Autocar test - Merc v BMW v GTI

[Berelli]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/video-mercedes-a45-amg-vs-golf-gti-vs-bmw-m135i

Best all rounder the GTI - I say!!!!

[AAddict]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/video-mercedes-a45-amg-vs-golf-gti-vs-bmw-m135i

Best all rounder the GTI - I say!!!!

God the Merc looks cheap, especially that nasty dash with bolt on Skoda Citigo screen, no doubt it's brutal though. The Golf looks the most sorted by some distance, also the best looking (subjective, I know). To even be testing the GTI against cars from the class above is a compliment really. This would be the grouptest for the Golf R really if there was one.

[mk7gti]

A great complement to the GTI to even be included with those cars in a review...

[Running Man]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/video-mercedes-a45-amg-vs-golf-gti-vs-bmw-m135i

Best all rounder the GTI - I say!!!!

God the Merc looks cheap, especially that nasty dash with bolt on Skoda Citigo screen, no doubt it's brutal though. The Golf looks the most sorted by some distance, also the best looking (subjective, I know). To even be testing the GTI against cars from the class above is a compliment really. This would be the grouptest for the Golf R really if there was one.

Agreed, the GTI is the winner all things considered.

Think when the R takes them on in a group test it will kick butt, personally don't need or want that level of quick though.

Like the fact that Sutcliffe would take the GTI if it were his money 

[mjh_056]

Sort of review I like as on UK Roads and being narrated as experienced and not by script -

Not only is the BMW the ugliest there it is also the most ragged once off the straight line and no point having all that power if you have to back off it as go around bends! Was not a fan before but was bowing to all those who state what a beast it is, but having seen that you can absolutely keep it! In wet? Stuff of horrors!

Not a fan of the Mercedes 1 series at all, the quickest I left a showroom was after having a good look around one truly hated it, interior was awful and letter box views and that media screen?!! awful. but this is a different beast obviously and if equal you may consider it over GTI but at £37k!!!

Not a fair comparison in straight lines as power outputs are so far apart but the GTI holds it's own against Mercedes under them bends as conditions and was obviously far better than BMW off the straight line.

Given what was being compared against the GTI, though should have really been a distant 3rd but the comparison actually displayed what a great car the GTI is and much as reviewer admitted and should have made everyone here smile broadly seeing that review.

6.4 seconds is quick enough for anyone and when add in the ride, handling (he praised the steering highly in contrast to many reviewers who say it is somehow 'detached' ?? looked very sharp and as he says 'natural' to me) and overall quality of GTI you have got the complete car really.

PS: Impressed with the GTI DSG as he went through gears as quick seamless changes

[Jimble]

I so can't wait to get my hands on my mk7! I had a sit in an A class with the AMG kit on a little while back and being honest it was quite a nice interior but the boot is tiny and the rear end is hideous, although i would really like a go in the A45 i don't think i'd want to own one!


I quite like the 135i styling but really don't like the interior, too many little annoyances and not enough room in the back, although again i wouldn't mind a go in one.


The GTI is way out of it's depth when it comes to straight line pace but i reckon if you were a little unhinged you could maybe keep up on roads like that? The GTI is still the one that floats my boat and ticks most (not all) of the boxes that matter.

[Jimble]

Copied into the reviews thread as well....

[matchboy]

Pretty pointless having the GTI in that test - was always going to get p!ssed on by the other two in a straight line - nearly 2 secs off the pace, would be like testing a GTI against diesel civic - what's the point??

The R will give them a run for their money but still won't beat the Merc in a straight line.

I do quite like the Merc even though the cabin is a little funky. The 135i is a lovely car though, sat inside one a few weekends ago and the cabin oozes class - worth the cash IMO.

[mjh_056]

Pretty pointless having the GTI in that test - was always going to get p!ssed on by the other two in a straight line - nearly 2 secs off the pace, would be like testing a GTI against diesel civic - what's the point??

The R will give them a run for their money but still won't beat the Merc in a straight line.

I do quite like the Merc even though the cabin is a little funky. The 135i is a lovely car though, sat inside one a few weekends ago and the cabin oozes class - worth the cash IMO.

Sure they must have realised this with the "do the maths" quote but decided to include GTI anyway and think it was to showcase how complete "a peach" it is as a hot hatch at a third cheaper - So it was never going to beat these cars in flat out performance but by going against them it did highlight all it's other virtues against these cars

[Jules Winfield]

Merc = ugly
BMW = horrid interior

GTI wins by knockout.  Sure, it's slower, but it's the only one of the three that I'd even consider buying.