GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Exonian on 27 October 2021, 16:44
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Ohhh the dilemma.
You either don’t like the droop snoot look of a £50k Golf R or you can’t be bothered to wait a year for the Wolfsburg robots to find enough microprocessors to allow you to do drifts in MaccyD car park?
How about piling your furlough money into one of these?
https://youtu.be/dmcDO1OSn8Y
Or a shorter more laddish version: https://youtu.be/mmxRYVwekhA
Personally I’ve never really had the slightest interest in Audis (with the notable exception of the Ur-quattro and 1984-86 Audi 80 Sport) and I’m definitely not RS3 demographic but I do quite like the look and sound of this new version.
For those of you with large sums of money burning holes in your pockets, would this tempt you out of a Mk7 where a Mk8 has failed to?
Jaceyboy, would you pay more than £6 for one of these?
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I like the idea of the 5 cyl engine but it'll need to halve in price before my pocket opens up. Very rarely test the performance of what I've got.
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Whilst not a "driftable" new RS3, I did get out of my Mk 7 GTI for a TTRS.
I did look at a 2018ish RS3 but the interior was like sitting in a bog standard A3 so didn't go for it.
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As much as i commend Audi for finally doing something different in the form of a 5 cylinder, the RS3 reeks of mediocrity and compromise.
It just tries too hard, it doesn't know if it wants to rival an R, M135i or a M2, as a result it is essentially a Golf R that's gone to the gym, and uses the 5 cylinder warble as it's personality. It's the same excuse the Mk5 R32 used against the Mk5 Edition 30, in all aspects it is a worse car but the noise makes you want it.
Except the difference is it's not childish infighting with the S3, it's fighting a 6 Cylinder M2 and the spaceship that is the A45S, and it loses every time.
But that's me, I never particularly found Audi's interesting unless we go back to the days of the Quattro or RS2.
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Nope. :sad: :undecided: :huh: :sad:
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Only thing currently even slightly interest in seeing is the next civic type R after watching the reviews of the normal new civic models by savagegeese as Honda have thought about interior ergonomics.
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Ohhh the dilemma.
You either don’t like the droop snoot look of a £50k Golf R or you can’t be bothered to wait a year for the Wolfsburg robots to find enough microprocessors to allow you to do drifts in MaccyD car park?
How about piling your furlough money into one of these?
https://youtu.be/dmcDO1OSn8Y
Or a shorter more laddish version: https://youtu.be/mmxRYVwekhA
Personally I’ve never really had the slightest interest in Audis (with the notable exception of the Ur-quattro and 1984-86 Audi 80 Sport) and I’m definitely not RS3 demographic but I do quite like the look and sound of this new version.
For those of you with large sums of money burning holes in your pockets, would this tempt you out of a Mk7 where a Mk8 has failed to?
Jaceyboy, would you pay more than £6 for one of these?
That looks like a Kia. Last Audi I drove was an RS6 and I could not get over the lack of steering feel. I imagine this will suffer from the same.
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Only thing currently even slightly interest in seeing is the next civic type R after watching the reviews of the normal new civic models by savagegeese as Honda have thought about interior ergonomics.
Agree 100% I'm eagerly awaiting the new Civic's release here in a month or so. It appears Honda have taken a diametrically opposite direction to VW with their controls and driver interface. Which I love. And by all reports the car is a cracker to drive, to boot.
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I have to admit I would love to have one, but one of them is more like 55k to 60k with options compared to the 35k R I have on order (with some minor options). Although the other down side to owning one there is an even higher chance that someone will turn up in the middle of the night demanding the keys.
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Ha Exonian,
I was only thinking about piling £55k into one of these next year (when DTD release their discount) but upon watching the videos of the release I'm gutted to see that the UK will not get the same interior as the other European countries!
No Alcantara Steering wheel
No Colour co-ordinated stitching in the seats (plain black)
No Colour slats in the dash panels
So basically we are paying more for less again in the UK, looks like a S3 inside to me :rolleyes:
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Would like an RS3 but the bean counters say no, but do have to decide on direction for my change in March, which is ridiculously not that far away (where this year go?!) and my solid plans of keeping the TCR after its lease is now highly likely out of the window given how excessively it will cost opposed to what it would have cost me to keep prior to the chip and supply chain issues.
Given the price hikes on the Golf, and the options that would like on any MK 8 to make it desirable, and my actual favouring of the present TCR over the new MK 8, plus that am into 9th year of GTI/R ownership, really cannot see myself selecting another,
So what next? Having had a limited test drive in a BMW 128 ti at weekend in black, and that there is not many must have options, happy to have pretty much out of the box with a few of lesser options, so its likely to be a Misano Blue as stay on company lease for another cycle given the 128ti is likely to reduce my present monthlies being a £36-37k car opposed others that will likely be in excess
Ride was my biggest concern but though it is firm it did not feel anymore than my TCR and was much livelier than expected also, and really like the cabin experience, better than remembered from last time sat in a 1 Series (which never ever considered when rear wheel drive)
Feel like giving up a little prestige with the TCR but does not feel the gap thought it would be, think will be quite content with the BMW.
Has anybody else moved to the new F40 BMW I series and more so the 128ti?
Still time to be tempted to something else, the TCR itself was a last minute change after dabbling with an A35 and another Golf R, but BMW is very much front runner given the overall package.
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I have two comments Hertsman...
1) BMW like everyone have all sorts of supply problems - from options you can't order to delivery dates that aren't truthful or reliable. Just bear that in mind (with any OEM!) probably for all of 2022...
2) I hated the 128ti. Somewhere on here you'll find my review of it. The main issue is seat comfort and ride comfort. Both were simply terrible. Rest of the car was pretty good but poor comfort kinda ruins the rest of the car. Its not something the Mk7/7.5 ever suffered from. It is something other marques have all over the place though.
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Check out the M135i Hertsman.
The seats are better and the ride at least as comfortable.
It’s a fun drive as it feels more FWD than AWD and similar to the 128 the engine is a high torque output unit that goes well with the proper automatic that has better judged change points than DSG when you’re not driving flat out.
The interior is in a different league and the shell feels better braced making it feel quite luxurious for such a lively thing.
My only demerit is the steering feels a bit too sharp after many years of VW steering.
On balance I still prefer my Clubsport mk8 but that’s a deep rooted personal thing.
In your shoes I’d be looking closely at the Cupra Born
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What about this bad boy...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new/202110288989337?advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=M135i&drivetrain=Four%20Wheel%20Drive&include-delivery-option=on&make=BMW&model=1%20Series&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&radius=1500&sort=relevance&atmobcid=soc5
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Wow! Love that colour :cool:
Bargain too :shocked:
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A small green car for 50k? You could buy a 2 bed terrace in accrington for that much.
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Would like an RS3 but the bean counters say no, but do have to decide on direction for my change in March, which is ridiculously not that far away (where this year go?!) and my solid plans of keeping the TCR after its lease is now highly likely out of the window given how excessively it will cost opposed to what it would have cost me to keep prior to the chip and supply chain issues.
Given the price hikes on the Golf, and the options that would like on any MK 8 to make it desirable, and my actual favouring of the present TCR over the new MK 8, plus that am into 9th year of GTI/R ownership, really cannot see myself selecting another,
So what next? Having had a limited test drive in a BMW 128 ti at weekend in black, and that there is not many must have options, happy to have pretty much out of the box with a few of lesser options, so its likely to be a Misano Blue as stay on company lease for another cycle given the 128ti is likely to reduce my present monthlies being a £36-37k car opposed others that will likely be in excess
Ride was my biggest concern but though it is firm it did not feel anymore than my TCR and was much livelier than expected also, and really like the cabin experience, better than remembered from last time sat in a 1 Series (which never ever considered when rear wheel drive)
Feel like giving up a little prestige with the TCR but does not feel the gap thought it would be, think will be quite content with the BMW.
Has anybody else moved to the new F40 BMW I series and more so the 128ti?
Still time to be tempted to something else, the TCR itself was a last minute change after dabbling with an A35 and another Golf R, but BMW is very much front runner given the overall package.
I was going to suggest taking a look at an A35 - in the right configuration, they're a good place to be. One of my neighbours bought a Hyundai i30N in black and it looks really good - most are in blue that doesn't do the car any favours. Not sat in it so can't comment on interior quality but could be your left field choice?
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I have sat in an i30n. A reasonable cabin and instruments and controls seem intuitive. Needs a bit of chrome such as handles to break up the black plastic interior particularly on the doors. Not quite as good as the mk7. Seats adjusted well for fit and the ability to lengthen the seat base to support the knees was a nice touch but not road tested for comfort. Would seriously consider it as an alternative to the mk8. Its got a handbtake as well for when playing in the snow! :wink:
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I didn't actually test drive the i30n in the end.
It's worth a look though I think.
The fuel economy is apparently its weakest thing though.
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I spent an hour with an i30n not long after they came out. Thought the cabin quality was lacking compared to a Golf and the ride was harsh even in comfort mode, though I've heard they've softened it up a bit in later models. On the plus side it was really well equipped for the price, looks good, and the pops and bangs from the exhaust were quite addictive.
Fuel economy is indeed pretty poor. AutoTopNL managed to drain a quarter of a tank in less than 15 minutes on the Autobahn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkJnbCRn7gQ.
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Thanks everyone, trust all your opinions and have taken into the melting pot.
My preference was rock solid, keep the TCR, absolutely love it but with the expected substantial increase in price the lease company will want for it due to the known issues, then feel its likely too much to extend to financially, and with likely heavier than usual depreciation when market settles.
If lease company surprise me when ask for the price then maybe, but what we think they likely to ask, £30,000 + at the 3 years? at least £8-10,000 over what was thinking.
The company lease is all inclusive and if for any reason you leave, you just hand keys back
Have wider financial commitments presently and with many of the AWD options likely moving well into the £40,000 bracket even on base spec, its the cars in the £35-38,000 that looking at and the 128ti sits perfectly in that. (company lease is base on cost of car and the BIK on C02)
Only had an hour in it Saturday and though ride was firm it did not feel onerous and the seats felt fine. But that was only an hour and so definitely would arrange for a weekend usage (which can do) and really live with it if serious still. Overall really liked it if honest and hence seem so convinced,
Think these will go beyond my financial limits but will look at A35 which previously liked (especially as would want most of the packs!) and the BMW 135i based on Exonian comments, and the S3 though do not find it very inspiring and feel v neutral on it
Having been in GTI/R for 9 years and loving my TCR so much have ruled out a move to the MK 8 completely as pretty sure the interior will be a constant irritant and it will just be good to be another cabin after so long on Golfs.
Really like the 130n in design, think they have done a great job with it, and it now has DSG which is a must for me, but the cabin is not quite there and reported MPG is the real deal breaker as loved fact my TCR was getting 49MPG on a run up to Scotland this year, as cruised for long periods.
The outsider and an abandonment of 15 years of performance Audi and Golfs, is a hybrid F Pace as there is a lot of incentives to go hybrid in company scheme so you get more bang for buck, so will reluctantly go look at one and see how feel, wife more interested than me,
Have the TCR till end of October 2022 so lots of enjoyable driving ahead :) but have to make the decision in March give the wait times on cars,
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If I was still in a company car I'd have been all over an BEV... with the tax incentives you'd be mad not to.
A friend of mine who still has the scheme at his work has a Tesla and it costs him bugger all!
BEV for me was "next time" almost a year ago. If I was looking for October 2022 I'd definitely be electric, there are some really good ones now (and I don't mean VAG!)
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Have to say, having come from the old m135i to the TCR, I wouldn't now switch to a 128.
If I go back to BMW it would be for the new m135i.
Last time I looked the m135i would have worked out cheaper than a 128 as for base spec you could get in one for under £33 with dealer discount (Tony Lewis). Not sure what the current discount is but expect whichever model you look at would be a 5/6 month wait time.
I considered selling my TCR as prices are so strong at the monent, but we are down to one car waiting on one to be delivered so will delay a decision and see where things sit March time.
For me if I was sticking with the "hot hatch" segment I would have one eye on upcoming A35 facelift or going back to m135i (discounts make this probably where I would end up). Ideally I would be with the RS3 but don't want the additional grief it potential comes with...
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If I was looking for October 2022 I'd definitely be electric, there are some really good ones now (and I don't mean VAG!)
By “really good” do you mean ones where the infotainment etc actually works? :whistle:
Trouble is we are spoiled for choice with BEV SUV’s but for those of us that don’t want a status symbol juggernaut that can make Tarquin and Cressida junior in the back go “wheeee” away from the lights there’s not a huge selection of affordable, good handling, fun, smallish, quick BEV’s out there. In other words there’s a distinct lack of hot hatch BEV’s.
This is quite interesting and reflects what some of us have been saying for a few years.
https://youtu.be/nw1uErr0n3Q
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No you are correct...
It's either tiny short range city cars or something you need a hgv licence to drive.
Not sure that's about to change any time soon.
I quite fancy the mach e or the polestar 2 or the ev6/i5 though.
Apparently the infotainment even works on those... Which is strange witchcraft or something.
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I quite fancy the mach e or the polestar 2 or the ev6/i5 though.
Must say I saw the EV6 on the road the other day and it looks good!
https://worldwide.kia.com/eu/ev6
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If I was still in a company car I'd have been all over an BEV... with the tax incentives you'd be mad not to.
A friend of mine who still has the scheme at his work has a Tesla and it costs him bugger all!
BEV for me was "next time" almost a year ago. If I was looking for October 2022 I'd definitely be electric, there are some really good ones now (and I don't mean VAG!)
The incentives for the next two years are still worthwhile. Off the top of my head, BIK is 1 and then 2% to 5/Apr/2023. I'm looking at putting a Taycan Cross Turismo through my company but I'm not particularly enthusiastic about the size of it. It's a good 50cm longer than a Golf which makes a difference parking when I go into London. Dealer lending me one for a few days to see if I can live with it but they're quoting June 2022 as best case for delivery but they felt that Q4 was more realistic.
I saw an Ioniq 5 the other day and thought it was the only other electric car (outside of the Taycan) that had presence and looked good. The reviews seem a bit patchy though.
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It's either tiny short range city cars or something you need a hgv licence to drive.
Not sure that's about to change any time soon.
Exactly my feeling. Tiny and 5 mile range or something vast which is considerably less relaxing to drive. There are far too many drivers of RR/X5/Q8 near where I live who do the school run. They have no comprehension as to the width of their vehicles and I live in fear of being side swiped or run off the road on narrow sections or blind corners.
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If I was looking for October 2022 I'd definitely be electric, there are some really good ones now (and I don't mean VAG!)
This is quite interesting and reflects what some of us have been saying for a few years.
https://youtu.be/nw1uErr0n3Q
That's a great video - thanks for posting it.
