Am I mad?

[Gnasher]

Currently I'm driving a Mk1 Astra VXR and am living out in Cyprus.

Been looking at changing the car and have pretty much decided on a golf GTI (was also looking at a new Astra VXR but I reckon the golf will be cheaper to run - no 20" tyres for a start).

However... VW Cyprus don't seem to import the GTI. I have sorted out with a UK company regarding buying one and can get it transported out here FOC. I know it may feel slightly slow compared to my modded Astra (280bhp) even though I'm looking at getting the performance pack, but the quality and handling will I'm sure easily make up for it, however I have not test driven, sat in or actually seen one in the flesh - so who thinks I'm mad buying one unseen?

[CraigW]

I think quite a few of us bought one unseen including myself so your not alone. Obviously it's going to be a bit down on power compared to your Astra but there's no comparison in terms of quality. The golf wins hands down

[Sootchucker]

Not at all, and think of the exclusivity factor - the only one on the island to own one.

Also, I know Cyprus very well (my father in law lives in Pyla near Larnaca), and like the UK, the roads at times are not the best, so the Golf's 18" Alloys combined with DCC it would seem would make a much better choice that a rock hard VXR with 20" !

Then I would go for a blast down the A3/A1 and A5 from Ayia Napa to Paphos 

[Gnasher]

Talking of exclusivity, I thought an Arden Blue astra VXR might be, until I realised there was another one on the same base as I was, lol!

I don't live that far from Pyla - currently at Ayia Nik.

[dubber36]

This reminded me of our holiday in Cyprus and a hired Astra

[jhunter_83]

Firstly, I haven't got a Mk7 but have got a mk6 GTI.

I went from a Astra VXR Arctic edition (think i remember you from VXRonline actually) and have to say, even though the Golf seems slower than the VXR it isn't that far off. Where the VXR was in your face power, the way the GTI distributes the boost is excellent. You don't actually feel you are picking up speed quickly but looking at the speedo you are.

The Golf is a much better place to be sat too.

You won't be dissapointed, although i think my next car will be an S3 - only for the all wheel drive. I would go for the new Golf R if it was in my price range. Maybe something to look into for you? 

[Gnasher]

Firstly, I haven't got a Mk7 but have got a mk6 GTI.

I went from a Astra VXR Arctic edition (think i remember you from VXRonline actually) and have to say, even though the Golf seems slower than the VXR it isn't that far off. Where the VXR was in your face power, the way the GTI distributes the boost is excellent. You don't actually feel you are picking up speed quickly but looking at the speedo you are.

The Golf is a much better place to be sat too.

You won't be dissapointed, although i think my next car will be an S3 - only for the all wheel drive. I would go for the new Golf R if it was in my price range. Maybe something to look into for you?

I have toyed with the idea of both as I really liked the previous S3 but the new one looks dull by comparison, as does the new golf R. I personally think that the GTI looks better than both of them and in all honesty I'm attempting to get something slightly cheaper to run than the VXR.

[Exonian]

The only slight concern I'd have would be the dealers being able to deal with issues on a non officially imported model.
However I'm sure there will be plenty here who will scoff at UK dealers being unable do deal with things despite selling thousands of the models over here!! 

Power wise you will obviously notice a difference but DTUK (who are on this forum as sponsors) sell a tuning box for the GTI that will push another 30 bhp or so out of the GTI and more importantly another 50nm or so of torque which will liven up the GTI somewhat.