Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - Second Edition

[alebonau]

yeah not a lot of love for the bmw, or the megane for that matter !

[Cookie28]

I quite like the Megane and that would be one of my next choices along with the GTI, A250 and Astra (behind the 86) but again im a mk4 driver so i'm not sure how much i count haha

[AdamD]

yeah not a lot of love for the bmw, or the megane for that matter !

I would very seriously consider a BMW M135i if it wasn't so horribly, horribly ugly. A great driver's car, but the styling offends on an epic scale. Still, watch Chris Harris's comparison of the BMW and Audi RS3 - it absolutely demolishes the Audi.

And as for the Megane... a mate of mine has just bought an RS265 as his daily driver (spends most of its time commuting through Melbourne traffic). He didn't consider a Golf because they're just too common on the roads.

[Lemonskin]

I would have probably bought the Megane if it came in an DSG/dual clutch auto. I know that's awful to say but I do too much city driving to be bothered with a manual!

[kaktusdigital]

The U.K spec is 17" alloys, parking sensors & 7" 'infotainment' type thing. Here's hoping come June we'll get some solid facts and figures.
Do you think VW will either spec up their GTI's or lower the price to combat the A250 onslaught?

[Dutch77]

The U.K spec is 17" alloys, parking sensors & 7" 'infotainment' type thing. Here's hoping come June we'll get some solid facts and figures.
Do you think VW will either spec up their GTI's or lower the price to combat the A250 onslaught?

I'd like to think a combination of both. There is no doubt the market today and in the future is a lot different to the one that existed when the mk6 landed.

Assuming the GTI mk7 is a cracking drive and remains the best drivers all-rounder then I don't think they need to slash prices, more just shave them.. and hopefully spec up the cars for the most common options. This would also simplify the ordering and holding of stock.

I'd like to see maybe two specs - a stripper, and a 'highline' that matches up more closely with the A250 specs.. which should then only leave a handful of less chosen options maybe for those that are keen on more of a 'special order'.

[alebonau]

I would very seriously consider a BMW M135i if it wasn't so horribly, horribly ugly. A great driver's car, but the styling offends on an epic scale. Still, watch Chris Harris's comparison of the BMW and Audi RS3 - it absolutely demolishes the Audi.

And as for the Megane... a mate of mine has just bought an RS265 as his daily driver (spends most of its time commuting through Melbourne traffic). He didn't consider a Golf because they're just too common on the roads.

yes struggled myself with the bmw 1 series styling, both inside and out. but maybe its something grows on you ! not really usre how a megane rs265 would be as daily drive. renault seem to have an all or nothing wiht the megane its either boring as bat ***** 5 door hatchbacks or take no prisoners with the RS265. nothing in between !

I would have probably bought the Megane if it came in an DSG/dual clutch auto. I know that's awful to say but I do too much city driving to be bothered with a manual!

yeah same here DSG and if there was an RS in a 5 door hatch. need those as everyday car

[kaktusdigital]

The 7G-DCT in the A250 certainly seems an interesting beast considering the same unit is in the A45 AMG - 450Nm!
Perhaps something for prospective buyers to think of in terms of tuning capabilities.

Does anyone have any experiences with both the 7G-DCT and 6-speed in the GTI? The only reports i hear are that the 7G isn't quite as nimble and 'aware' as the 6 speed.

[alebonau]

Drive - Subaru VizIV Concept at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

perhaps some competition from subaru in the new wrx to the both gti and R. not that the wrx seems to get much interest here, but perhaps an option for some. Sound like subaru definitely thinking outside the square this time around

[Dutch77]

Lol @ 'almost exclusive all-wheel drive range'.

I think most of us here either appreciate the understated style/quality/finish of the Golf and other German interiors, or at least the style flair of the French etc.

That article doesn't discuss it but I'm sure I've also read that they were planning on using a CVT transmission rather than developing a DSG style box which means it's a manual only option for anyone who cares about driving.. and knocks out a huge segment of potential buyers who prefer the DSG type option.