I've been agonising over this very subject for a while. Buy an EV now and possibly be left with something obsolete within a few years, or wait for the rumoured big battery breakthroughs, which never seem to arrive. On a related note, I finally have managed to book a test drive in a Mini Electric for tomorrow :laugh:
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I finally have managed to book a test drive in a Mini Electric for tomorrow :laugh:
Great news! I’ll be really interested to hear what you think of it. Maybe it needs its own thread elsewhere on the forum.
My only advice is to possibly reduce the regen on first acquaintance (left hand toggle from memory) and put it straight into Sport mode (right hand toggle). No engine to warm up, just super responsive fun to be had.
:cool:
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As have no drive admit to not even considering an outright EV though think Hybrids such as an E-Pace are pretty incentive laden also.
Wife really likes the E-Pace, whereas I am pretty meh, and thats not a feeling that want walking up to and then driving, but said would go and have a look as may surprise me.
The lease company insist you have at least a week trial with an EV before ordering which leads you to think they may have had issues from those who have ordered but have ultimately found them limiting.
Personally not opposed to EV at all, just want it to charge as quick as a refuel, have similar 300 mile range, and look and drive like a performance car.
The problem is, you do not get access to the ordering system until its time, and also, from experience the ordering system is not as logical as you would think, with some cars being cheaper to lease than expected and vice versa. The BIK aspect is easier to work out as the lesser the C02 the less you pay.
Like most things its about balance, i have always been willing to spend money on the pleasurable but you have to have a ceiling to that spend and thats where am at this change, its feeling the hardest one for many years to get right
Think the other aspect of EV that was mentioned here is there is not that much out there that appeals when you consider my preference has always been warm to hot hatches in size and performance.
Having done some more research on the M135i it seems a lot more achievable than thought so it will get a proper look.
As stated above, will not really know what is in my sweet spot of acceptable cost until get access to the ordering system but do want to go in with a shortlist so all comments have been useful in challenging my preconceptions and opening eyes to options not really had in the frame.
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Yes, I remember the fun of company car leasing and you are right about the costs being so illogical that you can't predict them.
The newest Bev's like the i5 or ev6 have this new rapid charge thing that gives you a sizeable charge in about twelve minutes. It's getting there... Of course that is dependent on finding a suitable charger, which is by no means a given.
I'll probably buy an ev next year to use as a runabout, not caring about charging away from home or going long distances.
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I finally have managed to book a test drive in a Mini Electric for tomorrow :laugh:
Great news! I’ll be really interested to hear what you think of it. Maybe it needs its own thread elsewhere on the forum.
:cool:
Done: https://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=288260.0
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Check out the M135i Hertsman.
The seats are better and the ride at least as comfortable.
It’s a fun drive as it feels more FWD than AWD and similar to the 128 the engine is a high torque output unit that goes well with the proper automatic that has better judged change points than DSG when you’re not driving flat out.
The interior is in a different league and the shell feels better braced making it feel quite luxurious for such a lively thing.
My only demerit is the steering feels a bit too sharp after many years of VW steering.
On balance I still prefer my Clubsport mk8 but that’s a deep rooted personal thing.
In your shoes I’d be looking closely at the Cupra Born
Have been looking at that Clubsport and actually not going to eliminate it, really like the looks, know it performs brilliantly, its just having to reconcile self with the interior, which as do not play with car at all once set up should be lesser of a thing for me, but do have an aversion to touch only environments, If still on sale when order, the 45 appeals also
Problem I have is my allowance has not moved but car prices have, so having to be more prudent though as stated previously the pricing makes no sense sometimes so not entirely sure what will see as available and affordable till get access in March. But do want a shortlist as will have little time to decide to meet lead times.
Have serious interest in the M135i but have a little bit of confusion on ride as the M135i has adaptive dampers on the 18" but not on the 19" which is where you suspect need it most, so how can ride be anything but worse on the 19" than the 128ti on the 18" though do understand that the 128ti is lowered 8% more than the M Sport Suspension.
Every M135i review that seen, most on 19" they state the ride is actually pretty good, and never ever see a mention is overly firm that you do see in some 128i reviews. The seats in the M135i do look immense and regularly receive good comments.
Do ride around in my TCR pretty much permanently on the Sport setting and its never felt anything but nicely connected to the ground but not crashing in anyway, which put down to the adaptive dampers still doing work, even in firmest setting.
The 128ti might end up at the sweet spot on price so will have to have at least a day with it to see how the ride compares to my TCR in sport.
With regards the Cupra Born, it looks the part and incentive wise it would be much cheaper, but not having a drive is hugely limiting and feel most can reach to is a hybrid at this stage though am investigating local charging options. Lease company insist you have an EV for at least a week on trial before ordering which indicates to me that many have selected but then found limiting.
This is going to be the hardest change yet, with EV and hybrid edging in, and the price increases making what cars will be available and affordable less obvious, its genuinely a mystery to me what will end up with,
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Hertsman, believe me, the mk8 interior is nowhere near as bad as some people make it out to be.
I felt at home in mine within seconds, which surprised me after reading and watching reviews.
There are things that aren’t ideal and a few irritants (lack of backlit volume thingy etc) but overall the experience is fine.
Personally I’d skip the Ed45 and just go for a Moonstone Clubsport with black Estorils and black roof. The other options I wouldn’t give tuppence for. HK maybe but the standard stereo isn’t too bad.
Drive wise I tend to think of the 7.5 TCR as the beta test platform of the mk8 Clubby.
The M135i rides pretty compliantly on 19” wheels. Underbody and under bonnet bracing help to allow BMW to run fairly supple suspension without any loss of high speed body control. It’s an impressive package.
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Hertsman, believe me, the mk8 interior is nowhere near as bad as some people make it out to be.
I felt at home in mine within seconds, which surprised me after reading and watching reviews.
There are things that aren’t ideal and a few irritants (lack of backlit volume thingy etc) but overall the experience is fine.
Personally I’d skip the Ed45 and just go for a Moonstone Clubsport with black Estorils and black roof. The other options I wouldn’t give tuppence for. HK maybe but the standard stereo isn’t too bad.
Drive wise I tend to think of the 7.5 TCR as the beta test platform of the mk8 Clubby.
The M135i rides pretty compliantly on 19” wheels. Underbody and under bonnet bracing help to allow BMW to run fairly supple suspension without any loss of high speed body control. It’s an impressive package.
Do the M135i's still run on Run Flat tyres? Might be something worth note for those interested in one, given the vast difference in right quality they present.
On the mk8 I'd say your niggles will be rectified on a revision or a facelift of the car, and these are solely corners cut due to the microchip shortage.
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I can’t remember if mine were run flats or not. Got a feeling they were just normal Bridgestones.
The internal simplification of interiors on the new generation VW cars is more to do with using less parts towards “carbon neutrality”. Money has been spent elsewhere in tech and things like alu subframes, bigger lighter brake discs, two piston callipers etc.
Mind you the retail prices have shot up but then again that applies to almost everything.
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I can’t remember if mine were run flats or not. Got a feeling they were just normal Bridgestones.
The internal simplification of interiors on the new generation VW cars is more to do with using less parts towards “carbon neutrality”. Money has been spent elsewhere in tech and things like alu subframes, bigger lighter brake discs, two piston callipers etc.
Mind you the retail prices have shot up but then again that applies to almost everything.
Even Bridgestones I find have quite a hard ride compared to other makes.
Less moving parts but you have more sensors or circuitry so it's very much a paying Peter to pay Paul situation. Besides if companies wanted to actually go carbon neutral etc why are we still using plastic milk and drink bottles over glass or cans which are indefinite recyclable and impose a 20p deposit on them so they get returned to bottle banks, but anyway I won't be sitting on the M1.
I think the retail prices is related to the manufacturer no longer offering discounts to dealerships.
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The internal simplification of interiors on the new generation VW cars is more to do with using less parts towards “carbon neutrality”.
Actually, I'd say it was reduction in build time...
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-04/vw-ceo-tells-german-workers-tesla-factory-will-threaten-jobs
Tesla managing to build a car in one third of the time/labour an ID3 takes...
Guess what, that's because the Tesla has less bits to fit...
In this race, don't imagine you are going to see a return to this:
(http://www.concordesst.com/duxford/cockpit/main.jpg)
Because even that, now looks like this:
(https://aviationweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/uploads/2017/11/aa-777deck1.jpg?itok=zYqKmalh)
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The internal simplification of interiors on the new generation VW cars is more to do with using less parts towards “carbon neutrality”.
Actually, I'd say it was reduction in build time...
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-04/vw-ceo-tells-german-workers-tesla-factory-will-threaten-jobs
Tesla managing to build a car in one third of the time/labour an ID3 takes...
Guess what, that's because the Tesla has less bits to fit...
In 10 years Tesla will actually be a threat, but for now they really need to work on their build quality they aren't up with their rivals yet, they skip steps that others don't.
That's if they don't bankrupt themselves before then... If it weren't for Diesel Gate the Ford Volkswagen electric program would really put an end to Tesla imo.
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The internal simplification of interiors on the new generation VW cars is more to do with using less parts towards “carbon neutrality”.
Actually, I'd say it was reduction in build time...
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-04/vw-ceo-tells-german-workers-tesla-factory-will-threaten-jobs
Tesla managing to build a car in one third of the time/labour an ID3 takes...
Guess what, that's because the Tesla has less bits to fit...
In 10 years Tesla will actually be a threat, but for now they really need to work on their build quality they aren't up with their rivals yet, they skip steps that others don't.
That's if they don't bankrupt themselves before then... If it weren't for Diesel Gate the Ford Volkswagen electric program would really put an end to Tesla imo.
I simply could not cope with such a spartan and minimalist cabin, the single screen interior frankly horrifies me,
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Had a good think over the weekend and have come to the conclusion that need to completely abandon what have previously done coming up to a change where increasingly narrowed what were pretty clear options up to the final decision.
So going to clear my head, and be open to all options, and not even think about it till see what the system has as available to me, as thats the first hurdle that is less clear than any change previously.
So this change could literally be anything!
If really flummoxed can genuinely see myself going back in time and running a 10 year old GTI before the EV really rule the planet.
System opens up in March so will likely ask for thoughts and feedback on what will be a definitive list of cars but till then going to save myself from the usual back and forth (which usually enjoy) before press the order button.
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Had a good think over the weekend and have come to the conclusion that need to completely abandon what have previously done coming up to a change where increasingly narrowed what were pretty clear options up to the final decision.
So going to clear my head, and be open to all options, and not even think about it till see what the system has as available to me, as thats the first hurdle that is less clear than any change previously.
So this change could literally be anything!
If really flummoxed can genuinely see myself going back in time and running a 10 year old GTI before the EV really rule the planet.
System opens up in March so will likely ask for thoughts and feedback on what will be a definitive list of cars but till then going to save myself from the usual back and forth (which usually enjoy) before press the order button.
My PCP is up in June next year and I honestly have no idea what I'm going to do
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My PCP is up in June next year and I honestly have no idea what I'm going to do
If you haven't ordered already you might find you need to extend it.... VWFS will give you another up to 6 months
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Had a good think over the weekend and have come to the conclusion that need to completely abandon what have previously done coming up to a change where increasingly narrowed what were pretty clear options up to the final decision.
So going to clear my head, and be open to all options, and not even think about it till see what the system has as available to me, as thats the first hurdle that is less clear than any change previously.
So this change could literally be anything!
If really flummoxed can genuinely see myself going back in time and running a 10 year old GTI before the EV really rule the planet.
System opens up in March so will likely ask for thoughts and feedback on what will be a definitive list of cars but till then going to save myself from the usual back and forth (which usually enjoy) before press the order button.
My PCP is up in June next year and I honestly have no idea what I'm going to do
Though have always have had to ponder, its always been over the fine details, with in reality there not being a wrong choice, just preference, given the pool of cars that are out there at the time to choose from,
Just does not feel the same this go around, nothing really pulling at me, exciting me, the offerings looking more like for like than ever, and uncertainty over which would even be available and just had the discussion with wife that if feel that just having to settle for something and there is no flicker of anticipation and excitement, then might step back in time for next couple of years into a modern classic type thing, maybe a GTI MK 6, especially as have done quite a few long runs across the length and breadth of country in recent times and less likely to do again for sometime, do do see my miles dropping from the usual 9000, to maybe 6,000.
We shall see, but definitely be surprising myself when whatever the outcome is finally concludes.
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My PCP is up in June next year and I honestly have no idea what I'm going to do
If you haven't ordered already you might find you need to extend it.... VWFS will give you another up to 6 months
Said to my lease company should we not be ordering earlier than March for an October exchange and they said they are monitoring and at this time the lead time to order will remain unchanged. Wonder if there is some priority for certain lease companies as part of contracts?
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Sorry, but this seems to me a lot more like a £50k small car than a specced up R.
https://youtu.be/wXzXO_qpCZs
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Sorry, but this seems to me a lot more like a £50k small car than a specced up R.
https://youtu.be/wXzXO_qpCZs
I would like an RS 3 have to admit but by time finished playing with the RS 3 want it would likely be well into £60 k territory and thats me out as other things in life need some of that £
In a funny place with how feel about cars at moment, enjoying my TCR more as very relaxed about it as resigned to it being handed back next October and have no real thinking to what the replacement is aside from taking the cash over the company car and get something second hand.
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Just does not feel the same this go around, nothing really pulling at me, exciting me, the offerings looking more like for like than ever, and uncertainty over which would even be available and just had the discussion with wife that if feel that just having to settle for something and there is no flicker of anticipation and excitement, then might step back in time for next couple of years into a modern classic type thing, maybe a GTI MK 6, especially as have done quite a few long runs across the length and breadth of country in recent times and less likely to do again for sometime, do do see my miles dropping from the usual 9000, to maybe 6,000.
We shall see, but definitely be surprising myself when whatever the outcome is finally concludes.
If nothing it pulling you towards something new, I'd stick with your TCR. When you drop back into a mk5/mk6 golf you notice a lot of differences, not a bad thing but there's a large contrast. IMO the TCR is one of the best modern cars on the road at the minute and that's why nothing jumps out at you with the only logical next step being that of a hyper hatch M135i or A35/A45 or else you move into the more expensive offerings of F-series M3/M4. (Maintenance wise, not cost somehow)
But if you're looking for the best car for everyday you're currently driving it, unless you want to move large things often then it's a M340D :wink:
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Just does not feel the same this go around, nothing really pulling at me, exciting me, the offerings looking more like for like than ever, and uncertainty over which would even be available and just had the discussion with wife that if feel that just having to settle for something and there is no flicker of anticipation and excitement, then might step back in time for next couple of years into a modern classic type thing, maybe a GTI MK 6, especially as have done quite a few long runs across the length and breadth of country in recent times and less likely to do again for sometime, do do see my miles dropping from the usual 9000, to maybe 6,000.
We shall see, but definitely be surprising myself when whatever the outcome is finally concludes.
