Is the standard MK5 GTI fast enough?

[GeorgeJoshington]

I'm looking at getting my next hot hatch soon and the MK5 GTI is on the shortlist, along with Astra VXR, Focus ST-3 and newer model Mazda 3 MPS.

Now, obviously the Golf is the lowest in terms of BHP, but is it boring to drive? I know that the VXR and 3MPS are in the 'ballistic but with large compromise' category, and the ST-3 is a bit wobbly but after having a go in those, the Golf just seems a bit...dull!

Of course, on the Golf's side there's the higher residuals, arguably better build quality, more refined ride and handling, but I just can't get the BHP figure out of my head.

Obviously coming from a MK4 Golf Turbo any of these cars will be a fairly sizeable improvement but I really can't make up my mind. I'm not going to be a regular driver, and most of my miles will be short town journeys or long motorway jobs - not much need for a car that can glide effortlessly around B roads...

Obviously there's the remap route for the Golf, which is always something to consider...

So, any thoughts? My bottom line is that I want something that puts a big grin on my face when I drive it, and is something I look forward to driving and enjoy owning.

[Keano]

I think the ed30 is world's apart in terms of putting a smile on your face over a standard gti. It seems to lack top end grunt IMO.

but a tastey map on either will have you grinning all day lol. I'd deffinately choose the golf over those other cars.

[Phil1980]

Mine is plenty fast enough, would rather have a slightly slower vw than a worthless ford or vauxhall.

[Upperoilcan]

Without question the Golf over the other's,2nd would be the Focus as they are very good cars,Astra is qiuck but does'nt do corners and its a Vauxhaull,Dont know much about the Mazda although i know its not German.

I have a standard GTI which has been mapped by R-tech and i can honestly say it's a different beast...

The map has transformed a good car into a great car.

[Gene Hunt.]

Mine is plenty fast enough, would rather have a slightly slower vw than a worthless ford or vauxhall.

..........fast enought for me.

[GeorgeJoshington]

Cheers for the replies chaps. ED30 is something I'd considered, seems to be a good mid-point between the standard golf and the other cars I mentioned. I dare say the ED30 will hold its value extremely well too! The one unfortunate thing about getting any mods (remap etc) is that it'll probably drive the insurance sky high - I had my car nicked and written off by an un-caught scrote earlier this year and as a result lost my 3 years NCB and have a 'fault' claim on my record. Sigh, don't you just love insurers?

[BobbyT]

my 290bhp Astra VXR handles fine, you just need to improve the springs and fit a rarb. job done 
 
not much will keep up, and not many people like getting whooped by a 'worthless' vauxhall 

[Gene Hunt.]

Cheers for the replies chaps. ED30 is something I'd considered, seems to be a good mid-point between the standard golf and the other cars I mentioned. I dare say the ED30 will hold its value extremely well too! The one unfortunate thing about getting any mods (remap etc) is that it'll probably drive the insurance sky high - I had my car nicked and written off by an un-caught scrote earlier this year and as a result lost my 3 years NCB and have a 'fault' claim on my record. Sigh, don't you just love insurers?

.........i've only fittted edition 30 alloys & a cat back Milltek to my 05 GTI & when it came up for renewal Esure wanted an extra 100 pounds just for those !!!!!!!!!! went through a specialist & managed to get it the same with the mods as what i paid standard with Esure.

[GeorgeJoshington]

my 290bhp Astra VXR handles fine, you just need to improve the springs and fit a rarb. job done 
 
not much will keep up, and not many people like getting whooped by a 'worthless' vauxhall 

Is the torque steer as present as everyone seems to say it is?

[FamilyDub]

Depends what you want from your hot hatch, I suppose. The GTI is head and shoulders above them as a complete product, but others are faster/cheaper/sharper/etc...

You pays your money, you makes your choice.

'Speed' wasn't my main criteria when I bought my car two years ago (I'm standard), but now 'speed' is becoming more important...