new Astra Vs new-ish golf

[JellyCat]

Just saw my first new shape Astra - 5 door. Look would have it - was parked next to a 5 door red Mk6 Golf GTI.
forgetting I've got a Mk6 on the way in the next 2 weeks....... did not like the new Astra. Bland with a hint of a Peugot 308 from the rear side.

Golf all the way in terms of looks, it's the only small 5 door hatch back that's made me think that's looks ok which I can think of.

[percymon]

Styling of new astra is quite fresh after the last couple of models, but it's in danger of merging in with the kia, Hyundai, Peugeot, citroens,seats etc. At least vw retain some family resemblence. Like it or laugh it Renault are probably the most adventurous these days.

[denyason]

i hate cars that change their design yr in yr out.  theres no sence of heritage.  in the vw golf- it is clearly a golf and when you have one. you know you're part of a elite line from the beginning (mark1).  you feel the sence of history , being part of the 'golf's' cycle.  not just a car like you get with honda's, astra's etc..... the design of those dont have heritage, they dont have any brand identity.  the golf however is iconic. like  a porsche- distinctive.  you know clearly by the design that a golf is a golf, a porsche is a porsche, so u know what you're getting.  if you dont know what the astra's and civics will look like in the future, theres no icon, no identity.  why do you think vw and likes of porsche would think unwise to tamper with their babies?  they're not stupid.  if porsche decided to make their 911's a saloon front engined car that looks like a beemer then they have lost, ppl will leave.  that is why we buy a golf.  we know what we're getting-  it looks like a golf, incidently its exactly what the latest golf ads is saying...........'like a golf.......'

[Exonian]

There was a nice looking new Astra parked up in my works car park the other day. No idea who owns it but it was quite a handsome beast in a light grey metallic with 18'' wheels.
It sort of reminded me of a SEAT Leon with the edges smoothed off. I'd be happy with one as a company car but I wouldn't spend my own money on it. I don't have a company car and spent my own money on a Golf. 'Nuff said really! 

[GolfTi]

I thought the first new style Astra I saw was a Seat until I got closer and saw the badge.
It looks OK, nothing special but OK.


I saw my first 10 plate Focus RS (in white) today.

Now that is one ugly car.

[northeast_gti-t]

i hate cars that change their design yr in yr out.  theres no sence of heritage.  in the vw golf- it is clearly a golf and when you have one. you know you're part of a elite line from the beginning (mark1).  you feel the sence of history , being part of the 'golf's' cycle.  not just a car like you get with honda's, astra's etc..... the design of those dont have heritage, they dont have any brand identity.  the golf however is iconic. like  a porsche- distinctive.  you know clearly by the design that a golf is a golf, a porsche is a porsche, so u know what you're getting.  if you dont know what the astra's and civics will look like in the future, theres no icon, no identity.  why do you think vw and likes of porsche would think unwise to tamper with their babies?  they're not stupid.  if porsche decided to make their 911's a saloon front engined car that looks like a beemer then they have lost, ppl will leave.  that is why we buy a golf.  we know what we're getting-  it looks like a golf, incidently its exactly what the latest golf ads is saying...........'like a golf.......'

much agree with this comment

[Captain Sensible]

The new Astra is a fine looking car but it will cost you more to buy than the equivalent Golf and when it comes to selling time you get less for it.
Sensible people buy Golfs

[VeeDubGTI16v]

i hate cars that change their design yr in yr out.  theres no sence of heritage.  in the vw golf- it is clearly a golf and when you have one. you know you're part of a elite line from the beginning (mark1).  you feel the sence of history , being part of the 'golf's' cycle.  not just a car like you get with honda's, astra's etc..... the design of those dont have heritage, they dont have any brand identity.  the golf however is iconic. like  a porsche- distinctive.  you know clearly by the design that a golf is a golf, a porsche is a porsche, so u know what you're getting.  if you dont know what the astra's and civics will look like in the future, theres no icon, no identity.  why do you think vw and likes of porsche would think unwise to tamper with their babies?  they're not stupid.  if porsche decided to make their 911's a saloon front engined car that looks like a beemer then they have lost, ppl will leave.  that is why we buy a golf.  we know what we're getting-  it looks like a golf, incidently its exactly what the latest golf ads is saying...........'like a golf.......'

much agree with this comment

how does the mk6 in any way resemble a mk1?

porsche is a good example, golf is no different to any other hatchback

vw definitely have a good marketing team 

[Snoopy]

i hate cars that change their design yr in yr out.  theres no sence of heritage.  in the vw golf- it is clearly a golf and when you have one. you know you're part of a elite line from the beginning (mark1).  you feel the sence of history , being part of the 'golf's' cycle.  not just a car like you get with honda's, astra's etc..... the design of those dont have heritage, they dont have any brand identity.  the golf however is iconic. like  a porsche- distinctive.  you know clearly by the design that a golf is a golf, a porsche is a porsche, so u know what you're getting.  if you dont know what the astra's and civics will look like in the future, theres no icon, no identity.  why do you think vw and likes of porsche would think unwise to tamper with their babies?  they're not stupid.  if porsche decided to make their 911's a saloon front engined car that looks like a beemer then they have lost, ppl will leave.  that is why we buy a golf.  we know what we're getting-  it looks like a golf, incidently its exactly what the latest golf ads is saying...........'like a golf.......'

much agree with this comment

how does the mk6 in any way resemble a mk1?

porsche is a good example, golf is no different to any other hatchback

vw definitely have a good marketing team 

Its the rear quarter shape i guess people identify with it been a golf. You could easily say anything after the mk2 does not really keep the golf look, especially the rounded bubble shaped mk5.

[DDRFan]

...
Its the rear quarter shape i guess people identify with it been a golf. You could easily say anything after the mk2 does not really keep the golf look, especially the rounded bubble shaped mk5.

I understand with modern car designs, pedestrian safety is taken into consideration; there needs to be rounded edges, especially around the front bumper and bonnet, so if God forbid you do hit somebody they will 'roll' onto the bonnet instead of being jabbed with a square edge on the legs or something. Obviously these rounded edges will have an effect on the overall shape of the car, but I think you can still use cues from the previous cars. For me the most obvious one and the one I like most is the return of the red lines on the front grill.

link to an old Fifth Gear clip about pedestrian safety...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aCumC7sJIg