If nothing it pulling you towards something new, I'd stick with your TCR. When you drop back into a mk5/mk6 golf you notice a lot of differences, not a bad thing but there's a large contrast. IMO the TCR is one of the best modern cars on the road at the minute and that's why nothing jumps out at you with the only logical next step being that of a hyper hatch M135i or A35/A45 or else you move into the more expensive offerings of F-series M3/M4. (Maintenance wise, not cost somehow)
But if you're looking for the best car for everyday you're currently driving it, unless you want to move large things often then it's a M340D :wink:
The TCR is on company lease and intention was to buy at end of the term as its best car driven to date thats in my possession, but if the inflated prices stick through to next October its likely to be £30 k + they ask and not paying that especially as market will eventually settle and there is likely an accelerated depreciation as new cars on back log flood the market and the used cars stock spikes
For example, colleague was quoted £16 k on a STronic Audi A3 sometime before her renewal they have just quoted her £21 k now its time to decide. So she bailing on the company car also.
I know the MK 6 will have its limitations in comparison to the TCR across the board, but my mileage is likely to drop quite a bit and actually thinking that it be nice to step back in time to a really clean buy, before we all have to submit to the EV world and smart interiors.
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Company cars are a mugs game now unless you want an electric one.
Either take the cash or go with the milk float. Personally, I'd go with the milk float.
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I know the MK 6 will have its limitations in comparison to the TCR across the board, but my mileage is likely to drop quite a bit and actually thinking that it be nice to step back in time to a really clean buy, before we all have to submit to the EV world and smart interiors.
Those are crazy prices, I think know that's how that worked.
But if you think your miles will drop and you want to step back in time a bit, maybe a nice 6 cylinder is the key to your problem? Get a gun holster and a green Mustang and you can be Bullitt :wink: :grin:
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Company cars are a mugs game now unless you want an electric one.
Either take the cash or go with the milk float. Personally, I'd go with the milk float.
If I were in receipt of any sort of company car benefits that’s exactly the way I’d be looking right now too.
There are some decent ICE hot hatches around right now but none that will pull on any heartstrings and none that are worth waiting 12 months for, and they’re getting silly expensive.
I’d be taking a shortish term lease if possible of something electric and quick, VAG group blinkers removed as this is one game they don’t lead. A short lease in case I either didn’t gel with it or something sexier appeared on the market as it’s still early days for BEVs.
If the rocket ship milk float was practically free and also cost bugger all to ‘fuel’ I’d maybe then be looking at something cheapish and fun as a weekend car.
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Going back in time is not to be overlooked. OK, things have moved on a bit, but the cars that were great 10-15 years ago are still great now.
My son has a 2009 Scirocco 2.0TSI. It's a nice spec, rare colour and is pretty tidy. It's done 130k now. He's had it a year, done 12k miles and it's been faultless. Once you can get past the fact that it's not 100% perfect (like we'd like to think our new cars are) it makes for very affordable, enjoyable motoring. Allow a bit extra for xenons and a radio with app connect (really easy to swap in older cars) and it will do almost everything the new ones will.
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Funnily enough your Scirocco acquisition was the first thing I thought of when purchasing an older car to run was discussed a few pages back.
To my eyes a decent Scirocco would be a more attractive proposition than a Golf GTI/R/R32 as despite its age it would at least feel a little more special
I certainly know for sure if there was any way I could access my company pension right now I’d take it in a heartbeat, cash in on the decent price of my Golf at present, buy a tidy Scirocco and take a couple years out living cheaply but making the most of life itself.
I’m not wearing rose tinted specs either as a friend of mine has an ageing mk5 GTI as a highish mileage daily driver and it does require a fair bit of time and money constantly spent on it to keep it in full health.
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I had a Mk6 GTD for 4 years, followed by a Mk7 GTD which had for another 4 years. I currently have a Mk7.5 Golf R which is probably the best car I have ever owned, but after 4.5 years I'm ready for a change.Unfortunately, the Mk8 Golf R does nothing for me. Whilst I know this is a purely personal thing, it seems to me that the outside and the interior are not a patch on my existing car. I specced a Mk8 8 R, out of interest and it was just shy of 50k (yes, i know there are discounts), but it just didn't do i for me. On 16 August i ordered a carbon black RS3 saloon and I now have a confirmed bill week of week 2 next year. Better tell the wife soon I suppose!
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by the way, not sure what "the demographic" is for an RS3 - but I'm approaching 61!
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Bearing in mind the average age of an RS3 Sportback owner is 36 and the average age of an A3 saloon driver is 86 I’d say you were bang on the demographic for your car there Dervy :laugh:
Only joking of course. I think both the hatch and saloon RS3’s look fantastic and I’d far rather pump £56k into one of those than nearly £50k into a bloody Golf. It’s all gone a bit mad price wise for me but…
The RS3 is a very respectable car, so probably (just like the Golf R) has a wide ranging demographic.
What colour and spec have you gone for?
Please please drop back here and tell us how it compares to your long history of Golfs. There are plenty of us here who would love to hear your thoughts next year.
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I had a Mk6 GTD for 4 years, followed by a Mk7 GTD which had for another 4 years. I currently have a Mk7.5 Golf R which is probably the best car I have ever owned, but after 4.5 years I'm ready for a change.Unfortunately, the Mk8 Golf R does nothing for me. Whilst I know this is a purely personal thing, it seems to me that the outside and the interior are not a patch on my existing car. I specced a Mk8 8 R, out of interest and it was just shy of 50k (yes, i know there are discounts), but it just didn't do i for me. On 16 August i ordered a carbon black RS3 saloon and I now have a confirmed bill week of week 2 next year. Better tell the wife soon I suppose!
I was talking about the RS3 yesterday and how it's just an exceptional car which goes against the grain of all other cars currently, it's very much a Mk4/5 R32 of current times. I'd imagine it was a very hard decision between saloon and sportback.
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i’ve gone for a carbon black saloon with the comfort and sound pack ( purely for the B and O system). i plumped for kemora grey as it look’s good with the black, is lower maintenance than the lapiz blue of my golf…..and it’s an RS exclusive and a no cost option! i initially ordered the sportback, but on the carbon black it gives you a huge (age inappropriate ) roof spoiler- the saloon seemed less in your face and just gets a black roof. i also went for a 5 year warranty- paid dividends on my R. Plucked up the courage, told my wife and she seems ok, but i’m sleeping with one eye open just in case. glad i put my order in on 16 August as the new price is £4k more.
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i should also add that i stuck with the standard suspension. i have dcc on my R with prets and i’m comfortable in race - time will tell, but i need to pretend to be sensible with options
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That is the colour and pack I’d go for too were I in the position.
I reckon the car will be absolutely fine sans DCC and indeed more predictable 100% of the time.
It definitely sounds a little better “value” pre-price hike, a smart move to know your own mind from the outset and forging ahead with it.
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I've been looking at used RS3s to replace my 7.5 GTI, but prices are very very strong, and there are a lot of options I'd want, on an unmolested example.
Seeing as I'm buying used, I could just wait, obviously. My GTI PCP is up in June next year.
However, I'm kind of craving more power, for some reason. I could get the GTI a tune, but then it would probably lose value and I wouldn't have as much equity to put into the RS3... so I'm kind of stuck where I am for now.
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However, I'm kind of craving more power, for some reason. I could get the GTI a tune, but then it would probably lose value and I wouldn't have as much equity to put into the RS3... so I'm kind of stuck where I am for now.
TCR or an R? The IS38 turbo has plenty of extra go when the IS20 runs out of puff, one of the main reasons I swapped.
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Believe me, I've gone around the houses trying to nail down what's next!
I really, really like my GTI and may well end up just paying the balloon and waiting for used car prices to drop a bit. I have looked at the TCR and R, but I don't know if I can bring myself to change to a car that is from the same sort of lineup. Stupid, maybe, but if I'm changing my car from one I'm really happy with, I want to make it as different as possible - ideally, without sacrificing things I like about my GTI.
I'd like to keep the practical, everyday usability of the GTI, along with creature comforts such as sunroof, DCC, Android Auto.
I'd like to upgrade things that the GTI could do better - engine note/noise, interior quality, traction from a stop.
The R obviously sounds perfect, but like I said, I want a change change. I've actually been looking at the RS3 saloon, because that would give me a different body style as well.
I've considered (but not driven any of):
- 911 997 - Expensive to run, maybe not as practical as I'd like?
- M2 - No ACC, pricey. RWD in winter a problem?
- Golf R - Not different enough
- TCR - Again, "just" a more powerful GTI (in my eyes)
- S3 - basically a golf R
- A35 - would always wonder, "should I have sprung for the A45?"
- A45 (new) - too expensive
- 2018 RS3 - currently winning, particularly the saloon
- New 235i GC - Ugly, lacking Golf features
EDIT: I wasn't previously a fan of Mercedes interiors and didn't think they were worth it over a performance Golf, but I totally "get" the new style, and would strongly consider an A45S if they weren't so ridiculously expensive. Still a 2L turbo, thought. You'd think £60k would get you more than that! I also don't know if Merc offer all the creature comforts that VW do.
I haven't tried the new Golf interior at all, but obviously it is not overly popular (of course, that's from reading online. They'll obviously sell millions). The new R is supposed to be fantastic to drive.
I think it'll be between a used RS3 and an 8R (which I know is against the thread title! Maybe I'll start a new thread discussing my woes)
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- 911 997 - Expensive to run, maybe not as practical as I'd like?
Big Money for one with any kind of creature comforts
- M2 - No ACC, pricey. RWD in winter a problem?
Imo the best option
- Golf R - Not different enough
golf
- TCR - Again, "just" a more powerful GTI (in my eyes) golf
- S3 - basically a golf R
golf
- A35 - would always wonder, "should I have sprung for the A45?"
Dubious build quality on some but an epic car which Chris Harris has said is better than the A45S
- A45 (new) - too expensive
Too expensive and too powerful
- 2018 RS3 - currently winning, particularly the saloon
5 cylinder golf
- New 235i GC - Ugly, lacking Golf features
Why not the 135i? but the 235i sounds great
One of the Clubsport S owners had the same problem with replacing his golf. They tried 911's, 718's, Audi's, Alfas etc, they have since bought an M2 Competition, take from that what you will.
I've added a few comments to your list.
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- 911 997 - Expensive to run, maybe not as practical as I'd like?
Big Money for one with any kind of creature comforts
- M2 - No ACC, pricey. RWD in winter a problem?
Imo the best option
- Golf R - Not different enough
golf
- TCR - Again, "just" a more powerful GTI (in my eyes) golf
- S3 - basically a golf R
golf
- A35 - would always wonder, "should I have sprung for the A45?"
Dubious build quality on some but an epic car which Chris Harris has said is better than the A45S
- A45 (new) - too expensive
Too expensive and too powerful
- 2018 RS3 - currently winning, particularly the saloon
5 cylinder golf
- New 235i GC - Ugly, lacking Golf features
Why not the 135i? but the 235i sounds great
One of the Clubsport S owners had the same problem with replacing his golf. They tried 911's, 718's, Audi's, Alfas etc, they have since bought an M2 Competition, take from that what you will.
I've added a few comments to your list.
Thanks for the input!
I was team M2 (Comp) for a while, until I learned it came without Android Auto and adaptive cruise control (and less so, dynamic dampers). These are features that I use almost every day and more so on a 100-odd mile drive to go and visit family. I read that a 235i is considered by many to be a more livable car day-to-day, but I never know if these are older people saying this (I'm 27, so it might not bother me so much). Anyway, it suffers from the same flaws as the M2.
The original M2 is much more affordable than the M2 Comp, but most reviews of the latter said it's everything the former should have been. I think there would always be a "what if" if I went for the original.
I'm sure the A35 is very nice, but I think I would suffer the same "what if" wrt. the A45. Plus, a friend and a BIL have an A35, and I'd rather something different. I'm the type who tends to go for the more left-field option.
A new M2 with the features I want would be out of budget. The new M135i is just another turbo, 4cyl, 300HP hatchback. At least the old one had some unique characteristics (but this fells outdated even next to a 7.5 GTI).
The new M240i looks promising - I forgot I was only considering the GC (because of the liftback). Will be one I give some thought to.
I know you've listed the RS3 as a "5 cylinder golf," and I kind of agree, which is why I was leaning towards the saloon. Fells more "grown up", but it can also be specced with ALL the features I currently have, and I wouldn't have to compromise. Might lack in driving dynamics, though.
I should say that I probably don't need any more than my 7.5 GTI gives me, and it's interesting that you say the A45S has too much power - that could probably be levied at most of my choices bearing in mind this is for a daily driver and it won't see a track. The GTI is honestly very very good and it is only because I had to do a 100 mile drive in torrential rain a couple of weeks ago that I got to daydreaming about a car that doesn't care about the conditions and it just has globs of power at your disposal year round. A tuned RS3 sat top of that imaginary list! Plenty practical to do everything I do now, upgrading in the areas that the GTI lacks the most - engine note and traction.
Been looking at the new M240i a bit more and it does seem it offers a decent package with everything I want (as options).
I think I, and many others, find myself of falling into the trap of reading and watching reviews of other cars and thinking "wow I want that, wow my car could handle better, wow I wish I had more power" when forgetting realistically how often we actually use full throttle in our current cars. New things are just nice to have, though!
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sjw do you follow TRHamza? You might want to check out his brand new purchase given current top of list choice.
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sjw do you follow TRHamza? You might want to check out his brand new purchase given current top of list choice.
I don't, I'll have a look
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I should add I've also considered a TTRS (I messaged Gnasher about this and never replied, sorry mate!) but felt that the RS3 saloon was probably a slightly better daily proposition - although I'm happy to be corrected.
I have a cocker spaniel (who rides in a hammock on the back seats, so hatch not a necessity) and I play golf, so clubs must fit in the car. The dog and the clubs rarely travel at the same time, but it's always handy if they can
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Will try and follow along with TR Hamza a bit, but I don't like the black with aluminium spec. Looks like something my Dad would drive. Black pack for me, and ideally not black paint. I'd take aluminium trim with blue paint, and I'd take black paint without the aluminium :grin:
My ideal spec is this: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112020154133?fromSavedAds=true&advertising-location=at_cars
but there are some mods visible, and they're not listed. I don't think I want to pay that for a modded car... and I'm nervous that with those other mods, it's probably stage 2 or something crazy. Not a deal breaker, but might mean the car is overpriced and potentially more of a risk repair-wise. I'm sure the dealership could clarify, but I'm not sure I'm interested enough to make the enquiry... I'm always scared to waste people's time! :grin:
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Thanks for the input!
I was team M2 (Comp) for a while, until I learned it came without Android Auto and adaptive cruise control (and less so, dynamic dampers). These are features that I use almost every day and more so on a 100-odd mile drive to go and visit family. I read that a 235i is considered by many to be a more livable car day-to-day, but I never know if these are older people saying this (I'm 27, so it might not bother me so much). Anyway, it suffers from the same flaws as the M2.
