgrade it should be AWD. But then again I could just go get the upcoming Tiguan with 4motion.

[alebonau]

First drive: Volvo V40 T5 R-Design

the volvo v40 T5-R which is apparently the gti rival from volvo. not really clear on overall pricing and whether that $50k plus price comes with all the goodies the merc a250 comes with.

good there is another option

[Lemonskin]

Don't forget the Volvo V40 T5 R Design... Looks the goods.
First drive: Volvo V40 T5 R-Design

[Lemonskin]

First drive: Volvo V40 T5 R-Design

the volvo v40 T5-R which is apparently the gti rival from volvo. not really clear on overall pricing and whether that $50k plus price comes with all the goodies the merc a250 comes with.


good there is another option

Lol great minds...

[alebonau]

hehe

my main problem....




.... its a volvo

ps other thing suprised about the autos are conventional slush boxes. I thought volvo had access to fords dual clutch transmission. pity as doesnt seem the case with this model

[THE_EGG]

The fact that this too, does not have a manual option is disappointing. I use to be auto fanboi but I've found that manual is just so much more rewarding and involving compared to any auto, including dsg style boxes. Also, I thought Volvo said they weren't going to continue making cars using a 5 cylinder engine? Volvo is owned by Geely now right? So I'm guessing they won't have access to sophisticated new engines for a while. I do like the 5 cylinder engine though

And why no Astra OPC option in the multichoice vote? :O

[AdamD]

And why no Astra OPC option in the multichoice vote? :O

Typo on my part, it's there now. (Who cares about a GTC with only 132kw...)

[THE_EGG]

Typo on my part, it's there now. (Who cares about a GTC with only 132kw...)

Yeh jeez who cares about the GTC Thanks for adding it.