GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: drisser on 22 July 2015, 23:05
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After much mulling over prices, specs, performance etc I have finally arrived at a shortlist for this Saturday to try and make a final decision in my search for " sensible, fast, every day fun, reliable" performance.
I am going to give the R a 2nd chance despite not being moved at all with my first experience.. So the plan is ..
Golf GTi PP. looking cheap and good value in this list..
Golf R .. Ticks boxes but not really enough cylinders really..
Audi S3 .. Nicely made, solid residuals, fast, bit safe ?
Audi RS3... Can't really see me affording one, but a drive might tempt me.. Residuals look cast iron.
BMW 330d.. Much debated already, ticks a lot of boxes, boring to look at..great deals..
BMW m235i.. Haven't driven a 2, but depending on price might be an option.. RS3 performance nearly, more than 4 cylinders..
Am hoping to drive all 6 on Saturday if I can fix it up.. Should be intriguing.. Not sure I can get in an RS3 at short notice but will see.
Watch this space will post a full back to back review hopefully..
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That's quite a line up. That'll be some test drive day! Be very interesting to hear your view on how all these cars compare.
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After much mulling over prices, specs, performance etc I have finally arrived at a shortlist for this Saturday to try and make a final decision in my search for " sensible, fast, every day fun, reliable" performance.
I am going to give the R a 2nd chance despite not being moved at all with my first experience.. So the plan is ..
Golf GTi PP. looking cheap and good value in this list..
Golf R .. Ticks boxes but not really enough cylinders really..
Audi S3 .. Nicely made, solid residuals, fast, bit safe ?
Audi RS3... Can't really see me affording one, but a drive might tempt me.. Residuals look cast iron.
BMW 330d.. Much debated already, ticks a lot of boxes, boring to look at..great deals..
BMW m235i.. Haven't driven a 2, but depending on price might be an option.. RS3 performance nearly, more than 4 cylinders..
Am hoping to drive all 6 on Saturday if I can fix it up.. Should be intriguing.. Not sure I can get in an RS3 at short notice but will see.
Watch this space will post a full back to back review hopefully..
Your comment about the R not having enough cylinders surely applies to the S3 as well? I agree that for the price it would be nice to have 5 or even 6 cylinders. For me the straight 6 would be the only reason to buy the 235i. The engine is sublime. Choice of 6 cylinder motors is sadly very limited nowadays, especially straight 6. Fairly expensive to run though, compared to the GTi.
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After much mulling over prices, specs, performance etc I have finally arrived at a shortlist for this Saturday to try and make a final decision in my search for " sensible, fast, every day fun, reliable" performance.
I am going to give the R a 2nd chance despite not being moved at all with my first experience.. So the plan is ..
Golf GTi PP. looking cheap and good value in this list..
Golf R .. Ticks boxes but not really enough cylinders really..
Audi S3 .. Nicely made, solid residuals, fast, bit safe ?
Audi RS3... Can't really see me affording one, but a drive might tempt me.. Residuals look cast iron.
BMW 330d.. Much debated already, ticks a lot of boxes, boring to look at..great deals..
BMW m235i.. Haven't driven a 2, but depending on price might be an option.. RS3 performance nearly, more than 4 cylinders..
Am hoping to drive all 6 on Saturday if I can fix it up.. Should be intriguing.. Not sure I can get in an RS3 at short notice but will see.
Watch this space will post a full back to back review hopefully..
Drisser:
Make sure the salesperson allows you to really frig the R - it doesn't show its full potential until you pass 4k revs in acceleration, below that my R seems as fast as a GTD being driven very hard!
RS3 residuals seem rock solid - a ridiculously expensive hatchback made more reasonable with great residuals to hopefully not make the monthlies too daft if you're not buying outright, but the options you WILL need will affect those residuals as they will retain 20% of what you paid for them at 3 years old.
S3 - An R in a different set of clothes. What you gain in leather seats you'll be spending on the options just to get it around the standard equipment level of the R. Good discounts via Audi dealerships seem much harder to achieve than via VW dealerships - usually need to go to the brokers to get the best discount (fine if you have nothing to p/x). They might have a GFV £2k higher, but you'll spend £2.5k minimum on the options to get the R's basics, so there's that GFV advantage eaten up.
