« Reply #10 on: 26 May 2018, 13:48 »
It's hard to second guess what VW will do despite the fact it's a big corporate company with a huge network to feed.
Each generation seems to follow a slightly different path with the only constant being the massive and frustrating wait times.
My first mk7 was ordered the week the books opened in early-mid April 2013 and arrived in late October of that year. It didn't have a massive spec either, PP, NAV, Park Assist and Rear Camera (the latter wasn't a pack back then), oh and it was a 3 door.
The mk8 should be quite a step forward as far as tech is concerned, even if the first models will be fairly familiar just with added petrol emissions filters and such things (which will possibly be a nightmare a few years down the line).
The mk5 saw the GTI as a mainstream model and was hugely popular.
When it was facelifted to the mk6 it was launched again as a totally new model and the GTI and R (and GTD) were then classified as separate niche models with limited dealer ordering. The waiting lists became stupid at times but values held well due to the rarity and desireability of the models. I think I had some of my lowest Golf depreciation in pure £££ terms with my MK6's.
The mk7 saw the performance models launched again as mainstream cars without the apparent ordering limitations.
The GTI was quite popular initially but the GTD and R were punted at the fleet market through cheap leases, which killed off any special status or rarity of either model.
Demand is strong for the cars so resale values aren't terrible but they're not great either.
With the GTI 'brand' now seeing the up! GTI and Polo GTI becoming popular models with massive waiting times for build slots it'll be a given that the next generation of GTI and R will have huge lead times.
As for the looks, we don't know yet but I'm not a fan of the current styling trend VW are now aiming for with too many creases and overly fussy front ends.
I personally think unless you're going for a PP or TCR/Clubsport that the Polo GTI is a better option now it has the MQB platform.
The interior quality is a touch down on the Golf but the tech is right up there and the fun factor is probably just as good.
I think the Ibiza is a much sharper looking car though and would probably favour an Ibiza Cupra over the Polo GTI when they eventually get launched just to be a bit different (plus I have a good history with the original Ibiza Cupras from a previous life).
If I was in the OP's shoes now I'm not sure what I'd do.
A low mileage Clubsport would be a massive step up in the fun stakes (and arguably looks depending on how you like your cars to look) and a TCR is a very appealing package depending on how long they take to get into production. Both will be quite rare and look unique.
A FL R is also an option, they can be picked up for decent money minus the wait if you're not fussed on spec. Such an accomplished car to drive. Not the most thrilling but definitely the best thing VW have ever made for pure cost vs performance potential.
Or an extended warranty and just enjoy a crackingly good car for a few more years whilst saving hard for the mk8.
Logged
‘25 8.5R, ‘23 8R, ‘20 8CS, ‘19 135iX, ‘19 TCR, ‘17 Ed40, ‘17 GTD, ‘15 7R, ‘13 GTI PP, ‘11 GTI, ‘09 GTI, ‘98 Ibiza Cupra, ‘05 GTI, ‘06 Polo GTI, ‘04 GT TDI, ‘05 Fabia vRS, ‘02 GTI T, ‘03 Ibiza TDI 130, ‘01 Leon 180, ‘89 mk2 16v, ‘99 Ibiza TDI, ‘96 VR6, ‘98 Ibiza TDI, ‘92 VR6, ‘88 mk2 8v, ‘92 Polo G40, ‘91 mk2 8v, ‘89 mk2 8v, 205 GTI 1.9, ‘83 mk1 GTI, ‘80 Scirocco GTI, plus some others I’ve forgotten