The original M2 is much more affordable than the M2 Comp, but most reviews of the latter said it's everything the former should have been. I think there would always be a "what if" if I went for the original.
I'm sure the A35 is very nice, but I think I would suffer the same "what if" wrt. the A45. Plus, a friend and a BIL have an A35, and I'd rather something different. I'm the type who tends to go for the more left-field option.
A new M2 with the features I want would be out of budget. The new M135i is just another turbo, 4cyl, 300HP hatchback. At least the old one had some unique characteristics (but this fells outdated even next to a 7.5 GTI).
The new M240i looks promising - I forgot I was only considering the GC (because of the liftback). Will be one I give some thought to.
I know you've listed the RS3 as a "5 cylinder golf," and I kind of agree, which is why I was leaning towards the saloon. Fells more "grown up", but it can also be specced with ALL the features I currently have, and I wouldn't have to compromise. Might lack in driving dynamics, though.
I should say that I probably don't need any more than my 7.5 GTI gives me, and it's interesting that you say the A45S has too much power - that could probably be levied at most of my choices bearing in mind this is for a daily driver and it won't see a track. The GTI is honestly very very good and it is only because I had to do a 100 mile drive in torrential rain a couple of weeks ago that I got to daydreaming about a car that doesn't care about the conditions and it just has globs of power at your disposal year round. A tuned RS3 sat top of that imaginary list! Plenty practical to do everything I do now, upgrading in the areas that the GTI lacks the most - engine note and traction.
Been looking at the new M240i a bit more and it does seem it offers a decent package with everything I want (as options).
I think I, and many others, find myself of falling into the trap of reading and watching reviews of other cars and thinking "wow I want that, wow my car could handle better, wow I wish I had more power" when forgetting realistically how often we actually use full throttle in our current cars. New things are just nice to have, though!
It's definitely a tough choice with all modern options very very close to each other, I'm not a fan of the RS3 styling hence why I lean towards the M2 which I think is the car that has picked the the torch where the E46 m3 left it.
Two wild cards I'd personally throw into the fray would be an Alpine A110 and M340d/i.
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Two wild cards I'd personally throw into the fray would be an Alpine A110 and M340d/i.
M340i is a maybe.
A110? You must have missed my post about having a dog and a set of golf clubs! The A110 would struggle to carry my packed lunch :grin: :laugh:
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For those thinking about Electric as a next move and don’t want a jelly-mould Tesla or dull ID.3, the Cupra Born UK pricing has just been announced.
https://www.cupraofficial.co.uk/cars/cupra-range/born.html?idcmp=eml:CUPRABORNPR&dbgid=2138704&dbg_campaign=C000007603&variant=ST_SAL_CBO_LAU_211215_HAN1_EMT06_HAN01&one-tid=ba1f2c13-ae48-3b18-a2cd-ef4d7e6546ef#specifications
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I'd like to know why they are adding 20inch alloys to them, the 20inch tyres I'm assuming would wear quick on an EV and be very expensive. 18/19's were bad enough for looks over performance vs 17's, but 20's?
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I'd like to know why they are adding 20inch alloys to them, the 20inch tyres I'm assuming would wear quick on an EV and be very expensive. 18/19's were bad enough for looks over performance vs 17's, but 20's?
Given that BEV's are mainly about range... spec'ing 20's crimps your range vs 18's.
But of course futuristic vehicles have big wheels don't they:
(https://www.previewsworld.com/SiteImage/MainImage/STK687638)
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“I am the law!” :grin: Good ol’ JD
18” steel wheels for range is the preserve of Roy Cropper BEV enthusiasts.
Hopefully not all EV owners obsess about range above all else.
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As I previously mentioned, I am moving on from my 7.5 golf R to an Audi RS3 Carbon Black Saloon - expected Feb/Mar. Yesterday I managed to take a Launch Edition out for a spin. My initial thoughts are as follows:
Good - The exterior (IMHO) looks great - purposeful and aggressive, without being too in your face. The sound is just amazing and doesn't seem to be fake inside. The acceleration is phenomenal - and addictive for the rush and the sound. The handling is first rate and you can feel the torque vectoring on the twisties and roundabouts. The ride is sporty, but composed (I drove mainly in dynamic mode). The seats look great and are very comfortable and supportive. The MMI is fast, but will take a while to get used to.It has real buttons and a gas strut for the bonnet.
Bad - Very expensive (I need a small bank loan for the first time in years). A bit too much piano black inside and the plastics on the dash, whilst better than the Mk8 R, are probably not as good as on the 7.5. You'll never achieve the published mpg. Keep a close eye on the speedo - this is a points magnet if you're not careful. Insurance and maintenance costs are higher than the R.
This is a very brief summary after a 1 hour drive. I'm going to miss the R, but I need to scratch the RS itch. I know Ive made the right decision as I didn't stop smiling for the whole hour - that's rare for me, ask my wife! My main gripe remains the price and some of the cheaper feeling plastics inside, but that seems to be the way of the automotive world.
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Really good feedback Dervy, and reassuring to know you’ve definitely made the right decision.
That engine and chassis combo really appeals to me (throw in the good looking exterior to cement it together).
My son has a 2021 A3 S-Line on a lease so I’m familiar with the interior. It’s definitely much lower grade feeling/looking than the last A3 and possibly a step back from the mk7 Golf (which in itself slightly cheapened over its lifetime, my 2013 GTI PP and 2015 R interior definitely felt slightly superior in build and plastics to the 2017 and 2019 models I owned). I’d say it was about on a par with the mk8 Golf but its design has changed significantly from its dowdy predecessor to make it very stylised as opposed to the Bauhaus Golf. Swings and roundabouts. To my eyes the Audi is much more attractive than the mk8 Golf especially when comparing say an R-Line Golf versus the S-Line A3.
One definite plus at this time of year is that the side window demist vent is better positioned in the A3. It’s only in use that you appreciate these boring details.
When spending upwards of £50k on a ‘fun’ type car the fact it puts a smile on your face is very important. I’ve driven and owned quite a few cars over the last 30 odd years and when I think about it there aren’t actually that many that put a proper smile on my face. Many were satisfying to drive but few had the grin factor and that is quite telling.
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How about...
https://cleantechnica.com/2021/10/18/you-can-now-order-a-tesla-powered-golf-mk2/amp/
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I dread to think what one of those costs but I really like that idea :cool:
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Me too... then I found the price :shocked:
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Does this mean you won't get the thrill of driving with suspected rusted fuel lines with the imminent danger of a mk2 catching fire? Or will the electric mk2 just randomly turn the heater up?
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No smell of petrol - or sound- to stir the soul.
Price?
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Sitting down Yusee?
65k
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Yeah 60k.... I don't know if that includes restoring a Mk2 or if its just jamming the duracells into one you already own...
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Good grief. That’s like buying a print of a da vinci masterpiece for 3 times the price of the original.
Not for me.
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Maybe they're only doing them to the Rallye edition and 50k of it is the car.
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If a £50k 8R doesn’t hit the spot and a £60k RS3 a bit too steep then how about sinking your company car allowance into one of these? https://www.pistonheads.com/news/electric-vehicles/new-skoda-enyaq-coupe-is-first-all-electric-vrs/45258
Surely more appealing than one of the crushingly dull (un)inspired design [ID] Volkswagen siblings especially in that colour!
Likely to have the same dodgy brakes though.
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That's quite nice if a bit chubby.
I'm still holding out for something that I don't need a hgv licence for...
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That's quite nice if a bit chubby.
I'm still holding out for something that I don't need a hgv licence for...
It looks like a Model Y shagged a BMW
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:grin:
Dainty and svelte don’t seem to be on design briefs these days!
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The Mk8 Golf R with the the performance pack is a marketing mans wet dream. The car still has a basic "open" type differential between the engine/front driveshafts & the cardan shaft to the rear. The "fancy" stuff is a Haldex clutch pack on each rear stub axle & the fact that the previous open diff on the rear has now been replaced with a fixed bevel box.
More weight, more electronics, & more to go wrong...
If I could justify running a "toy", I'd buy the Yaris GR over the MK8R anyday...
(For 100% clarity...the Yaris I am talking about is NOT to be confused with the limited edition GRMN which has the 1.8lt engine, roll cage & no rear seats)
To get both the front & rear Torsen LSDs you have to spec the "GR Yaris Circuit Pack" £33,520 (OTR)
Some of the mechanical highlights:-
1.6lt 3cylinder turbocharged
257bhp @ 6,500rpm
360Nm @ 3,000-4,600rpm
0-62mph in 5.5sec
142mph max
Unladen weight 1,305kgs
357mm two piece front discs with 4piston monoblock aluminium calipers. (rears are 2 piston aluminium monoblocks)
Double wishbone rear suspension
Lowered polymer roof with carbon fibre reinforcement & wrap
Aluminium doors & bonnet (hood)
Torsen LSD front & rear diffs
You can vary the torque split from 60:40 (normal) to 30:70 (sport) to 50:50 (track) all on a dry road, no requirement for the fronts to loose traction to shift torque to the rear..
Hand built on a dedicated GR Yaris production line (taking 10 times longer than the standard version), where the Lexus LFA & Supra A80 were built.
MK8 Golf:-
To get the special Haldex rear you have to order the MK8 R "Performance pack" £42,995 (OTR)
2lt 4cyclinder turbocharged
315bhp
420Nm @ 2,100-5,350rpm
0-62mph 4.7sec
Unladen weight 1,554kgs
357mm two piece front discs with 2 piston calipers
basic open type front diff
torque split max all wheels on same dry surface = 50% front 50% rear, if the fronts are spinning on ice its a max of 10:90..if the fronts are gripping its 90:10..(drivetrain losses)..fronts have to loose grip for the torque to be shifted to the rear.
When looking at the interior & various other electronics the Golf doesn't look £10,000 more than the Yaris.....the Yaris is the drivers car & no wonder the people who drive it rave about it!!
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I must admit, the GR Yaris is one of two recent cars I wish I’d bought when I had chance to get either of them on 0% deals not so long ago.
The other being the up! GTI which I dithered over for years.
I might have a mad moment and get one of the latter before they go out of production just for the hell of it.
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Thing is though is that the R is a family sized car capable of doing everything... The YGR is a fun shoe box for the lolz.
If you wanted a fast powerful car that can also take your family on holiday...
Which is kind of what a performance golf has always been... Never the sharpest or fastest but an all rounder few others get close to.
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Agreed Fred, the R and its immediate rivals from Mercedes-AMG and BMW are a fair attempt at a performance car version of homeostasis.
However golfdave does offer a slant on it for those that don’t need the space but want the 4x4 driving thrills without throwing nearly £50k into a shopping car.
I’m still waiting for snoopy’s review of his compared to his GTI’s (hint hint)
The 8R is many things to many people but by god it’s expensive when specced properly and the electronics can be pants. Which was kind of the whole purpose of this thread (that was only started for a laugh).
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There's an expectation of the Corolla GR to come soon, although I wouldn't consider it a rival to a Golf in quality term, performance wise it will be very interesting.
@Fredgroves it's nice to think of the yaris still as a tiny shoe box sized car now, but they really aren't when you see them in person, similar to that of comparing a mk8 and mk4 golf together. They've really packed on the pounds over the years.
(https://i.postimg.cc/N0grcD7J/Screenshot-2022-02-03-at-16-43-55.png) (https://postimg.cc/CRQKCj2k)
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If you fancy sliding sideways (into a hedge) they are apparently making a GR GT86 too...
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@Fredgroves it's nice to think of the yaris still as a tiny shoe box sized car now, but they really aren't when you see them in person, similar to that of comparing a mk8 and mk4 golf together. They've really packed on the pounds over the years.
(https://i.postimg.cc/N0grcD7J/Screenshot-2022-02-03-at-16-43-55.png) (https://postimg.cc/CRQKCj2k)
Externally pretty big, internally definitely shoe box.
Access to rear seats is terrible, and once in there, very restricted head and leg room.
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If you fancy sliding sideways (into a hedge) they are apparently making a GR GT86 too...
Quite an interesting vid-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QaR843im04A
( just realised this is the gr86)- ? not the same car you’re referring to ?
At least there’s a golf in there!
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Agreed Fred, the R and its immediate rivals from Mercedes-AMG and BMW are a fair attempt at a performance car version of homeostasis.
However golfdave does offer a slant on it for those that don’t need the space but want the 4x4 driving thrills without throwing nearly £50k into a shopping car.
I’m still waiting for snoopy’s review of his compared to his GTI’s (hint hint)
The 8R is many things to many people but by god it’s expensive when specced properly and the electronics can be pants. Which was kind of the whole purpose of this thread (that was only started for a laugh).
I will get round to it. I just did a brief one and lost it. Fun but no allrounder imo.
Basically it cannot replace my golf as a daily use car. It's too compromised on practicality, (boot size is tiny and low in height, rear seat hit head if over 5ft6) and parts prices are scary. Brakes are more expensive than GTRs for example and forged wheels 1500+ each, service every 6k and as brakes don't have ware sensors theres a safety check every 6 month.
I do disagree with what some others have said about it on here in the past though. It does tootling and is refined doing so. Far more than I ever expected. Some road surfaces do,upset it though due to the bushing. My 80yr old mother prefers to be a passenger in it than the mk6 fir tootling somewhere :undecided: that says alot about its split personality to me.
In comparison It is bonkers how it can go round corners but it can get scary light on the rear sometimes were a golf will be inert. I prefer the mk6s steering feel and weight though.
I don't see it as a golf rival. The GR corolla will be and I look forward to seeing it and fingers crossed they make an estate version. Others have said it won't have the quality of VW I guess it depends what you class as quality. It will work and be functional.
The new civic type R when it comes if they also make a version without the wing as they do the current bat mobile version then that you could interest me as a daily golf type replacement.
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@Fredgroves it's nice to think of the yaris still as a tiny shoe box sized car now, but they really aren't when you see them in person, similar to that of comparing a mk8 and mk4 golf together. They've really packed on the pounds over the years.
it's wide and tall but not that long. It's about 6 inch wider than my mk6 but about the length a mk2 GTI
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@snoopy, thanks- interesting review.
Particularly interested in your comment on steering feel. Some reviewers have praised it, I didn’t find it any better than my golf- on my brief test drive
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Thanks for posting up Snoopy :afro: that was a really interesting read covering the bits the journos miss.
Always great to get the lowdown from real owners that aren’t just self promoting :smiley:
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Agreed Fred, the R and its immediate rivals from Mercedes-AMG and BMW are a fair attempt at a performance car version of homeostasis.
However golfdave does offer a slant on it for those that don’t need the space but want the 4x4 driving thrills without throwing nearly £50k into a shopping car.