GTI PP looks very cheap on paper with deposit contributions etc, but judging by your other cars of interest, will 230ps be enough for you?
BMW 330d is a completely different car to the rest - a motorway cruiser with great midrange and 40-45mpg all day, but realistically no quicker than a GTD with a tuning box. Poor value without huge discounts due to higher than average (for a German motor) depreciation.
M235 - a little nicer looking than a 135i, a slightly better looking variant of what is still quite an ugly car and nowhere near as practical as the Golf.
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What's the most important thing to you? You've got to be realistic unless you are so rich that you don't give a stuff.
The GTI is probably half the cost of some of the things on that list and probably the cheapest to run too.
I'd have the GTI, pocket the change and spend it on trackdays :)
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Keep it simple.
You either want a saloon or a hatchback. Both are practical in their own way. Forget the 2 Series as it is not practical due to only 2 doors. The M135i has challenging looks for some. So, that's out. Then there is the RS3 which is in a different performance league and will cost you a shed load more unless you can get a very good discount on it, which I doubt. So scrub that out too.
So, you are left with 3 variants of the Golf and the 330d. The GTI and the GTD (even with tuning boxes) do not have the performance of the R, S3 or 330d xDrive. Therefore, out with the GTI and GTD.
That leaves you with 330d xDrive, R, S3. So, a final 3 to choose from.
Get the one from these 3 excellent cars which gives you the best deal.
Simples.
PS: Have you considered the Golf R Hearse? Fast and practical, though not very pretty.
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Keep it simple.
You either want a saloon or a hatchback. Both are practical in their own way. Forget the 2 Series as it is not practical due to only 2 doors. The M135i has challenging looks for some. So, that's out. Then there is the RS3 which is in a different performance league and will cost you a shed load more unless you can get a very good discount on it, which I doubt. So scrub that out too.
So, you are left with 3 variants of the Golf and the 330d. The GTI and the GTD (even with tuning boxes) do not have the performance of the R, S3 or 330d xDrive. Therefore, out with the GTI and GTD.
That leaves you with 330d xDrive, R, S3. So, a final 3 to choose from.
Get the one from these 3 excellent cars which gives you the best deal.
Simples.
List of requirements doesnt menton practical but sensible. It'll be the M235i.... sensible if not quite as practical, and has that engine.
Ian
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He might as well throw in practicality with performance. Hence a mention of the R Hearse in my post. It would also seem that he is partial to 4WD rather the 2WD (front or rear driven).
And drisser, the 330d is not boring looking. It is a very good looking and elegant car with near perfect proportions. The R and the S3 look like boxes on wheels. That's the nature of hatchbacks.
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Thanks for the comments guys..all very useful
Actually my list of requirements isn't so specific hence a range of quite different cars.. We don't have a family but might have soon so we could do with 4 doors (other half has a 2 door A1 which she loves so that probably isn't going anywhere) just in case. The I figure if I want an everday car that ticks everything, 4wd is handy for the winter too.
Tend to agree with MH that in the real world, the 3 sensible options with similar performance are Golf R, Audi S3 and BMW 330D X drive. All 4 doors, all 4WD, all sensible to buy and run.
The others have a few more compromises, be it price, running costs etc.. Not sure of discounts on an M235 v 135 but by the time you spec it up a bit with Nav and a couple of things its knocking on £40k list..
Read the Autocar review of the RS3 last night and they managed 38MPG on a cruising route ! I am seriously concerned that if I drive the RS3, I will want it !
Be interested to know those who went with an R - and probably a few considered an S3 - why did they go with the R ? S3 is a bit more expensive but better residuals (actually really very good long term residuals) but maybe a bit "safe" ?
Must admit as S3 sportback is starting to worm its way into my head as a good all rounder.
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I went with the R as a got a cheap as chips lease deal which I could not with an Audi. But, truth be told, I would have preferred an S3 Sportback. However, every Audi dealer in my area is pants which has put me off ever getting an Audi. A good and sympathetic dealership is essential to enhance the ownership experience.
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If you are thinking having one of these when you have a family in the future... the boot of the S3/RS3/R is pretty small.
May or may not be an issue for you, but i know that for a lot of people it definitely is...
No idea about the practicality of a BMW 330D. I don't like BMW, so never looked.
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Once rolling id put the performance of the 330d x drive nearer the Gti PP and nowhere near as fun to drive. 1750kg, 254 bhp and one big hefty barge. Decent car tho.
