Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - Second Edition

[alebonau]

finished reading the article. definitely performance orientated comparison that one. but they do highlight other aspects. ie they actually say the gti is a stiffer ride than the a250 ! the megane seems the worst for comfort and opc a bit more compliant. handling wise the merc is very well commended saying

"The benz changes direction sweetly and hunkers down nicely in the bends" "its not highly strung, nor does it demand close attentionevery moment, or suprise those who dont pay it enough respect. This is the hot hatchyou could safely buy for your son or daughter. It rides bumps without getting upset or loosing its way, although it does follow undulations a little too faithfully. It has body control to get through corners without excessive lean, yet is pliant enough to not be skittish over rough surfaces" - I must say the sure footedness self assured nature of the merc to me was a real standout.

interiors the merc is commended well, the golf easiest to interact with but is also described as "Bland" the megane as "cheapest" they are quite complimentary of the opcs interior but is a bit overladen with buttons it seems.

the OPC is huge in the power stakes it seems but appears suffers badly with turbo lag and be overtaken by a bus if get stuck under 4000 rpm !

I like the conclusion -

"As for the undercard bout, 10 years ago I never imagined I'd enjoy driving an A class. But I really enjoyed the A250 sport. Somebody in stuttgart did their homework, because it nails the hot hatch fundamentals . Its less malleable at its limits than the golf, but still packages good, fun driving in a nimble chasis.

This is a front drive mercedes-benz you will want to drive. Fast. And it lays some impressive foundations for the 260kw, all wheel drive A45 AMG to build on. The A250 is a worthy hot hatch, but its not quite the equal of the golf gti. Especially not at $10k more."

and thats the thing I'll say again if want bang for buck grab the golf gti. but if spending more loading up options the a250 a great alternative. am sure some will buy one of the others for their own reasons ie the more hard edged handling or out right straight line performance. or even because a couple of them are coupes or some other aspect.

ps amazing they never threw the ford focus in this lot

[pologti18t]

Sunroof is just one thing and I agree it makes no difference to how the car drives. My point is that if you put all the features on the GTI that come standard on the A250, they are priced very similar.

We will have to wait and see what the MK7 GTI brings as standard equipment.

Currently 47K will get you leather, dsg and sunroof drive away.

[TuNeS]

At the end of the day, we (consumer) are spoiled for choice! I remember when I first got my license, there was the 100kw Corolla and umm......well that was it really. The Golf's never really arrived in Australia in mass till the MK4/MK5 and it wasnt until the late 90's when the SSS pulsar and the SP20 started to arrive, but they are tame by today's standards!

Now there are heaps to choose from and they are bloody fast in comparison.

[kaktusdigital]

We will have to wait and see what the MK7 GTI brings as standard equipment.

Currently 47K will get you leather, dsg and sunroof drive away.

I'd be happy to go the MK7 if that pricing is obtainable on day 1. can't wait 6-12 months to negotiate.
somehow I think we're probably looking at low 50's instead.

[alebonau]

agree tunes. when I first got my license was an old SSS datsun I got hehe. but yeah first new car I finally bought was a peugeot 306 lovely thing vs golf in 1994 had nothing of any interest was dull boring thing back then so not an option. mazda astina, sss pulsar and honda civic were then the gun things to go for. agree a lot of really good Fast options these days !

[alebonau]

I'd be happy to go the MK7 if that pricing is obtainable on day 1. can't wait 6-12 months to negotiate.
somehow I think we're probably looking at low 50's instead.

agree its hard to compare run out pricing on a model vs a new model release. will be 6-12 months if based on mk6 pricing before see much discounting I would think.

[kaktusdigital]

Hey has anyone considered the Volvo V40 R-design

55K drive away.
184kW, 350nM, sat nav & leather as standard.
Haven't read a huge amount on it though, does anyone have any experience with reliability of Volvos?

[alebonau]

Hey has anyone considered the Volvo V40 R-design

55K drive away.
184kW, 350nM, sat nav & leather as standard.
Haven't read a huge amount on it though, does anyone have any experience with reliability of Volvos?

i definitely did consider. but the volvo name/image plus terrible depreciation worried me. plus is volvo really the company they once were ?
Identity Crisis Rattles Volvo's Chinese Owner -

myself very confused with its ownership and wouldnt want to buy into something that suddenly dissapears like saab.

it looks a great car though, even if a bit unsure of styling internally that looks classy yet a bit too plain jane

[TuNeS]

Hey has anyone considered the Volvo V40 R-design

55K drive away.
184kW, 350nM, sat nav & leather as standard.
Haven't read a huge amount on it though, does anyone have any experience with reliability of Volvos?

They look great from the front and specs are great, but I didn't like rear and the interior. Depreciation is the other issue as mentioned.

[THE_EGG]

Hey has anyone considered the Volvo V40 R-design

55K drive away.
184kW, 350nM, sat nav & leather as standard.
Haven't read a huge amount on it though, does anyone have any experience with reliability of Volvos?

Yeh, if I were considering a premium sports hatch I'd consider either the V40 or A250. I read a review that said the electric steering in the V40 has killed nearly all steering feel which is a bit disappointing. But I guess you'd get used to it. Otherwise they seemed to like it.