Who’s swapping their Mk7/7.5 then...

[fredgroves]

And I think the wheels are what are catching your eye in that photo - those have to be 19's which always make a bold statement.

And it seems fairly universal that people still hate parker/milton keynes.

You also can't see the droopy nose, the down turned lights or the basking shark mouth (because the fogs are on).

But again, 19's are going to cost you what?

And that's the thing I keep coming back to, if I wanted a decent spec hot hatch for 39.9999k, its going to be a M135i - the GTI has to be cheaper than that or is simply a no, looks or not.

[fredgroves]

If i was looking at a manual GTI I would not be, as I would turn my attention to the new 130N which has literally everything as standard! with just colour your remaining option.

Significant saving, maybe as much as £10,000 over a similarly option GTI and it looks good, drives and sounds amazing and though not seen in flesh, the interior is far more to my liking in style and it would just maybe be some of the quality of material that you notice, which given the overall package pretty sure you can rationalise and live with.

I would want DSG and thats not an option so I would have likely looked elsewhere but it would definitely be on my radar as would the LEON Cupra if the MK 8 was my option.

The issues with the I30N are:

1) DSG is coming, but not yet.
2) Its cheaper to buy (a bit) but depreciation is like dropping a grand piano off of the eiffel tower.
3) Its very thirsty. Very very thirsty.
4) Its more akin to a Type R in that its a pretty harsh noisy ride - something a Golf will never be out of the factory.

[mcmaddy]

If i was looking at a manual GTI I would not be, as I would turn my attention to the new 130N which has literally everything as standard! with just colour your remaining option.

Significant saving, maybe as much as £10,000 over a similarly option GTI and it looks good, drives and sounds amazing and though not seen in flesh, the interior is far more to my liking in style and it would just maybe be some of the quality of material that you notice, which given the overall package pretty sure you can rationalise and live with.

I would want DSG and thats not an option so I would have likely looked elsewhere but it would definitely be on my radar as would the LEON Cupra if the MK 8 was my option.

facelift i30N just announced in the last few days has DCT box now.

[Jim_mk7.5]

But again, 19's are going to cost you what?

And that's the thing I keep coming back to, if I wanted a decent spec hot hatch for 39.9999k, its going to be a M135i - the GTI has to be cheaper than that or is simply a no, looks or not.

Did you see the pricing info in the evo article?

As for pricing, VW is yet to confirm the exact figures. What it will say is that prices shouldn’t move too significantly away from the current structure, where the equivalent Golf GTI Performance starts at £32,135 in five-door form. The current GTE is similar, at £32,015 (though we’d expect the new car to be priced more like the GTE Advance, at £33,815), while the outgoing GTD with a DSG ’box was £31,175. Call it around £33,000 for GTI and GTD then, and up to £35,000 for the GTE.

[Hertsman]

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/99552/vw-golf-gti-first-decade-404bhp-show-car-arrives-at-worthersee

They should have just let the class of 2017 build the MK 8 GTI hybrid that everyone wanted

[Hertsman]

This is why think the R will look much better in this render, - the scoops break up the front nicely and give it better shape.

[Hertsman]

If i was looking at a manual GTI I would not be, as I would turn my attention to the new 130N which has literally everything as standard! with just colour your remaining option.

Significant saving, maybe as much as £10,000 over a similarly option GTI and it looks good, drives and sounds amazing and though not seen in flesh, the interior is far more to my liking in style and it would just maybe be some of the quality of material that you notice, which given the overall package pretty sure you can rationalise and live with.

I would want DSG and thats not an option so I would have likely looked elsewhere but it would definitely be on my radar as would the LEON Cupra if the MK 8 was my option.

The issues with the I30N are:

1) DSG is coming, but not yet.
2) Its cheaper to buy (a bit) but depreciation is like dropping a grand piano off of the eiffel tower.
3) Its very thirsty. Very very thirsty.
4) Its more akin to a Type R in that its a pretty harsh noisy ride - something a Golf will never be out of the factory.

Yes, all points you would have to take in closer inspection and definitely test drive - Have consistently said that you would hope the 130N next version would address the issues of the inaugaral I30N so be interesting to see if any of these known issues have been addressed in reviews that will be coming up.

Do think its a car you genuinely and seriously look at as despite concerns there is a lot to like,

[mcmaddy]

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-geneva-motor-show/hyundai-i30-gets-redesign-new-tech-and-mild-hybrids-2020

[Hertsman]

If i was looking at a manual GTI I would not be, as I would turn my attention to the new 130N which has literally everything as standard! with just colour your remaining option.

Significant saving, maybe as much as £10,000 over a similarly option GTI and it looks good, drives and sounds amazing and though not seen in flesh, the interior is far more to my liking in style and it would just maybe be some of the quality of material that you notice, which given the overall package pretty sure you can rationalise and live with.

I would want DSG and thats not an option so I would have likely looked elsewhere but it would definitely be on my radar as would the LEON Cupra if the MK 8 was my option.

facelift i30N just announced in the last few days has DCT box now.

If buying now, and MK 8 was my option I would seriously be looking at the 130N if the DCT was added, the badge would not be a blocker, as its an attractive package and looks great in the racing blue - But as has been pointed out, there was some issues with the first 130 N that you would need to understand if the 2020 outing has improved on.

Definitely get the knocks that can be made to the I30N but also feel no one can argue that they have really closed the gap and if you like a more conventional cockpit and set up over the way VW are heading it may have more attraction - It does for me.

Obviously in an easy position to make these comments as only 4 mths in my TCR but be interested to see how those who are in the hot seat and have to make a decision in next 6-12 months choose? I am glad I am not as think it would be a painful choosing process of second guessing and doubt to if making right decision.

[fredgroves]

Did you see the pricing info in the evo article?

As for pricing, VW is yet to confirm the exact figures. What it will say is that prices shouldn’t move too significantly away from the current structure, where the equivalent Golf GTI Performance starts at £32,135 in five-door form. The current GTE is similar, at £32,015 (though we’d expect the new car to be priced more like the GTE Advance, at £33,815), while the outgoing GTD with a DSG ’box was £31,175. Call it around £33,000 for GTI and GTD then, and up to £35,000 for the GTE.

No I didn't... interesting.

So probably £35k for the DSG GTI - its going to cost more than the GTD for sure (GTD is only DSG) - always has.

Lets assume "base" spec for GTI/GTD is this then:

Navpro
18's
Lane Assist etc (standard on all Mk8's)
Car2X (standard on all Mk8's)
LED lights (standard on all Mk8's)
ACC
Sports seats
Bigger brakes /VAQ diff (GTI - basically PP spec)

Things we know will be options:

Paint
19's
DCC
HUD (was rumoured it might be available)
Rear camera
Sunroof (I thought these were going away but the photos show a red GTI with it)
Front lighting strip
Fog lights
Matrix lights (probably software activated at any stage using ££££)

How many of those options come bundled with the UK spec ones is the question - I can see the lights probably being included.

Personally, if we said a Mk8 GTI DSG was list £35k it might be in the ball game - lets assume a 5k discount maybe from DTD/VW deposit contrib.