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Once rolling id put the performance of the 330d x drive nearer the Gti PP and nowhere near as fun to drive. 1750kg, 254 bhp and one big hefty barge. Decent car tho.
It's the 413ft lb of torque which makes the 330d a quick car. I'm sure I read somewhere on this forum that the owner of a MK7 R got the shock of seeing a 330d just pull away. I haven't driven one so I can't be sure but with 133ft lb more torque than the R it will certainly have some in gear shove.
To the OP - I also read over on a BMW forum that dealers were quoting 335d x-Drives at just £11 per month more than the 330d so it might be worth looking into.
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Totally agree Birchy - the torque is what moves it, forget power to weight once you get away from traffic light races..
I drove one last weekend and was literally shocked at the performance. Once above 30 I would wager it would stay with a golf R / Audi S3 no problem at all if not faster (on the straights at least). Plus the 8 speed auto is a perfect match so you are never caught out of gear..
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Totally agree Birchy - the torque is what moves it, forget power to weight once you get away from traffic light races..
I drove one last weekend and was literally shocked at the performance. Once above 30 I would wager it would stay with a golf R / Audi S3 no problem at all if not faster (on the straights at least). Plus the 8 speed auto is a perfect match so you are never caught out of gear..
I do agree with this. As much as I think I said in another thread (or maybe this one :laugh:) that I've had a few 330d's try it on and I've beaten them, I have noticed that from a standing/rolling start the R is seriously quick, but at higher speeds it doesn't "win" as easily as many R owners would have you believe.
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I'm sure i remember Top Gear or similar always saying that 4WD was slower off of the line?
Dunno if thats true or what though really.
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i just watched some acceleration videos of F30 330d and R, i know it's not a accurate way to compare but just as a guide and of out interest. From 100 kph - 240 kpm. Golf R about 20 seconds, Bmw about 32 secs.
Im not saying this is how it is but a ive watched a few and they all seem similar or im looking at the wrong cars.
Edit i think the Golf seems to take about 25 secs, (hard to see 240 kph on speedo)
GTI PP seems to take about 31 secs
Maybe the 330d which left the R was modded or the R was caught sleeping in the wrong gear has you could easily be caught out with all that torque and like has been said the R is not that fast once rolling.
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so far have got 4 out of 6 booked up..
GTI PP
Audi RS3
M235i
330D
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and now the S3 :smiley:
just the R to confirm !
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Something else to think about... A DTUK box on a 330d X-Drive will give just over 300bhp and 660Nm (486ft lb)!
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I've just noticed the OP's signature:
Daily driver - looking for a Mk6 Golf GT TDi, GTi or maybe Scirocco TDi.
Weekend fun - E46 BMW 330ci Coupe Individual - Estoril Blue, Black Leather, Xenons, Harman Kardon etc etc. it's never getting sold !
In my garage & dry stored - low mileage portofino blue 1997 Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo, being preserved for a rainy day !
So you've got 2 cars already...one being a BMW 330... and your Mrs has a A1....
Errr ok
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No the E46 BMW was sold last week - at a £500 profit :smiley:
becoming quite collectable the older BMW's I think but I don't use it much..
Only keeping my Fiat Coupe. Bear in mind the BMW cost £6k and the Fiat £2k, which is what most people spend on a PCP contract in a couple of years !
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Something else to think about... A DTUK box on a 330d X-Drive will give just over 300bhp and 660Nm (486ft lb)!
And lose your warranty. Not worth it IMO.
Anyway, the 330d xDrive is a seriously fast car, 0-62mph in 5.3s. Midrange acceleration is phenomenal with all that Diesel torque. The car is fast enough but the handling is a bit roll-y poll-y.
Driven the RS3. A bit wooden and nose heavy compared to the R, but accelerative performance is in another league. It feels like a battering ram. The 5cyl engine is a peach. Ride is a touch hard on our broken tarmac even in comfort mode. Car looks fantastic and is beautifully put together. Love it except for the price.
The R is also a seriously fast car and its ride and handling are spot on IMO.
GTI/GTD feel and are slow in comparison to the above. Scrabbling FWD cars.
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Deals starting to be had now on the RS3 by the sounds of things.