I’m still waiting for snoopy’s review of his compared to his GTI’s (hint hint)
The 8R is many things to many people but by god it’s expensive when specced properly and the electronics can be pants. Which was kind of the whole purpose of this thread (that was only started for a laugh).
This is the point....its more a drivers car & as many have said it has more in common with the older homologation specials in the 1990's...
I think size wise its more a replacement for the Audi AWD S1....& probably more fun as the Audi still has open diffs front & rear if I remember correctly.
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Polo GTI anyone?
To my eyes it offers loads better value than a Golf GTI and loses not much.
https://youtu.be/oOftlZbyksE
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Polo GTI anyone?
To my eyes it offers loads better value than a Golf GTI and loses not much.
https://youtu.be/oOftlZbyksE
Having previously owned a previous generation Polo, I can firmly say I'd only go back if I were doing under 7k miles a year. Small cars just don't offer the same comfort doing longer journeys.
If you seek value over a Golf GTI the Skoda Octavia VRS & Cupra Leon are the best bet, Skoda if you want to look like a taxi driver or the Cupra if you want a more powerful golf with questionable styling (maybe it's the same then?).
A BMW 228i (4cyl) or 235i (6cyl) seems a better choice, subtle looks, nice power bands, great interior & great sound.
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Polo GTI anyone?
To my eyes it offers loads better value than a Golf GTI and loses not much.
https://youtu.be/oOftlZbyksE
It works for me :smiley: as I don’t need a Golf sized car. I’m on my second Polo GTI (current one is a 2020 GTI+; the current shape Polo but the pre-facelift model). It’s considered to be a small car, but like most cars, it’s grown in size over the generations and externally, the current Polo is virtually the same size as a mk4 Golf. Forum member @Monkeyhanger has owned mk7 Golfs and the current model Polo GTi+ (two of them) and his view was that cabin space-wise, there’s not that much in it between the mk7 Golf and the current Polo (the Polo’s boot is smaller though).
Good performance, economy and handling, roomy for a ‘B’ segment car, comfortable and with mine being the ‘Plus’ model it has plenty of kit. Granted, it has hard plastic door cards, but then VW has downgraded some of the interior plastics in the mk8 Golf compared to the mk7 so IMHO the gap in interior quality isn’t huge.
I’m happy with mine :smiley:.
(https://i.postimg.cc/GmwZsqmP/884566-CC-34-A2-4-C5-B-968-C-225-C77-CB97-A3.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Hmm, I’d disagree with much of that Will.
I owned one of the first 9N3 Polo GTI 1.8t’s back in the day and at the time would have labelled it two thirds of the mk5 GTI for two thirds of the price.
Having had semi-regular use of my son’s MQB platform Ibiza at the same time I owned my mk7 Clubsport there’s very little in it size and comfort wise. The Polo GTI having plusher Golf steering wheel and a few other bits over the Ibiza lifts it into nine tenths of a Golf nowadays, just a few bits of cheaper trim here and there and a slightly lighter feeling in the construction. I’d argue that for A and B road use in the British Isles the Polo GTI would be there or thereabouts in handling and performance too. The Golf GTI would win in certain areas but at considerably more cost.
Nope, I’m sticking to my guns here, I reckon as a fun car on UK roads (which to me is what a GTI is) the Polo GTI would be right up there even against the £50k Golf R in the thread title as benchmark. I might even try one out back to back with my Clubsport over some B roads if the local dealers get a demo in.
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Hmm, I’d disagree with much of that Will.
I owned one of the first 9N3 Polo GTI 1.8t’s back in the day and at the time would have labelled it two thirds of the mk5 GTI for two thirds of the price.
Having had semi-regular use of my son’s MQB platform Ibiza at the same time I owned my mk7 Clubsport there’s very little in it size and comfort wise. The Polo GTI having plusher Golf steering wheel and a few other bits over the Ibiza lifts it into nine tenths of a Golf nowadays, just a few bits of cheaper trim here and there and a slightly lighter feeling in the construction. I’d argue that for A and B road use in the British Isles the Polo GTI would be there or thereabouts in handling and performance too. The Golf GTI would win in certain areas but at considerably more cost.
Nope, I’m sticking to my guns here, I reckon as a fun car on UK roads (which to me is what a GTI is) the Polo GTI would be right up there even against the £50k Golf R in the thread title as benchmark. I might even try one out back to back with my Clubsport over some B roads if the local dealers get a demo in.
Agree @Exonian, although I might be slightly biased :smiley:.
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I’m inclined to agree here. I’ve had a previous shape Polo Match Edition Tdi for a tad under a year now for work and have to say there’s not a massive chasm in terms of size back up to the Golf. Performance wise obviously nowhere near the Golf in my particular Polo😳 but for normal commuting on back roads and A roads driven normally I’m happy in my 90% Golf !!
Fortunately I don’t need the space which if I did would probably be a deal breaker and yes, there are a few harder bits of plastic trim dotted around but nothing that has left me with an overriding feeling of it being low rent and longing for another Golf! Horses for courses I suppose as everyone’s needs are different and that what make owners forums such a great place to spend some time and share opinions
Configuring up a new Polo GTi including almost £3K of options in an idle moment certainly raises questions on whether a Golf GTi specced “similarly” really justifies a near £11K inc options difference in price??
(https://i.postimg.cc/G3s9BwG4/0-BEC0110-39-A0-4166-A0-A2-B6-C09-A810825.png) (https://postimg.cc/8sNT3YyG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/2yv5ghrQ/E91-C1-CD5-FD11-46-E0-90-F3-364-D23-A8-C1-D3.png) (https://postimg.cc/YLrkW440)
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£30k for a Polo though 😬
My god cars have gone expensive over the last few years😟
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Nope, I’m sticking to my guns here, I reckon as a fun car on UK roads (which to me is what a GTI is) the Polo GTI would be right up there even against the £50k Golf R in the thread title as benchmark. I might even try one out back to back with my Clubsport over some B roads if the local dealers get a demo in.
Been in a few MQB ibiza's myself and wasn't impressed at all, further to that I'd add the fact that the £50k Golf R or the mk7R are boring cars, the GTI is a bit more driving focused but still fairly dull being too competent for it's power. The best cars being between a Fiesta ST or a Megane RS.
But as said we're all different and have different expectations of our cars, my mileage is more comfort focused.
£30k for a Polo though 😬
My god cars have gone expensive over the last few years😟
Wouldn't pay £30k for a golf either, let alone a Polo.
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£30k for a Polo though 😬
My god cars have gone expensive over the last few years😟
They have, especially in the current climate with low new car production levels, demand outstripping supply, less generous discounts and low (or no) finance deposit contributions.
My 2020 Polo GTI+ was around two thirds of that price after discount and finance contribution.
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Quick look on Drive The Deal to my specs comes in at £26.3K for the Polo with £500 contribution on PCP and £35.7K for the Golf with £1300 contribution on PCP :laugh: :whistle:
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The best cars being between a Fiesta ST or a Megane RS.
Wouldn't pay £30k for a golf either, let alone a Polo.
Those two are the best cars for people who lock themselves in the loo with a copy of Evo magazine :whistle:
(Although I’m a secret fan of the Fiesta ST despite not wanting all my vertebrae compacted)
Putting (VW) car prices into perspective, even an up! GTI can quickly get to £19k these days.
Now here’s a weird thing, despite me having DSG and a BMW auto box since 2019, thus my clutch foot is redundant, I keep finding my left sock has a hole in the heel. Am I a mutant?
And no I don’t drive in just socks and neither do I own a pair of sandals. So if anyone here thinks they’re being boring buying me socks for my birthday they’d actually come in quite useful…
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The polo is actually an option I overlooked for some reason. I did look at the UP but not the polo. I guess its because I wasn't taken with previous generations.
When my leon goes this year the golf will be the practical one in my stable so I'm not sure a polo or fiesta size car will be as good an alrounder daily to replace the golf.
Reading Hyundai pages on Facebook it seems quite a few mk7/7.5 GTI owners have moved over to the i20 and i30 Ns.
I'm just not sure of the styling.
Still think I may wait and see what the new civic type R has to offer when it comes out since it seems to have lost the bat mobile looks and they have kept buttons on the interior.
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Quick look on Drive The Deal to my specs comes in at £26.3K for the Polo with £500 contribution on PCP and £35.7K for the Golf with £1300 contribution on PCP :laugh: :whistle:
Forget the sticker price, if you are PCPing, what's the cost of having either one to drive around in for 3 years?
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Crap pcp prices are why I swerved things like the focus or the type R.
I know some here are a bit sneery about pcp but I'm not in a position to pay 30k out of my pocket for a car. Much easier to find the monthlies and let someone else worry about what happens to it after three years.
Some cars with roughly equivalent cash prices can be vastly more expensive to pcp. Most things are more expensive compared to a golf.
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I did my first ever PCP on the T6 Caravelle that I got about 2 and a half years ago. 3 months old, £42k. When I add up what I've paid, then deduct the increased equity in it due to dealers not being able to get anything transporter based, it's cost me just over £5k so far. As they've now stopped making them, demand is even higher, I should be paying it off at a much faster rate than it is deprecating. I don't think that's too bad.
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Talking of T6 lifestyle vehicles, today is all about the ID. Buzz where the embargo has been lifted on the influencers so they can all let rip on their enthusiasm on the model. Not had time/interest to watch/read any yet but that vehicle falls into the £50k R and RS3 sphere of cost. The next big thing for flippers, parents about town, salary sacrifice and company car allowance people?
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I have read a few of the Buzz things today and it leaves me a bit underwhelmed.
In fact I'm starting to feel like choosing a BEV is like choosing a new Android phone... lots of different offerings but nothing you can truly say is unique or more attractive.... or at least unless you want to buy one of the exotics.
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If you’ve got a few million in the bank then one of the real BEV exotics might be a draw but I doubt dodging company car tax is a huge issue to these people who would have most of their banking done via the Virgin Islands! Who knows?
The ID. Buzz will be a smash hit for a few years I have no doubt. Faddy people will be there in droves.
I think it’s a good use of the BEV skateboard type platform personally, far more attractive and useful than the legions of appliance SUV’s currently on sale. Let’s hope the VW tech gremlins don’t make a mess of a potential goldmine for them.
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I’ve watched a couple of today’s videos with interest- I’d love an EV MPV if it could do what I need it to do- daily duties and touring for a family of 6.
Once again, it’s all about range. Matt Watson reckons just over 200 miles on his test.
Not good enough for me.
And with a 50k price tag, definitely one for the fashionistas.
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Transporter things are changing. Up until now everything has been van based, but the new Buzz and Multivan are smaller, car based vehicles. Think Sharan. So far they are not being well received by Transporter followers. I see them as being a school run vehicle for Mums that can't manage a proper van, but like the image.
The commercial side is changing soon too. There is a getting together with Ford to build the next Transporter/Transit and Amarok/Ranger. Along with the shortage of new vehicles, at the moment, that's bolstering up prices of current models. So when you baulk at £50k Golf R's, consider dealers that are asking £75k plus for pre-reg T6.1 Sportline Black Edition Kombi's.
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Shorter than a Sharan/Alhambra, better turning circle and “ high up” driving position.
Should be ideal for families on the school run.
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Once again, it’s all about range. Matt Watson reckons just over 200 miles on his test.
Not good enough for me.
I watched Matt's video yesterday with the Skoda... it was interesting but the one thing he didn't point out is that there is a weird thing with EV vs ICE.... on a ICE vehicle, peak effeciency is a constant speed of about 60mph (like he showed) but on an EV this is not the case.
EV's excel at stop start (regenerative braking!) and that's where ICE is at its worst.
Sure his video shows you that loading your family up for a trip to the south of france is going to mean you get nothing like the WLTP range figures, but we knew that would be the case didn't we?
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The problem for me is that you can’t load up for a trip to south of france. Not without more planning.
Even a return trip to London/Surrey for me- which we often do- would cause anxiety.
Thomas in autogefuhl suggested the throttle has been mapped for comfort, I don’t know if this will improve the economy?
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touring for a family of 6.
Once again, it’s all about range. Matt Watson reckons just over 200 miles on his test.
Not good enough
Don't think I ever managed to go 200 miles without at least one family members needing the toilet. :grin:
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Have one EV question and thats battery replacement? Saw the story of someone who purchased a Mercedes EV and cannot entirely remember reason why, but he needed new battery and it was more than the cost of going out and buying a new car.
Battery replacement would be a concern to me when car is a few years old, as surely that would accelerate decrease in value with any potential buyer knowing there is a big bill not too far away.
Leasing over ownership is only way would consider one
Did look at EV for this company change (going to still keep my TCR to replace wife's Audi) to keep BIK down but just not ready yet, so likely to get a well equipped A1, maybe the competition as one last go around the fossil fuel wheel before likely go to an EV next go around (on lease)
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touring for a family of 6.
Once again, it’s all about range. Matt Watson reckons just over 200 miles on his test.
Not good enough
Don't think I ever managed to go 200 miles without at least one family members needing the toilet. :grin:
Don’t mind stopping for that. Don’t fancy queuing for charge points though, I’d rather fill up with that filthy diesel stuff and not worry about fuel for days!
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Thinking again about this, would it be feasible to take one of these on a touring holiday?
How long would it take to charge for another, say, 200 miles, and would I get charging points in service stations across Europe?
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With the demise of ICE across Europe (subject to Adolf Putin’s plans and the idiots we collectively elect) then the BEV charging infrastructure will have to improve massively and very quickly. In the UK it will be a fudge as always but on the continent where drivers do have to cover great distances and the road networks aren’t based on what the Neanderthals and Romans left us with there will be excellent, clean facilities in the main areas. Maybe up in the mountains in remote areas you’ll struggle a little but as always people will adapt and technology moves fast, every problem will have a solution. So I don’t see touring holidays an issue so long as people prepare themselves properly.
Hertsman, problems like battery replacement will soon be much less of an issue as these vehicles become dominant. Detonating the engine in your £50k Golf R won’t be a £500 replacement motor from the scrappy shoved in by your mate Dave these days, we will be talking thousands and thousands of pounds/euros for a new engine. The modular design of BEV’s probably makes the physical swap over fairly straightforward and these current vehicles are likely quite primitive compared to what will be around the corner in five years. It’s transitional at the moment.
BEV’s are just mobile appliances in the main, but that’s what the general public want. Technology is moving fast so you’d not really consider many of the current crop as very long term investments so leasing and PCP’s are where it’s at. Somehow manufacturers and governments will have to make them reasonably affordable.
As Fred says, they’re ideally town cars where they are more efficient and where air pollution needs to be cut the most. To make them more effective over longer distances battery tech and charging speeds need to improve quickly.
Serious tourers and commercial buyers will probably have to stick with Diesel for a while yet.
