The usual thinking would be that the MK 7 is at the end of its life cycle and the rest of the car world is overtaking it, much like where the MK 6 was, as that platform and drive was starting to become compromised in face of the competition, but think the MK 7 is still setting the curve.
The new A35 AMG for example, is a decent stab at hitting this demographic but is it any more capable than the MK7 as newly designed car? Of course there is the interior tech that is pushing that curve but for some, like me, its pushed acceptability, and hence I backed off my mild flirtation with the A35 AMG
Most head to head tests, the battle is always close and its usual subtle subjective preferences that split the cars, but the 5 year old Golf is still punching its weight against the young pretenders.
Be interesting to see how the new FWD BMW I series fairs in competition.
From what understand there will be some mild uplift on the MQB platform and most of the innovation would be on the technology and more semi and autonomous functions, which actually fills me with a little dread not excitement as its the path to governed driving that nanny state would love. - ok, maybe not that far just yet, but the MK 8 is another step.
Basically the MK 8 (now the hybrid has been dumped) will be mildly evolutionary in style and drive and the revolution will come in the tech and is that truly needed and wanted?
So the MK 7 is more than relevant still, in fact it might be the last bastion of what a performance Golf should be (particularly the clubsport) and I am personally very happy that going to be getting the TCR and if the MK8 goes as suspects, then that maybe the first time kept a car as a keeper.