£4k deposit and 8k x 48 mths is £420 pcm, GFV - nearly 23K, on a 40k spec car :wink:
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Deals starting to be had now on the RS3 by the sounds of things.
£4k deposit and 8k x 48 mths is £420 pcm, GFV - nearly 23K, on a 40k spec car :wink:
Are you getting one, Martin? :wink:
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You can add at least £150 a month on to that £420pm figure when you add some spec to get the equipment list to a reasonable level, but on the basic figure, you can see how strong the residuals are and the effect they#re having on it. Looks like a basic RS3 can be had for around the same monthly cost as a basic S3.
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Deals starting to be had now on the RS3 by the sounds of things.
£4k deposit and 8k x 48 mths is £420 pcm, GFV - nearly 23K, on a 40k spec car :wink:
Are you getting one, Martin? :wink:
No Asker not joining the Audi club mate.
I posted the above figures as one of the members on the babybmw forum is buying one.
http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=75810
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RS3 residuals do look amazing - 60% after 3 years..
As you say if you go silly on options it will blow it out of the water - the best I could get away with is -
Metallic Paint
Titanium finish wheels
Tech pack
Comfort Pack
Sunroof
Red Calipers
5 year warranty for resale
£45,465. Maybe a bit of discount of £2500 if lucky = about £43k. Still quite hefty.
Out of interest I checked the insurance last night and an RS3 wasn't much higher than a BMW 330D and only £20 a year more than an S3..
Driving one tomorrow at 3 so should be nice to compare that to the others..
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After much mulling over prices, specs, performance etc I have finally arrived at a shortlist for this Saturday to try and make a final decision in my search for " sensible, fast, every day fun, reliable" performance.
I am going to give the R a 2nd chance despite not being moved at all with my first experience.. So the plan is ..
Golf GTi PP. looking cheap and good value in this list..
Golf R .. Ticks boxes but not really enough cylinders really..
Audi S3 .. Nicely made, solid residuals, fast, bit safe ?
Audi RS3... Can't really see me affording one, but a drive might tempt me.. Residuals look cast iron.
BMW 330d.. Much debated already, ticks a lot of boxes, boring to look at..great deals..
BMW m235i.. Haven't driven a 2, but depending on price might be an option.. RS3 performance nearly, more than 4 cylinders..
Am hoping to drive all 6 on Saturday if I can fix it up.. Should be intriguing.. Not sure I can get in an RS3 at short notice but will see.
Watch this space will post a full back to back review hopefully..
Well worth giving Tony Lewis from BMW Berry Heathrow for a price on BMW.
18% should be achievable on the 330d and 12% off the M235i.
tony.lewis@berry.bmw-net.co.uk
Ps check this thread out for an idea of the current price people are paying for the M135i / M235i.
http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=74703&p=968248&hilit=m235i+discount#p966878
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Thanks
already have some great deals on the table for 330d / xdrive of around £10k off a £43k car - choice of about 4 cars they can get
haven't yet spoken to anyone about 235 but thanks for the info..
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Thanks
already have some great deals on the table for 330d / xdrive of around £10k off a £43k car - choice of about 4 cars they can get
haven't yet spoken to anyone about 235 but thanks for the info..
No worries..... just added to my above post with a link to some current deals people are paying.
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Nice shopping list Drisser, looking forward to seeing what you find.
If you are looking as high as an RS3, I would be tempted to look at the Jag XE S, I think it's a beautiful car and a peach of an engine. Easy 10% discount, but I'm not sure if it's residuals are better than the rest of the XE range.
The comments about a 330d being as fast as an R seem somewhat wishful. As I said in the M235i thread my DTUK'd GTD has seen off more than 1 330d in gear, and there is no way I would see off an R. Only way I or a 330d would see off an R is if the R didn't drop a gear or 2 or if the 330d is tuned!
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I think the RS3 is a bit wishful but am considering it because the retained values look so good, so maybe stretching if I am going to keep a bigger % isn't so bad..
I would be putting down a fairly hefty £12-£15k deposit so my main consideration is paying the car off fully over 3-4 years or at least keeping it that long and getting most (or as much as possible) back.
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Are they letting you test drive RS3s now given the engine issues?
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didn't know about any ?
using too much fuel :grin: ?