Watching Thomas’s interview with VWG’s head of design was interesting. I always like to know how the machinations of organisations work but at around 26 minutes it’s reassuring to know that the Golf isn’t going to be abandoned any time soon and may yet evolve into another generation (possibly hinting that the ID.3 ain’t all that) owing to its heritage. It’s all about numbers for VW.
“Always go for the biggest wheels” A man after my own heart!
https://youtu.be/usJabJTdN8w
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With the demise of ICE across Europe (subject to Adolf Putin’s plans and the idiots we collectively elect) then the BEV charging infrastructure will have to improve massively and very quickly. In the UK it will be a fudge as always but on the continent where drivers do have to cover great distances and the road networks aren’t based on what the Neanderthals and Romans left us with there will be excellent, clean facilities in the main areas. Maybe up in the mountains in remote areas you’ll struggle a little but as always people will adapt and technology moves fast, every problem will have a solution. So I don’t see touring holidays an issue so long as people prepare themselves properly.
Hertsman, problems like battery replacement will soon be much less of an issue as these vehicles become dominant. Detonating the engine in your £50k Golf R won’t be a £500 replacement motor from the scrappy shoved in by your mate Dave these days, we will be talking thousands and thousands of pounds/euros for a new engine. The modular design of BEV’s probably makes the physical swap over fairly straightforward and these current vehicles are likely quite primitive compared to what will be around the corner in five years. It’s transitional at the moment.
BEV’s are just mobile appliances in the main, but that’s what the general public want. Technology is moving fast so you’d not really consider many of the current crop as very long term investments so leasing and PCP’s are where it’s at. Somehow manufacturers and governments will have to make them reasonably affordable.
As Fred says, they’re ideally town cars where they are more efficient and where air pollution needs to be cut the most. To make them more effective over longer distances battery tech and charging speeds need to improve quickly.
Serious tourers and commercial buyers will probably have to stick with Diesel for a while yet.
Watching Thomas’s interview with VWG’s head of design was interesting. I always like to know how the machinations of organisations work but at around 26 minutes it’s reassuring to know that the Golf isn’t going to be abandoned any time soon and may yet evolve into another generation (possibly hinting that the ID.3 ain’t all that) owing to its heritage. It’s all about numbers for VW.
“Always go for the biggest wheels” A man after my own heart!
https://youtu.be/usJabJTdN8w
I am personally very open to EV, when the infrastructure, cost and the cars themselves are not just batteries on wheels with a Ipad screen bolted on, there is a reason that always lean towards something like a GTI and an R and an ID whatever just does not cut it, want something that you feel excited to have and drive.
Them EV cars do exist, but until they are pitched into the same segment as a GTI, R, S3 then ICE still wins, but good to read that maybe the Golf EV GTI/R is a thing to come.
In terms of battery replacement, understand that engine analogy, but a well maintained ICE engine will go on for many many years with still some residual value when selling, and of course the occasional blown one, where every battery pack will have a set lifetime in miles, where at end of life the car is a chuck away as battery replacement is more than car worth, and you would want lifetime battery guarantee on a faulty battery as be a nightmare at 5 years to have a battery fail (though this hopefully would be the same cadence as a blown engine)
If there was an EV out there, in the £40,000 price segment that had similar performance intentions to my TCR, with a 250-300 mile range and quick charge abilties wherever pulled up (have no drive) then I am in, but whole package is a mile off still and so am out.
Intend to run my TCR and an A1 SLine Competition for next 3 years and maybe move the A1 onto an EV if there is real progress
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I'm still not sure where a Mk9 golf might fit into this.
If it will exist, it won't exist in the UK.
I like the sound of a cute Honda E style Mk1 Golf shaped EV though. Although just how Mk1 it actually will be is questionable - there are so many reasons why you wouldn't be allowed that shape and then on top you have to allow for the design detail needed for effecient air flow with an EV.
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Fred, there was a lot of discussion there about the Honda E, body-language suggests it’s been discussed at design level and the way the ID.2 might be configured may allow for a car like the Honda that looks similar to a mk1 Golf without infringing on Honda copyrights as a potential version? The ID.3 platform is too long for the retro boxy mk1 design but the ID.2 would support it and stay truer to the original squared off design. Hopefully a Scirocco too! Honda were quicker out of the blocks where maybe the VW board erred on the side of caution which they’ll now be rethinking and watching the Honda E sales globally.
The mk9 Golf was stated as being fully electric IF it happens. It sounded encouraging though. Maybe a battery integration like the MINI EV keeping the weight in the exhaust tunnel and fuel tank area would ensure the Golf’s handling was unaffected. We can forgive a bonnet without a gas strut if it almost never needs opening!
Hertsman, you’d *hope* a well maintained ICE would last many years but with all the emissions crap I wouldn’t be so sure. I work with trucks and vans and the amount of emissions based issues are unreal on some of them. However, on a passenger car I’d expect it to last a good while whereas a battery has a finite life, but I’d imagine nearer ten years and by which time the tech in the EV would be very out of date.
Retained values are anyone’s guess. Certain ICE cars will remain in demand and fetch good money but as fuel becomes more and more expensive and fossil fuel stations become charging stations things will change and public perception of EV’s has changed hugely especially with the bombardment of advertising.
The A1 is quite a nice package btw, my son has a facelifted A3 S-Line and the interior quality difference and interior space between that and an A1 isn’t massive. He carefully looked at both as his girlfriend really wanted an A1 but ironically the A3 ended up cheaper on a business lease by quite a bit.
On a PCP I’d be interested to see the difference between a Polo GTI and A1 40 TFSI 2.0
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The battery life thing banded by ICE diehards is always bounced about.
I know of a fleet of leaf taxis in York with mega miles.
There's even specialists in America who will repair tesla battery's and only replace faulty cells not replace the entire battery.
Think I've watched on YouTube an independent specialist here doing a leaf the same.
Manufactures seem to warranty battery's for longer. 8yrs 100,000 miles was one I noticed the other day.
Charging is getting faster and therefore taking less time to 'refuel' , don't know the IDBuzz spec.
I know a quick toilet stop seems to always end up including a human refuel. :grin: So.
I keep my cars a long time. 10+ years. I was thinking of a Bini SE but I think it's too early in my case as I do so low mileage now.
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Fred, there was a lot of discussion there about the Honda E, body-language suggests it’s been discussed at design level and the way the ID.2 might be configured may allow for a car like the Honda that looks similar to a mk1 Golf without infringing on Honda copyrights as a potential version? The ID.3 platform is too long for the retro boxy mk1 design but the ID.2 would support it and stay truer to the original squared off design. Hopefully a Scirocco too! Honda were quicker out of the blocks where maybe the VW board erred on the side of caution which they’ll now be rethinking and watching the Honda E sales globally.
The mk9 Golf was stated as being fully electric IF it happens. It sounded encouraging though. Maybe a battery integration like the MINI EV keeping the weight in the exhaust tunnel and fuel tank area would ensure the Golf’s handling was unaffected. We can forgive a bonnet without a gas strut if it almost never needs opening!
Hertsman, you’d *hope* a well maintained ICE would last many years but with all the emissions crap I wouldn’t be so sure. I work with trucks and vans and the amount of emissions based issues are unreal on some of them. However, on a passenger car I’d expect it to last a good while whereas a battery has a finite life, but I’d imagine nearer ten years and by which time the tech in the EV would be very out of date.
Retained values are anyone’s guess. Certain ICE cars will remain in demand and fetch good money but as fuel becomes more and more expensive and fossil fuel stations become charging stations things will change and public perception of EV’s has changed hugely especially with the bombardment of advertising.
The A1 is quite a nice package btw, my son has a facelifted A3 S-Line and the interior quality difference and interior space between that and an A1 isn’t massive. He carefully looked at both as his girlfriend really wanted an A1 but ironically the A3 ended up cheaper on a business lease by quite a bit.
On a PCP I’d be interested to see the difference between a Polo GTI and A1 40 TFSI 2.0
Was actually looking at the Polo GTI and we went and looked at a standard Polo at weekend in Milton Keynes and despite being bare trim, it was still a nice car to sit in, and think with the IQ lights and the DRL running length of bonnet the GTI really looks the part, especially as would add the optional 18" and Panoramic roof to the Glacier White.
However, we then went up to the Audi garage and saw a new S Line A1 and wife just preferred it, maybe simply because she loves her outgoing A1 Black Edition, which the only downside to, is it lacks some of the modern tech have in my TCR and that she now got used to, so parking sensors, rear view camera and heated seats are on her mandatory list.
As always its basically the same car as the GTI just little bit more trim and price tag.
The thing is, my allowance covers my TCR and likely a Clubsport if wanted to just change the TCR, its the BIK thats been the increasing reason to not go like for like this time around, and a fully specced A1 Competition, even though not cheap would be under my allowance and greatly reduced in BIK, so selling the present A1 to partially fund my TCR and getting the A1 just makes sense, and we may even buy it after the 3 years (so maybe will option more than would normally do, a bit of a punt to do that, but if do purchase you have car would really want)
The base of all this thinking on how to profile our cars, is that really would have been sad to hand the TCR back, and thats never happened before as always quite excited about the replacement. So keeping the TCR is something very happy about and will be a complete keeper till its a an EV world and only allowed out to play at weekends :)
Not actually got to sit in a competition, but have sat in a black edition, and its a really nice package, feels lot bigger than our present A1, which will say is solidly built, looks the part, and performs brilliantly, its just little behind in tech being a 14 plate.
The A1 would do the grunt miles and the TCR would be well used still, but not the workhorse, and maybe would get a little more love as not on main family duties (going to get black wrap on roof as first treat)
Have to push the buttons in March and not excluded the Polo GTI as personally really liked it, but with none in country cannot see one in flesh, but the A1 Competition is the front runner at moment which hopefully will get a test drive in to see how punchy the 207BHP is
You mention son going for an A3 as on business lease it was cheaper, and have seen the same curveballs on company ordering system, my previous R was loads cheaper than an Astra GTC for example, so I still have to see the numbers, though reassuringly, looking at other lease sites, the A1 competition is a lot lot cheaper than Clubsport/R which would have been my normal change.
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Thinking again about this, would it be feasible to take one of these on a touring holiday?
How long would it take to charge for another, say, 200 miles, and would I get charging points in service stations across Europe?
I watched the late brake show earlier on the IDbuzz
Think he said 35min to charge from 10-80% on a 125Kw charger. Think the bloke later in video said it can use upto 135Kw charging.
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Thinking again about this, would it be feasible to take one of these on a touring holiday?
How long would it take to charge for another, say, 200 miles, and would I get charging points in service stations across Europe?
I watched the late brake show earlier on the IDbuzz
Think he said 35min to charge from 10-80% on a 125Kw charger. Think the bloke later in video said it can use upto 135Kw charging.
Thanks for that. For me, that confirms these cars aren’t yet appropriate for serious mileage.
It’s an interesting car though and I’m hoping that the range/ infrastructure issue will be resolved by the next generation cars.
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One of the things I heard someone talk about on the radio the other day is that some of the charging standards are getting replaced. He was saying how his 12 month old car now can only be charged by his home charger, that public chargers don't have the old style cable his car uses.
That's my fear as these different standards fluctuate before settling on a single cable or power rating.
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One of the things I heard someone talk about on the radio the other day is that some of the charging standards are getting replaced. He was saying how his 12 month old car now can only be charged by his home charger, that public chargers don't have the old style cable his car uses.
That's my fear as these different standards fluctuate before settling on a single cable or power rating.
I wouldn't fear that too much, the EU will soon step in and make a standard type of charger that all manufactures must use, even though we aren't in it we will adopt it anyway.
It's the same with mobile phones there's a standard usb-c charger required now. Apple being an exception due to them finding a loophole.
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:undecided: GR Corolla :undecided:
(https://i.postimg.cc/bv4B3GfF/FB-IMG-1648732708780.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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I Like the idea of an intelligent manual transmission. Used to be called the driver :smiley: but perhaps not all?
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I Like the idea of an intelligent manual transmission. Used to be called the driver :smiley: but perhaps not all?
Have you seen the average driver these days?! :D
Good to see the GR Corolla breaking cover at last, mind you, isn’t the launch on April Fools day?
Hopefully the Gas and Electric bill rises are a huge April Fool’s joke but not the Corolla.
Anyway, it looks like a £50k Golf R is still the best car ever…
https://youtu.be/oWcVff3XD9M
(I do look forward to reading the initial reviews on the GR Corolla, still wondering whether I should kick myself for not buying one of the first GR Yaris when they were on 0%)
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I have to admit I would love to have one, but one of them is more like 55k to 60k with options compared to the 35k R I have on order (with some minor options). Although the other down side to owning one there is an even higher chance that someone will turn up in the middle of the night demanding the keys.
You must have got a good deal! I think the basic OTR list price for an 8R is £39.3k and I thought the likes of DTD only reduced that to about £37.3 - without any options. When the car was launched, folk I know found it impossible to spec the stuff they wanted (inc leather seats, etc) and keep the price below £40k. Some ended up at around £46k! The R always gets unfairly compared to the RS3 (official list price £51k), as it is a competitor for the S3. Well, it's basically the same car, of course, with a different badge/interior. The ways things are going, these ultra-expensive German hyper-hatches (RS3, A45) are looking more and more irrelevant. Once you get past GTI/Civic Type R money, you are looking at the law of very rapidly diminishing returns imho. Unless, that is, you are driving on the smooth sweeping mountain roads of Northern California :huh:
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List price for an 8R is now £42k. The DtD price factors this in. So £37k represents something like a 12% discount.
Not bad in the current climate, but waiting times for delivery will be loooooooonnggg.
For anyone ordering now, at least the question of high vehicle tax is resolved. £40k threshold applies to all cars irrespective of options.
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Obviously that was a closed section of private road or track Damian otherwise the NSL applies in the Brecon Beacons thus negating any power advantage… :wink: :laugh:
Those £50k+ über hatches are generally just peacocking really. Granted some are owned by well healed enthusiasts who do trackdays and trans-Europe road trips via Autobahns, but not many I doubt. There are still performance “bargains” to be had in the form of Fiesta ST’s and i20N’s, electric Minis (ok top speed might hinder the Mini a bit in the derestricted Brecon Beacons) and even the forthcoming Polo GTI. But I guess if you wear your designer sunglasses on the top of your head then those will be a little lacking in the car park Top Trumps.
It’s all gone a bit mad for me. I’ve definitely had my last Golf and I wasn’t particularly enamoured at paying £33k for it! I’d just like a nice little island, a drone to bring my food over and a few torpedos to shoot at A45S owners that bring their jet-skis anywhere near my shores…
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:undecided: GR Corolla :undecided:
(https://i.postimg.cc/bv4B3GfF/FB-IMG-1648732708780.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Unfortunately not coming to the UK.
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Never understood the obsessions with hyper hatches myself.
