Thanks for the replies, the underlying theme for me from these replies is that the majority of you love your GTI's.!
Although a 20 minute test drive isn't long I was more impressed than I expected By the GTI. Comparing it to the 130 after such a short drive is maybe a bit presumptious but here goes.
Engine --- as Beardo has stated the straight six defines the 130 and is a peach 9/10.After saying that the Golf engine is also very good indeed being responsive, linear and very flexible 8/10.
Handling --- On smooth tarmac the 130 handles really well and gets better the faster you go.On anything other than smooth tarmac it's not as confidence inspiring and the picture changes 7/10.The Golf at no time felt anything less than very composed and solid 8/10.
Ride Quality--- 130 let down by shocks through the car from road defects,manholes etc no doubt due to the run flats 6/10. Golf seemed to be better resolved over a range of surfaces 8/10.
Driveability --- 130 not an easy car to drive quickly smoothly, notchy gear change 1st and 2nd
especially when cold, clutch control hard to master so never as satisfying as it should be 7/10.Golf so
driveable it was an absolute pleasure.Gear change superior. 9/10.
Exterior Quality --- in the fairly recent past I have often been able to detect manufacturing issues on Golfs ,not on this car though. 130 7/10. Golf 8/10.
Interior Quality --- Don't agree that the quality of the materials on my car which is a facelift 2007 LE 3 door is of a lesser quality than those used in the GTI, however the Golf feels more robust and better screwed together, couldn't detect a creak,rattle or vibration during the test drive. 130 7/10 Golf 8/10.
Comfort --- really impressed by the seat comfort in the GTI, driving position good in both cars. 130 8/10. Golf 9/10
am1w described the 130 as cramped, ugly and overpriced. Although not quite as spacious as the Golf, I have never found the cars interior and boot dimensions to be a hardship. The car in 3 door guise is actually quite handsome in my opinion and a bit different. I would agree it is overpriced , I would not have paid the 30K which was the new cost of the Limited Edition. After saying that though spec a GTI to a similiar standard ie leather,nav, xenons,parking sensors,Bluetooth,updated sound system and no doubt you won't be far away !
Snoopy , I was interested to read that you are so disappointed in the silly design errors encountered in the car, can you elaborate a little?.
Thanks again.
Interior Quality ---
