Nice review there Fanters. I have nearly done 500 miles in mine.
Colour choice will always be subjective, which is why we choose them
for me black rules but I have had black cars for over 10 years now so it's my thing.
White at the moment is very "in" and very bling/gangsta (imo). Does look stunning tho but not for me
Re your review. I agree, the DSG does take some getting used to, and can sometimes surprise you with what it does, ie not accelerate as fast as you want or quicken up too fast. Pulling away from T junctions is a prime example of this. I would agree tho that for smoothness it cant be beaten, and it allows you to concentrate on what is going on around you and steering etc when going round corners. In addition, as Im a commuter along a very slow A road back home from work everyday the clutch was becoming an issue, so DSG for me is a good solution. Albeit I can understand why a manual would be a great (and proper) option for those that do not have this daily bind.
I have to say that the ride quality, even on a non ACC vehicle, with 18's on, is superb, it never floats but it does feel very composed and well put together. Having come from a Civic Type-S I feel like im driving a roller! Cornering is great, as is the very tight turning circle. The steering wheel itself is really a work of art, it feels so right.
The noise suppression is also formidable, conversations at high speed are held at normal levels, without the need to shout, something which is not the case in my wife's Astra Coupe. That also means that the stereo performs much better although the RCD 510 is simply brilliant. I love the fact I can have nearly all my music collection on a tiny 32gb memory stick which is hidden away in the glove compartment, and then I can also have, if I wanted, an SD card as well as 6 mp3 CD's. The noise it makes, on standard speakers is also very very good (no need for Dynaudio I would say?) and the interface is a joy to use. It also looks very cool at night.
Performance wise I have just lashed it the once so far and it scared the pants off me (was with a mate showing him what it could do) when it wants to it really hussles but for the most part its happy pottering about at low speeds, the grumble of the engine heard but not intrusive.
Favourite things?
1) The wheels, Monzas arent to everyones taste but they are very distinctive, and really suit the car.
2) The practicality of it all but with some severe performance potential whenever you need it.
3) How its put together. very well made, very quiet, feels a seriously expensive vehicle.
4) It's image. Whilst it looks a bit bad boy people also respect the fact it is not a subaru impreza and isnt trying to be one. Its refined.
5) the fact that Clarkson gave it 5 stars and cars that cost 4 times as much, say Maserati Granturismo's, only 2 stars. Top gear give it 17 out of 20. great to tell your mates.
6) the rear tailpipes. Mint.
7) Following 6), the sound, the roar, the pop.
The DSG, changes gear so smooth sometimes you dont even notice.
9) The fuel economy. yes you can run a GTI and, if you are relaxed with it, you can eek out 35mpg from it. Not bad.
10) The fact everyone would want to have it.