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Unfortunately not coming to the UK.
Manual only so probably falls foul of the same emissions regs that killed the manual 300PS (and above) Golfs etc.
shame
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Unfortunately not coming to the UK.
Manual only so probably falls foul of the same emissions regs that killed the manual 300PS (and above) Golfs etc.
shame
I doubt that had anything to do with Toyota's decision. Fitting a typical dual-clutch auto box generally only reduces CO2 emissions by a tiny amount (if anything), and typically adds 25-30 kg of extra weight. I can't find comparative figures for the mk7.5 Golf R (which was originally available as both manual and auto), but the official VW CO2 figures for the basic mk8 Golf GTI (245 PS) quote 168-173 g/km for the 6-speed manual and 167-172 g/km for the 7-speed DSG. In other words, no difference. To take a more extreme (high BHP) example, I looked up the data for the current Porsche Cayman GTS (400 PS) and the "combined" CO2 figures for the manual and auto (PDK) versions are very similar (230 g/km for the PDK and 230-247 g/km for the manual).
The official reason that VW and Audi stopped offering the manual option in the R and the TTS was always stated as "declining customer demand", rather than anything to do with emissions regulations. Same with BMW and the M135i / 128ti. Nonetheless, the fact that the GR Yaris is only available with a manual gearbox doesn't seem to have hurt its sales as the car is in huge demand.
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I must admit, I’ve never ever looked at CO2 figures.
I was always under the impression that it was stated as emissions reasons but I was probably wrong, nothing unusual there! :grin:
As you say, the GR Yaris is sought after (as a niche vehicle) and the Civic Type R is manual only plus a few other notable hot hatches which all sell fairly well.
The Golf R I can see attracting buyers that prefer DSG but I’d have thought there would be decent demand for Clubsports in manual guise.
Who knows. Not me that’s for sure.
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As Exonian says, there is a degree of "peacocking" in owning the new breed of hyper hatches. Having said that, we could say that about GTDs, GTIs and Rs, we don't need the performance but we want it and we love our cars. I have owned a Mk6 GTD, Mk7 GTD and Mk7.5R which have all been more car than I've realistically needed. For the last month I have owned a new Audi RS3 carbon black saloon and I can confirm that at 61 it has made me look younger, even more handsome and a much better lover - so with every penny :smiley:
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As Exonian says, there is a degree of "peacocking" in owning the new breed of hyper hatches. Having said that, we could say that about GTDs, GTIs and Rs, we don't need the performance but we want it and we love our cars. I have owned a Mk6 GTD, Mk7 GTD and Mk7.5R which have all been more car than I've realistically needed. For the last month I have owned a new Audi RS3 carbon black saloon and I can confirm that at 61 it has made me look younger, even more handsome and a much better lover - so with every penny :smiley:
What's it like on your back though? :whistle:
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As Exonian says, there is a degree of "peacocking" in owning the new breed of hyper hatches. Having said that, we could say that about GTDs, GTIs and Rs, we don't need the performance but we want it and we love our cars. I have owned a Mk6 GTD, Mk7 GTD and Mk7.5R which have all been more car than I've realistically needed. For the last month I have owned a new Audi RS3 carbon black saloon and I can confirm that at 61 it has made me look younger, even more handsome and a much better lover - so with every penny :smiley:
That's my philosophy and I get my back massaged as well :laugh:
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Normally I hate SUV’s but I do like T-Roc R’s
New facelifted version still uses old R engine not the 320PS but…
… the good news is it means Estoril alloys are now made in ET44
https://youtu.be/O2nTSsAk5MU
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Just ordered a BMW 128 ti Alpine White on 18" (with performance tyres) + just £750 options, due sometime whenever :laugh:(Hopefully October)
In comparison to the VAG options, a bargain.
Never had a BMW before as personally always been quite rear wheel averse despite the contention its the best way to experience a car (which 100% get on a track, but not on roads), but having test drove a black 128 Ti at weekend, the feeling was that timing is good to jump in, as experience will be the meshing of BMW/GTI experience.
Intention is to keep the TCR to replace the A1 we have till nearer time to finalise that, but very likely as imagine this be last company car way whole thing is going in price and diminishing attractive options, and so TCR will be the long term 10+ year keeper.
Will give thoughts, many months from now :)
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Congrats Hertsman :cool:
A good choice, similar recipe to a GTI but a different flavour.
We will be looking forward to your impressions of it in due course.
I hope the heated steering wheel was optioned, it’s the best feature of the mk8 IMO and I have no idea how I managed 50 odd years without one! :laugh:
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Congrats Hertsman :cool:
A good choice, similar recipe to a GTI but a different flavour.
We will be looking forward to your impressions of it in due course.
I hope the heated steering wheel was optioned, it’s the best feature of the mk8 IMO and I have no idea how I managed 50 odd years without one! :laugh:
That’s the feeling that be getting some of the BMW interior feel and quality while retaining all that love about the GTI, be a while but will let everyone know how that goes
Skipped right past the heated steering wheel, which was £150 mainly as never really considered holding wheel in any weather to be something every worried on as everything soon heats up and that wanted to keep this lease tight and stuck to what felt were essentials though there was not anything on options burningly wanted as all the wants were there in price
Made the order now though could still add it, so convince me some more :smiley:
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18 months ago I’d have called anyone speccing a heated ‘wheel rude names.
If my mk8 spontaneously combusted tomorrow due to engine sponge issues the heated ‘wheel would be the thing I’d miss most.
On any morning that’s less than 10°C you’d bless every penny of that £150, once experienced you’d not want to be without it (Ed40 excepted as the fluffy ‘wheel never felt chilly to hold)
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18 months ago I’d have called anyone speccing a heated ‘wheel rude names.
If my mk8 spontaneously combusted tomorrow due to engine sponge issues the heated ‘wheel would be the thing I’d miss most.
On any morning that’s less than 10°C you’d bless every penny of that £150, once experienced you’d not want to be without it (Ed40 excepted as the fluffy ‘wheel never felt chilly to hold)
Go to the gym most days, and just through a winter and its never something even thought to, and tested out the theory at 6.45 this morning at 7 degree and a little cold but hands soon warm up, and when come out of gym actually quite thankful for the coolness of the wheel so in the camp of not convinced aside from obviously the coldest of mornings.
Its only a £150 option however so will still mull it today to see if curiosity gets better of me :smiley:
EDIT: Curiosity got better of me, order updated! (It goes to BMW today) at £150 it makes no real dent in anything and so will tell you next winter how blessed I feel on one of those cold starts :smiley: Might be a car keep in 3 years also, as this my last company car and will need a car, so if do and one day resale its desirable option for any prospective purchaser over a car without (amazing how we justify spending money on cars so easily :laugh:)
Best option selected was the heated windscreen for the TCR, even on a 7 degree morning, there is some sticky cold dew on the screen that within a minute the heated screen has dispersed to give a clear screen.
Those early morning starts where head to gym, in winter, 10 mins was usually spent clearing screen before could even head off, but its now a press of button, wait a minute or so, and you are off, now thats the best £350 spent on an option list.
Always been spot on with options, and looking back at all of them, the only option think that regretted was the upgrade of the stereo system on an Audi, it was nice, but when changed like for like the next time around, the standard system was pretty good, so it felt like a lot of money was spent on some fancy speaker plates.
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Hope you've test driven the 128ti.... I was less than impressed with the bits that count.
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Hope you've test driven the 128ti.... I was less than impressed with the bits that count.
Yes, managed to get an hour in a grey one a few months back and a black one, this last weekend, again for an hour, and so obviously could not soak test it and really open it up, but personally really liked it, the cabin felt like a step up from my TCR and really liked the media and driver display and how navigate.
It was genuinely lively in sport, makes some nice noises (though did not hear any pops or overrun that get on TCR) but softened steering and throttle nicely when took it down to comfort, though obviously not with the suspension which is firm but would say not as much as the current A S Line we have on S Line suspension, and did not feel onerous at all, which have decent comparison as tend to drive around the TCR in Sport Suspension most of the time, moving between D and S when in town.
Not sure what tyres your test drive was trod with, but apparently the Bridgestone do not give the best ride, but the £0 option P Zero greatly improve, and this weekend car did have them on (as checked) though not sure if the grey 128 Ti test drove previously did?
Other considerations are that GTI and R were not available to me this time around, even without options, and keeping the TCR, so at £3000 lease cost less than TCR 3 years ago with all options would want, the 128 Ti was ticking all the boxes.
So, i really liked it, even the subjective marmite bits in style, I like also, so quite excited to get it and have a change of experience after being in MK 7 cars for last 9 years (GTD/R/TCR)
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Exonian, just want your first thoughts, thinking on this, given you have owned a CS 40
Have received quote from lease company and we about £2-3000 what budgeted to pay, with caveat that quote is 6 months early and with less miles than a re-quote in 6 months, so hoping that gap closes when car hits 3 years and with more mileage. (quote is better than VW forecourts)
If the gap does close as hope then my plan to keep the TCR is still the main option, but feel need a plan B and been looking at Club Sport 40, which know means a drop from some of the MK 7.5 features, but having lived with R for 3 Years, its still the drive and looks (the feeling of driving something a slither different from rest) that is most important, so that aspect does not deter.
Have always like the CS 40, notice immediately that front end when see one, and really like the rear spoiler and overall, it just works for me with the 265 BHP giving it that little bit of extra edge enjoy now in the TCR.
Have seen a few in and around the price prepared to pay and at mileage limit set, with of course a FSH a prerequisite, and as need would not be urgent, would be patient on getting the right one.
Based on all that, do you think the CS 40 would be a good plan B, and have its own merits, or would you think that I should get the best price can for the TCR and just stretch to that best price, given long term merits? Just want to understand how the CS 40 is truly felt about.
My real outsider if get disillusioned is a clean ED35 but its Plan Z at the mo,
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Excuse the late reply Hertsman, I’ve been away visiting the folks.
I was having a good ol’ think about this today whilst removing from my bonnet dozens of gnats who obviously didn’t have the benefit we did at larval stage of watching Darth Vader’s Bristolian alter ego explaining the perils of crossing busy roads.
Personally I’d try and persevere with the TCR purchase. You know every detail of your car’s history, every mark on it and every mile it’s been driven. Plus it’s a pretty special car with a great spec.
Having had the misfortune to happen upon a large group of very excited railway enthusiasts yesterday who were waiting a double engined train (standing right in the way of where I wanted to eat my chips in peace and quiet) it reminded me of how geeky car enthusiasts get too, so I’ll skip all the anoraky details here as it’s not my scene. Suffice to say both Ed40 and TCR have a significant amount of unique parts which have quite a bearing on the ownership experience to give the cars a slightly different feel as well as look.
An immaculate Ed40 would be a great plan B if you were going to keep it a low mileage semi-occasional use car. They’re a few years old now so personally I’d want one as cosseted and low mileage as possible to ensure things like the original dampers, springs and brakes still feel fairly fresh and tight for the authentic Clubsport feel. From new they feel pretty light on their feet (wheels?) and any sag or wear will detract from this.
There will be some concours condition examples around which will unfortunately attract very high asking prices, but to my eyes originality is everything with cars like these. Others will disagree and will have enjoyed and modified theirs which is fine but… well, I know what I’d prefer as a buyer!
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Excuse the late reply Hertsman, I’ve been away visiting the folks.
I was having a good ol’ think about this today whilst removing from my bonnet dozens of gnats who obviously didn’t have the benefit we did at larval stage of watching Darth Vader’s Bristolian alter ego explaining the perils of crossing busy roads.
Personally I’d try and persevere with the TCR purchase. You know every detail of your car’s history, every mark on it and every mile it’s been driven. Plus it’s a pretty special car with a great spec.
Having had the misfortune to happen upon a large group of very excited railway enthusiasts yesterday who were waiting a double engined train (standing right in the way of where I wanted to eat my chips in peace and quiet) it reminded me of how geeky car enthusiasts get too, so I’ll skip all the anoraky details here as it’s not my scene. Suffice to say both Ed40 and TCR have a significant amount of unique parts which have quite a bearing on the ownership experience to give the cars a slightly different feel as well as look.
An immaculate Ed40 would be a great plan B if you were going to keep it a low mileage semi-occasional use car. They’re a few years old now so personally I’d want one as cosseted and low mileage as possible to ensure things like the original dampers, springs and brakes still feel fairly fresh and tight for the authentic Clubsport feel. From new they feel pretty light on their feet (wheels?) and any sag or wear will detract from this.
There will be some concours condition examples around which will unfortunately attract very high asking prices, but to my eyes originality is everything with cars like these. Others will disagree and will have enjoyed and modified theirs which is fine but… well, I know what I’d prefer as a buyer!
Haha, love that, the legend that was David Prowse, great memories :smiley:
The response provided is why sought your opinion as knew it would be informed and candid and so thought provoking to aspects not really considered, like the elements of uniqueness of the TCT, not just in aesthetics but in parts also (IE: brakes)
The element that have considered is being the only driver of the car, so every second of its ownership is accounted for and factors such as always using premium fuel (even if there is debate to actual benefit) even though a lease, shows to myself that cared for it even when know there is possibility it goes back in 3 years. However, maybe had not given linear ownership enough weight of consideration until read your insight into the Plan B option of maybe going for a ClubSport, as all seem very viable considerations and purchasing a ClubSport would have to be a forensic task to find the right one.
Between this post, even toyed with looking at a really clean R 65/66 plate, or a Mini John Cooper Works, 17/18 plate, just to trim the ££ down a little, but as the 128Ti will definitely be my last company car, think come to firm conclusion that by going little cheaper now, all be doing is pushing the problem 3 years down the line, when would just have to pay more for the company car replacement and would i be able to get something like as much?
So, think wife and I have finally agreed, that we pay whatever have to eventually pay to keep the TCR, it likely has a bit of a nurtured and gentler life than normal for next 3 years as the 128Ti does the main work, and the TCR picks up the mantel 3 years from now, with the company car being replaced with something more fitting of a second car then (maybe then, the aforementioned R or JCW MY16-18) or even keeping the 128Ti if car prices have truly come back to some normality. (Have no real idea how will feel about that car long term, my first BMW, and with optioned heated steering wheel, thats entirely your fault :grin:)
But that decision is a long way ahead, so we can park that completely,
You cannot say keeping the TCR is an investment as prices are inflated and so there will be a natural drop at some point, but with a good story of one driver, low mileage, FSH (as will keep to its full service regime) and the car being what it is, you hope if there was any real need to sale, the price would hold reasonably well above anything else could secure and that offsets the feeling of stretching beyond the normal have now.
Its been a really difficult decision, options have usually been clear, change company car every 3 years and run a second car thats ours of lower value to fill the gap when we go separate ways, but as this last company car and when looking at where cars are going as well as prices, letting go the TCR always seemed not best thing to do.