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dresser:
If you get an RS3, you will be kicking yourself when the R400/420 is released, as I am sure it will be a much better driver's car and will spank the RS3. It is for this reason Audi may probably release an RS3+ to counteract the R400/420. Where/when will this horsepower war end? Sheer madness.
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I think the R will be more fun to drive and consensus is the R gives better feedback through the wheel from all the reviewers who know that they are talking about
For us mere mortals better feedback equals more confidence so additional power becomes irrelavent on anything other than a straight line, whistle the stoppers are immense on the RS3 if you have the confidence you will not be so reliant
RS3 will be the RS3 they have already done the + bit by moving the limiter
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When I drove the RS3, it was like a sledgehammer striking an egg. It has slightly feeless steering. The car does not communicate with the driver. But boy is it fast.
But, I somehow loved it. Beautifully made, excellent details and looks very expensive which is one thing the R does not. I'd have one in a hearbeat, if I did not own an R, if it was not for the soon to be released R400/420 and if only the damned boot was a bit bigger than the measly 280 litres! What a mega fail!
There, there; I have convinced myself I got the right caR!
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Are they letting you test drive RS3s now given the engine issues?
What issues :huh:
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I think the RS3 is a bit wishful but am considering it because the retained values look so good, so maybe stretching if I am going to keep a bigger % isn't so bad..
I would be putting down a fairly hefty £12-£15k deposit so my main consideration is paying the car off fully over 3-4 years or at least keeping it that long and getting most (or as much as possible) back.
Retained values make it a good value PCP to chop in every 3 years, to buy it is still a very expensive motor - will you really be looking to find £24k to make it yours when it is 3 years old?
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I don't think an RS is realistic to be honest but hey worth a look.
I did manage a quick spin in another dealers S3 after work today in the soaking wet and was impressed, specially full bore onto a dual carriage way, wet road the grip was impressive. Nice feeling of quality and from memory a bit more space in the back than a golf.
Have a proper drive of the S3 tomorrow.. Hope the dealer got the R lined up its the only one as yet not confirmed for tomorrow..
I think when all is said and done the 3 realistic cars will be Golf R, S3 and BMW 330d x drive, all practical, all fast, 4 door, sensible costs, ticks the boxes as everyday useable fun..they should all clock in at just over 30k with discount I guess, on the assumption I don't go silly on S3 options..
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I'd have the GTI, pocket the change and spend it on trackdays :)
+1
My reason for trading in a Cayman S and switching to something where consumables are far more affordable. £188 for a rear tyre compared to £98 on the Golf is only the start of it :smiley:
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This is a valid point, for starters when I check insurance the GTi came in much cheaper than the other.. And given I could get a specced as I want GTi PP for bout £25k with discount I could have it fully paid off in the time the others will still have a final payment due..
Am looking forward to driving the PP tomorrow as I think I on,y drove the 220 last year..
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Any thoughts of the Seat Leon Cupra? I was quite impressed when I test drove one.
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I rather have a car with a spare in the boot especially with our terrible roads which are covered with lots of tyre damaging objects. The R/GTI/GTD/S3 tick this box. The cost of tyres for all these is the same.
The BMW: Has Runflats and fat lot of good they are. Most of the time they are not repairable and the only advantage is that it will get you to the tyre shop but the tyre and possibly the wheel is buggered. No spare obviously in the massive boot. Mind you, we have never had a puncture on our 3 F30 330d sDrive M Sport BMWs (I am now tempting fate), but I have on my R just recently.
The RS3: No spare which is bad, tiddly boot (280 litres). Great performance but the R is the better drive. Expensive car
Petrol cars: My choice would be the R or the S3. Again, R is the better drive. S3 has a great interior and looks expensive. Choose the one with the best deal. Both great cars.
Diesel cars: Obviously GTD or 330d xDrive. Very different cars. But it is BMW for me, no doubt.
Have fun choosing!
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Feedback to come tomorrow !
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Have to say I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts. It's a great range of cars you have lined up and I'm sure they will have their good points and bad. I'm particularly interested on your thoughts regarding M235i as its high up on my wish list as a potential next car. The RS3 would be amazing but probably a bit out my price range at the moment.
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It's a real shame there aren't more 5 cyl cars out there Craig.
Worried I will love the RS3 and not afford it ! Can honestly say I haven't driven a car with better charisma, sound and punch than my 5 cyl 20v turbo fiat, including BMW straight sixes..
