The GTi is my 31st car in 21yrs of driving!!! 
Previously to this, I had a BMW 120D M sport. I only kept it 3 mths!! Within a week of buying it, I knew there was something about the car I did not like.
Anyway, when I saw my GTi 4 sale, I was offered a great deal, so jumped into my first VW.
Its early days, 3 weeks in, but I have to say, I LOVE THIS CAR!!! For the first time in 31 cars, I have had no doubts whatsoever that its the car for me. Normally, after a week or so, the novelty wears off and I start to doubt my purchase. Not this time, I love the GTi and think I will keep it for at least 2 years.
Andy 
Hi Andy,
I was considering a 120d m sport or more likely a 123d m sport as a replacement for the gti (but not yet:)) I'd love a comparison if you wouldnt mind 
Mate, although both cars are "nippy" premium hatches - thats were the comparison ends!!
1. The BM - (pre the Sep 07 facelift - mine was a Mar 07).
Pros - Very low, sports car like and infinitely adjustable seating position, big chunky steering wheel, RWD, slick gearbox, 163bhp, prestige brand.
Cons - very poor front/rear visibility - really hard to park this car!,not that well screwed together, awful runflat tyres, cramped rear seats/legroom, heavy clutch, useless in the wet, average 35mpg (poor for a diesel), very expensive servicing.
2. The Gti -
Pros - An everyday useable family hatchback! Very quick when the mood dictates but also happy to potter about round town when the wife drives her!
Very light controls, easy to drive/park. Grippy when pushing on, but smooth and comfortable on poor surfaces (17" tyres). Classless image. Subtley understated. 30mpg - excellent for a 2ltr Turbo.
Cons - High insurance group, erm....honestly not found anything else yet?
?
In summary, if you are a family man with a kiddie or 2, then in my opinion, the GTi is the only choice. Its a family hatchback and brings all the benefits associated to that class of car, but when the mood demands, it turns into a snorting monster which loves to play!
The BMW is a much more focussed car (especially in M Sport guise). As daft as it sounds, its more difficult to get in and out of (being much lower). RWD and runflats tyres means handling is bordering on dangerous in the wet/slippery roads. All 1 series come with T/C as standard - this is a marketing gimmick! BMW would have been sued by now if they didnt fit T/C - so many people would have crashed their cars! One
very important point is this - if buying a 1 series ENSURE its a 2007(57) onwards car with Efficient dynamics - the 120D gets a newer engine with 177bhp as opposed to mines 163bhp. More importantly, its better screwed together, much more economical and all controls are lighter, therefore its easier to drive!
Sorry if this a bit hap-hazard, Im typing as things enter my napper! Please be careful with the 1 series. In my opinion, its one of those cars that has loads of showroom appeal - but the small inconveniences such as being difficult to park, poor rear legroom and low seating position, etc all become very irritating very quickly! Im 40 and have had enough of compromising with my cars. The GTi is better screwed together and feels totally bullet proof. My BMW had done 20,000 miles but had problems with a juddery clutch when cold (common fault all engines), random misfire at motorway speeds (common fault 120D engine) and poor fuel economy.
A brilliant site with lots of helpful folk is
http://www.babybmw.net/forum/index.php Its funny how 1 series and GTi drivers are linked - many 1 series owners told me they too considered a GTi at some point when buying the 1, and many are considering it again!
Regards
Andy
