Dear All
I previously posted about a dilemna I faced: GTI, GTD or A3 S-line:
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=257483.0Having driven the A3 I had the test drives of the GTI and GTD (multiple having visited different dealers across northern england) and I thought I would share what i did next:
GTI 3-door, no PPComing from the BMW 123 M Sport I was thinking the interior was going to be a step-down, but no-way. I was pretty impressed with the cabin as a pretty luxurious place to be. Also really surprised with the number of 'extras' that are included within the spec e.g., front / rear sensors, cruise control and blue-tooth. As for the drive, wow - really put a smile on my face. The BM is powerful, but the GTI seemed 'raw' and naughty. Thankfully the dealer gave me the keys and let me have an hour alone.....probably because I took my dad out so thought he (dad) would supervise, however he also likes to 'put his foot down' as he says. So I drove on a mix of dual carriageways and also a few country roads - it felt like a really solid and comfortable ride with a great driving position....very similar position to the Mk6 GTI that i drove 4 years ago. The GTI seemed like a good all rounder too which was encouraging for my motorway drives - I mean i had some time stuck in 6th gear doing 80 mph and it seemed just to tick over and by the time I ran out of tarmac i was getting close to 38 MPG. I must also add that i aint a typical boy racer and will normally 'bottle-it' before things get too hairy...however, the GTI was still willing to go when i was thinking 'must slow down'. This was comforting as it suggests I can learn how to better drive the car over time and get the best out of it's pace and performance.
The only down-sides and it may seem pedantic was that I was not massively keen on the 18" standard wheels. In addition, I could not really tell the difference between the 5 settings i.e. Eco, sport, comfort, normal etc....however I realise I did not cover too many miles and this may come with time.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention I thought the GTI looked the dogs bo**ocks.....aggressive but not 'chav' like some of the other hot hatches (e.g., ST). Tried it in red and it did look great. Only down-side was that I was not happy with the red line going across the front and into the lights....just did not work 100% for me.
GTD Test Drives I will not duplicate what i mentioned above, the interior is still great....essentially same as GTI but some colour differences. In terms of the drive it did feel quick - but, it is too similar to the BMW. The other thing is whilst there is only 15 HP difference and 0.5 secs difference 0-60 compared to my BMW.....you could notice that difference. It did feel marginally slower. Yep, as expected the MPG was noticeably differerent to the GTI, even over 10 - 15 mile test drives. Whilst the GTI just about managed mid-late 30s, the GTD was over 50 MPG....though i was not as keen with the GTD obviously.
Looks wise I must admit they are very similar and in red I thought the GTD did look great...the silver extras on the GTD and the line on the grill etc work great with Tornado Red.
The Decisions1. GTD or GTI.....or A3: In my original thread I shared the fact that the GTI would cost me another £100 per month, potentially a little more on running costs...and being a tight Yorkshireman deep down that has bugged me.....and i mean alot, I have excel spread-sheeted this to death. But, life is short and the GTI made me smile and want to stay out all day in it, looks immense too. Decision made: GTI.
3 door by the way.....looks sportier and smarter in my opinion
2. Colour: This has been the hardest thing to go for. I have spent hours on this forum looking at pictures, reading opinions for and against etc. Also looked at dozens of youtube clips time and time again and for me it came down to the 2 colours: red or pure white. I did not really consider the Oryx as I did not notice the difference...though must admit i did not see in person. I mentioned my doubts about red above, however think the white looks class as long as specced with 1 specific extra (see below). Decision made: Pure White.
3. Wheels: From the clips I have seen on Y'tube and some in the show-room I thought the Pure white, 3 door looked ace with the 19" Santiagos. Decision made: 19" Santiagos.
4. Other extras: With the tough decision made about colour the rest was pretty easy. However, it is easy to get carried away ticking lots of extra boxes. I did not spec the P Pack as like i say I dont think I would test the car to enjoy the full benefit i.e. working hard out of corners. Decision: Sat Nav basic selected.
So having dwelled and analysed this to death for weeks the order has now been placed and I have been given an initial estimated time of end of November 2013. Feels like a real weight off my mind.
I hope you have enjoyed a bit of my insight into how and why I made the decision I did....I am sure many of you have had similar experiences. Also want to thank you for making your posts and making this such an informative forum....I have been on it daily for weeks now! Really interesting and it has helped me make my decision.
I am pleased to soon be joining the VW GTI/GTD group for proper and look forward to getting involved in future discussions.
Best wishes
Si