Only time will tell if the eye on future planning has worked out, and will let you know in 3 years how feel about it? Hopefully feel very good that still have a then 6 year old TCR to enjoy :)
Thanks again Exonian, valuable comments to assist me closing out the decision.
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It’s a good process to go through, weighing up all options and looking at it from different angles.
For car people it’s often not a straightforward thing to decide on a next purchase as there are so many options that appeal at least in part which can cloud what might otherwise be a nailed on choice.
With everything having the same level of inflated price right now any savings on a cheaper option might not actually be savings.
“We are living in strange times” was always an overused term but right now it’s rarely been more true!
From a zombie apocalypse virus straight to the potential of WW III within a few years slotted in amongst a worldwide drive to reduce emissions and general pollution resulting in a genuine revolution in motor vehicles (and likely all transport in time). What next? Will Elon Musk turn out to be a real life Bond villain after all? :whistle:
I think trying to predict car values and market demand beyond a few months has never been more difficult.
If you liked the 128 then the JCW is more of the same in a smaller package. Hewn from solid feel, standard BMW plastics (good quality), torquey engine and super sharp steering.
In other words maybe the 128 will scratch two itches at once - and keep your palms warm to boot :laugh:
A difficult decision for you maybe, but you went about it the right way and I agree, although there are many very good cars out there which would be nice to own, there are very few that jump out as being perfect with all boxes ticked.
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Have always like the CS 40,
Me too. I nearly bought one at the start of Covid, but I couldn't test drive one and essentially therefore I didn't bother. Also, I had previously test driven a GTI PP, and found it very underwhelming. So I ended up with an RS3.
I change my cars frequently, and in the 18-24 months prior to that I had an M3, an SQ5, and an X3 m40d. After I the RS3 I bought an S7, and now I have the ED40. My point being, I've driven a fair few cars in the last few years, and some very nice cars at that, but I LOVE my ED40. I love the look, I love the seats, the steering wheel, the wheels, and I love that it's an exclusive version of an already iconic car. And it's in a different league to the GTI PP, in my opinion. Perhaps I drove a crap one, or perhaps I didn't drive it hard enough, I don't know.
I have also considered a TCR, but I couldn't get past the seats. I didn't want leather, and I just couldn't cope with the standard TCR seats. Perhaps that was because in the back of my mind all I really wanted was the CS buckets? Maybe. Probably. They're awesome.
So yeah not really sure what I trying to say really, just sharing how impressed I am with the CS ED40 I guess. I've not driven or even been in a TCR. Personally I don't think they are anywhere near as special as an ED40, although I won't argue that on paper they may be the better car. But then so is an RS3, and if I had my time again I wouldn't have bought it over the ED40.
That's all folks. :o)
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I’m having a dilemma about my next car..
My GTi is just over 4 years old and on 63k miles. Pre invasion, I’d chosen the spec on a mk8 CS but now that needs tweaking as HK is no longer available and I have to decide whether I can “live” with the standard system for 4 years. Also, lead times are horrendous - I’m seeing anywhere from 12-18 months being quoted currently.
So do I order a new CS, knowing it’s not my desired spec, the lead time will be long and the possibility of a discount ( a process I enjoy getting ) slim. Or do I go mk8 GTi which will be cheaper but perhaps no easier to get. Having only driven one mk8, the lack of backlighting on the heating controls might be unacceptable …
The alternatives are looking for a used version but they are at a premium in both price and availability or finding an alternative make.
Does anyone have any suggestions ? The budget is c£40-43k . It is a company car so personal taxation will be a factor..
I’d be checking availability and lead times of alternative makes. There are likely to be a limited number of vehicles of other makes in stock at some dealers.
If you’re preference is the Golf, then there’s a brand new in-stock Golf GTI currently being advertised on Auto Trader and it had the HK sound system. It’s just above your budget price due to the options that car has. Link;
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204204840331?sort=relevance&make=Volkswagen&include-delivery-option=on&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=1501&postcode=nr13ns&aggregatedTrim=GTI&year-from=2022&model=Golf&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&page=1
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Replying to a few things raised here in no particular order:
I’d imagine if one owned a CS40 (or CSS) with buckets there would be no comparable model in the VW stable of models launched since 2016 to offer anything like the immersive driving experience unless stretching to a Porsche or similar. It’s not often VW group gets everything about a car so right and we have a few years yet until the Ed50 breaks cover. Maybe a special Anni 8R? How much does VW still love the R brand?
I actually really liked the TCR seats. They look much nicer in person and grip you well in medium cornering. You’d need buckets for an improvement dynamically IMO.
The mk8 heating controls aren’t as bad as people think. They’re easy to live with if you use climate control correctly.
If it was me ordering a company car it would be a 77kwh Cupra Born e-boost or Megane E-Tech.
Bugger waiting 18 months for a Golf even if you’d have a similar wait for a crappy Focus. Stuff that.
I’d rather pay no tax and waft around smugly with the ability to use the tax savings on a second hand fun ICE car.
The standard stereo in the mk8 isn’t terrible. I’ve owned a TCR with Dynaudio and a 135 with HK and find the standard mk8 system liveable. Mind you I don’t crank up the volume too much these days!
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A while back Exonian suggested I pen my thoughts on ownership of my new RS3 carbon black saloon, I gave my initial thoughts after a 1 hour test drive. I have now owned the car for almost 2 months, so I'll just give my thoughts on living with it.
IMHO the car looks fantastic, purposeful, distinctive with a hint of aggression, yet it isn't too full on as to embarrass the driver. My golf R attracted plenty of attention in the 5 years I owned it, but this is on another level (possibly because there are so few around - i haven't seen any). The interior is smart and comfortable and a generally nice place to be, the plastics vary between very good in the higher areas to 1980"s hyundai pony lower down. The standard nappa leather on the seats is definitely nicer than the vienna leather on my last 3 golfs and the seats are very comfortable, but arguably less grippy than those of my golfs. There is no lumber support unless you buy the Vorsprung with electric seats. MMI is great, digital dash fantastic (if over configurable), rear camera is excellent and B & O sound system is ok. Is the the interior what you'd expect of a £60kcar?........hmm!
On the road the car is planted with great steering feel and, once you build up your confidence in the car, it is incredible on the twisties without a hint of the audi understeer of old. Motorway cruising is a joy, but there can be be a bit of road noise on less than perfect roads. I notice this more than I did with my R, it could be the P-Zeros that the RS3 came with. The DSG is a joy once you are out of town, but clunkier and more jerky than my golfs were during town driving. The engine sound and performance are on another level and a quick jab on the loud pedal when you are at 2500rpm takes you to wharp factor 3! You can use E5 or E10 fuel including 95 ron, i tend to use Tesco Momentum as I did on my R and a decent run sees me getting 36 -37 mpg - similar to the R.
I've gone on enough now. suffice to say I love the car and whilst it could hardly be described as "great value" it seems reasonable for the performance one tap and its ease of use as a daily driver particularly when some mainstream cars are now £45k plus. The world has gone mad.
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Thanks for posting up Dervy and I enjoyed reading your thoughts and impressions.
One thing missing - PHOTO! :grin:
I saw a bright green 22 plate Sportback last week parked up outside of a B&B and it made me smile. A mad colour for a mad car!
The prices have gotten a little silly but that goes for everything, as you suggest.
It’s one of very few cars right now that actually appeal to me. Mind you I have a totally focussed shortlist of things that a car must have and there are increasingly few options that fall into scope now.
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Not the best pictures - or location :grin:
(https://i.postimg.cc/QMkL85xK/8-CFF4451-324-C-44-B5-84-AB-CE307-BEDB59-E-1-201-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jW53vDfR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SsTvRG0R/7771-C38-C-6313-4-A6-D-AE9-C-AAC826-E17-F44-1-201-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzmr3TtR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rpghZ9wj/416-BD5-F9-9-D6-D-410-A-805-D-1393-E32-C2-E7-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/d7kmLrdZ)
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not the greatest pictures......or location :grin:
(https://i.postimg.cc/QMkL85xK/8-CFF4451-324-C-44-B5-84-AB-CE307-BEDB59-E-1-201-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jW53vDfR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SsTvRG0R/7771-C38-C-6313-4-A6-D-AE9-C-AAC826-E17-F44-1-201-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzmr3TtR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rpghZ9wj/416-BD5-F9-9-D6-D-410-A-805-D-1393-E32-C2-E7-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/d7kmLrdZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mkD98Q6v/3-AAF26-A0-A124-4578-AB62-9305-FEC776-D6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XGRXvyWL)
(https://i.postimg.cc/15SXm0Hs/8-C1-E93-BF-75-DF-4509-A27-D-7517-D61-CF596.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K49xQMwH)
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Thanks Dervy, it looks amazing.
Definitely the colour scheme I’d go for :cool:
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As you can see, my computer skills are limited, hence the duplication and strange angles - sorry
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I still laugh when "RS3" appears in the offside headlight when unlocking the car. I tell myself its childish, but can't stop myself showing it to everyone :laugh:
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I just thought you were being arty :laugh:
Small details like the headlamp graphics can make a big difference to the overall ownership experience. Details like that can make cars feel extra-special. It’s nice to see the accountants didn’t get their way at design stage!!
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A while back Exonian suggested I pen my thoughts on ownership of my new RS3 carbon black saloon, I gave my initial thoughts after a 1 hour test drive. I have now owned the car for almost 2 months, so I'll just give my thoughts on living with it.
IMHO the car looks fantastic, purposeful, distinctive with a hint of aggression, yet it isn't too full on as to embarrass the driver. My golf R attracted plenty of attention in the 5 years I owned it, but this is on another level (possibly because there are so few around - i haven't seen any). The interior is smart and comfortable and a generally nice place to be, the plastics vary between very good in the higher areas to 1980"s hyundai pony lower down. The standard nappa leather on the seats is definitely nicer than the vienna leather on my last 3 golfs and the seats are very comfortable, but arguably less grippy than those of my golfs. There is no lumber support unless you buy the Vorsprung with electric seats. MMI is great, digital dash fantastic (if over configurable), rear camera is excellent and B & O sound system is ok. Is the the interior what you'd expect of a £60kcar?........hmm!
On the road the car is planted with great steering feel and, once you build up your confidence in the car, it is incredible on the twisties without a hint of the audi understeer of old. Motorway cruising is a joy, but there can be be a bit of road noise on less than perfect roads. I notice this more than I did with my R, it could be the P-Zeros that the RS3 came with. The DSG is a joy once you are out of town, but clunkier and more jerky than my golfs were during town driving. The engine sound and performance are on another level and a quick jab on the loud pedal when you are at 2500rpm takes you to wharp factor 3! You can use E5 or E10 fuel including 95 ron, i tend to use Tesco Momentum as I did on my R and a decent run sees me getting 36 -37 mpg - similar to the R.
I've gone on enough now. suffice to say I love the car and whilst it could hardly be described as "great value" it seems reasonable for the performance one tap and its ease of use as a daily driver particularly when some mainstream cars are now £45k plus. The world has gone mad.
Tbh in many ways you are describing in those words all of the current VAG stable....
Does look lovely though and I bet it goes like Billy stink!
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Not the best pictures - or location :grin:
(https://i.postimg.cc/SsTvRG0R/7771-C38-C-6313-4-A6-D-AE9-C-AAC826-E17-F44-1-201-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzmr3TtR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rpghZ9wj/416-BD5-F9-9-D6-D-410-A-805-D-1393-E32-C2-E7-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/d7kmLrdZ)
Would have one of these in a heartbeat if I didn’t live where I did.
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https://youtu.be/hh_wCQmOEr4 :smiley:
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Sadly the TCR is now going to have to be handed back at the end of the lease, as both daughters are now engaged and will now be getting married within 12 months of each other, the first next next September, so my indulgent funds for keeping the TCR on a whim will have to be rechanneled to better use, :) wish they told me earlier though as would have saved a lot of procrastinating!
Apparently the 128Ti is still on schedule for the October changeover (believe it when happens and only then) where hand the TCR back for auction. (be good buy for someone when lands on forecourts as look after my cars)
The Audi A1 S line Black Edition only has 20,000 miles on it and drives like new, so that will be continuing its 2nd car tour of duty for a little while longer,
Having been in MK 7/7.5 cabins for 9 years now must admit looking forward to being in a BMW cabin, and the seeing what the 128Ti has to offer in performance, and in comparison to the GTI which is what its pitched at, and once put some miles on it will do a comparison review.
Feel quite ok about it, very excited for my daughters to have their day and think saved me from a little too much indulgence of having the TCR sit out there, having been bought at present inflated prices, and so depreciating more than normal while not doing much for 3 years, and as this last company car it will be open season on what choose when the BMW lease ends, maybe keep that if really like it? or maybe go scratch the RS3 itch, or even go back to VW and look for a TCR/R/Clubsport.
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Double congratulations Hertsman.
An expensive time ahead and a sensible decision made.
As far as cars go, you can start with a blank sheet again when the time comes, and that’s no bad thing. There are new things coming to market all the time, but you’ve got a bit of TCR time left to enjoy first and then a 128ti to enjoy, who knows where we’ll all be at once that time is done.
An RS3 will always be a temptation though :drool:
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Double congratulations Hertsman.
An expensive time ahead and a sensible decision made.
As far as cars go, you can start with a blank sheet again when the time comes, and that’s no bad thing. There are new things coming to market all the time, but you’ve got a bit of TCR time left to enjoy first and then a 128ti to enjoy, who knows where we’ll all be at once that time is done.
An RS3 will always be a temptation though :drool:
Thank you Sir, and yes, just had some venue quotes, so think made wise financial decision :smiley: but super excited for her day and will feel like ££ better spent
And think that's quickly become the mentality, have enjoyed the TCR, and the MK 7 x experience in general, and feels right time to try something new, and feel quite lucky that 128Ti was there an option, and it will be 3 years and then its open season, a fresh canvass to what's next as definitely last company ride.
But am making most of the TCR and intend to do same with 128Ti when it appears, so staying in the moment as it were.
Will hang around the forum as really doubt my last VW GTI, can see one replacing 2nd car duties, though imagine it would be MK 7.5 or MK 6
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I’m sure you’ll definitely stick around Hertsman, plenty of people have left the Golf GTI fold but still hang out here as it’s a nice cozy place to be, like a digital country pub.
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I’m sure you’ll definitely stick around Hertsman, plenty of people have left the Golf GTI fold but still hang out here as it’s a nice cozy place to be, like a digital country pub.
Yes, some of us do hang around - I’ve not owned a Golf for six years and I’ve never owed a Golf GTI :grin: - unless the mk4 GTI-badged ‘hot’ diesel counts :whistle: (still not sure why VW badged the mk4 150 bhp diesel as a GTI rather than a GTD).
This is one of the friendlier forums, and there are still a few of the die-hard members on here from when I joined back in 2011 :smiley:.