So the rS3 is going to be that plus 50% at least in terms of engine thrills..
Still, will be a fun and interesting day, hope I get a chance to drive the golf R
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It's a real shame there aren't more 5 cyl cars out there Craig.
Worried I will love the RS3 and not afford it ! Can honestly say I haven't driven a car with better charisma, sound and punch than my 5 cyl 20v turbo fiat, including BMW straight sixes..
So the rS3 is going to be that plus 50% at least in terms of engine thrills..
Still, will be a fun and interesting day, hope I get a chance to drive the golf R
Completely agree Andy. Very few 5 cyl vehicles nowadays. There's a real danger that test driving the RS3 will make the R feel quite bland in comparison and therefore could be very harmful to your wallet :grin:
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It's a real shame there aren't more 5 cyl cars out there Craig.
Worried I will love the RS3 and not afford it ! Can honestly say I haven't driven a car with better charisma, sound and punch than my 5 cyl 20v turbo fiat, including BMW straight sixes..
So the rS3 is going to be that plus 50% at least in terms of engine thrills..
Still, will be a fun and interesting day, hope I get a chance to drive the golf R
Completely agree Andy. Very few 5 cyl vehicles nowadays. There's a real danger that test driving the RS3 will make the R feel quite bland in comparison and therefore could be very harmful to your wallet :grin:
The price of EU6 compliance.
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As I said before, the RS3 engine's soundtrack is amazing. However, it is the RS3 that felt a bit bland when compared to the R with respect to steering feel and handling, IMO. Great car, though.
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Test driving the Gti PP tomorrow if its raining will probably not do its best feature justice unfortunately.
If it is dry at all, don't bother to stick it in sport, it will make an awful fake sound and fk up the steering with a heavy feel to give an impression of sportiness, but seems to remove feel. Better to select the individual setting via the "mode" button and just put the diff in sport, then find a B road. It wont compete with the others on you list at all, but it may offer something different.
It does need to be dry I think
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Test driving the Gti PP tomorrow if its raining will probably not do its best feature justice unfortunately.
If it is dry at all, don't bother to stick it in sport, it will make an awful fake sound and fk up the steering with a heavy feel to give an impression of sportiness, but seems to remove feel. Better to select the individual setting via the "mode" button and just put the diff in sport, then find a B road. It wont compete with the others on you list at all, but it may offer something different.
It does need to be dry I think
I'd have it in Sport to check out the throttle response, you can't split Soundaktor function from throttle response in "engine" settings within individual mode. It might feel a little less urgent when you put your foot down otherwise. Soundaktor being loud probably won't be a bother on a test drive, it's living with it every day that becomes tedious.
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Test driving the Gti PP tomorrow if its raining will probably not do its best feature justice unfortunately.
If it is dry at all, don't bother to stick it in sport, it will make an awful fake sound and fk up the steering with a heavy feel to give an impression of sportiness, but seems to remove feel. Better to select the individual setting via the "mode" button and just put the diff in sport, then find a B road. It wont compete with the others on you list at all, but it may offer something different.
It does need to be dry I think
I'd have it in Sport to check out the throttle response, you can't split Soundaktor function from throttle response in "engine" settings within individual mode. It might feel a little less urgent when you put your foot down otherwise. Soundaktor being loud probably won't be a bother on a test drive, it's living with it every day that becomes tedious.
My Soundaktor is supposed to be turned down to zero. The car is lovely in all modes, except in Race when it sounds a bit growly. I am having it checked out on Wednesday next week to ensure the bloody thing is in-operative in all modes.
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Whoever is accountable for this fake sound need at VW should be sacked, personally I think it's pathetic !
I'm off out shortly, will report back fully tomorrow !
No rain at least and a bit greasy, should be interesting !!
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Whoever is accountable for this fake sound need at VW should be sacked, personally I think it's pathetic !
I'm off out shortly, will report back fully tomorrow !
No rain at least and a bit greasy, should be interesting !!
My Scirocco 170TDI sounded noticeably different than my GTD, and more convincing. The R's soundaktor set to 30% seems to be the sweet spot for me.
Asker: your growliness in Race despite the soundaktor being switched to zero is likely due to the exhaust flaps on the outer pipes opening up - genuine sound....enjoy it!
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Whoever is accountable for this fake sound need at VW should be sacked, personally I think it's pathetic !
I'm off out shortly, will report back fully tomorrow !
No rain at least and a bit greasy, should be interesting !!
My Scirocco 170TDI sounded noticeably different than my GTD, and more convincing. The R's soundaktor set to 30% seems to be the sweet spot for me.
Asker: your growliness in Race despite the soundaktor being switched to zero is likely due to the exhaust flaps on the outer pipes opening up - genuine sound....enjoy it!
Thanks Matt. I thought so. But I think I will feel better if I drive them mad as they have done me! :evil:
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Thanks Matt. I thought so. But I think I will feel better if I drive them mad as they have done me! :evil:
Your next car should be a Tesla S 85kW performance - whisper quiet and quick. You might want Audi to put you an interior in though. I like the way Tesla's website quotes a price that take into account their anticipated fuel savings, then as you look further in the actual sticker price is about £5k more.
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Thanks Matt. I thought so. But I think I will feel better if I drive them mad as they have done me! :evil:
Your next car should be a Tesla S 85kW performance - whisper quiet and quick. You might want Audi to put you an interior in though. I like the way Tesla's website quotes a price that take into account their anticipated fuel savings, then as you look further in the actual sticker price is about £5k more.
Oh no. Not a Tesla. It is a land yacht, and it comes minus oars and a life boat!
The R is just the right size. Now that I've sorted it out to exactly as I want it and how it should be, I am happy; that is until the next bijou niggle rears its dainty little head! Here's hoping not!
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Well I'm just back..
Don't have time to post much now but suffice to say it was an intense and fun day and managed to drive in order..
Gti PP
R
S3
RS3
M235
330d
Will post full review tomorrow under a new post
Sorry to leave you guys all hanging ! Head is a little spinning so need to sleep on it before posting all my thoughts.
Biggest disappointment of the day ? RS3.. Sounds better on startup than driving and my fiat coupe 5 cyl engine sounds better.. Very impressive technicals tool and really turns heads though
Worth £10k more than an S3 ? No chance in my book. Registered 9mpg at one point :laugh:
Full road test notes to come tomorrow :smiley:
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Well I'm just back..
Don't have time to post much now but suffice to say it was an intense and fun day and managed to drive in order..
Gti PP
R
S3
RS3
M235
330d
Will post full review tomorrow under a new post
Sorry to leave you guys all hanging ! Head is a little spinning so need to sleep on it before posting all my thoughts.
Biggest disappointment of the day ? RS3.. Sounds better on startup than driving and my fiat coupe 5 cyl engine sounds better.. Very impressive technicals tool and really turns heads though
Worth £10k more than an S3 ? No chance in my book. Registered 9mpg at one point :laugh:
Full road test notes to come tomorrow :smiley:
Looking forward to the review Andy. You must have had some day!!
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Yep was fun !
Btw your comment about feedback on the m235 Craig.. Really liked it, was a positive surprise because I didn't like the m135 when I drove it a year ago but somehow this feels a better package and for me the engine is better alround than the RS3 engine which I wasn't expecting.
I would say it would be a really good next step from a gti..
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Your head must be spinning!
Looking forward to your write-up. Now, please don't be all diplomatic and don't hold back with your views. Fortune favours the brave!
I have driven all the cars from your list, though not back-to-back.
For myself:
Best chassis, best drive, most fun: R
Best engine: M235i
Best interior: RS3
Most comfortable: 330d sDrive
Best Tech: BMW idrive
Fastest car: RS3
Slowest car: GTI PP
Biggest disappointment: RS3
Least practical: M235i
Least 'fun': 335d xDrive
All excellent cars.
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Yep was fun !
Btw your comment about feedback on the m235 Craig.. Really liked it, was a positive surprise because I didn't like the m135 when I drove it a year ago but somehow this feels a better package and for me the engine is better alround than the RS3 engine which I wasn't expecting.
I would say it would be a really good next step from a gti..
That sounds very positive Andy. It sounds like it could definitely be a strong contender next time round :smiley:
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I'm a big fan of the BMW 3.0 straight six.It is actually quite scary at full pelt.The noise and the warp speed acceleration are just something else.Makes your heart race. In my M135i it really does reach warp factor 7 very quickly indeed.A real licence loser if you aren't careful. :smiley:
Get the M235i. :cool: