Fred's surprise Munich Trip... guess what...

[fredgroves]

Excellent! What have you ordered?

GTI dsg, moonstone, nineteens, dcc, hud and some other bits too... Was dealer stock.

[fredgroves]

Fred, the I30N is worth a drive imo but it’s very harsh compared to a Golf. I couldn’t live with it as a daily plus fuel economy is supposed to be dreadful. I’ve spoken to a few owners and they mostly say low 20s. Gulp!

Yes both of those things have put me off for some time. The other thing was a lack of automatic box but they have fixed that with the 2021 model.

I suspect its more cheap 128 than gti.

I have a friend who's a partner at a hyundai dealership, i might get a test drive just for a laugh. He's been trying to persuade me for a while even though he thinks I won't buy one.

[Yusee]

Very nice Fred. Moonstone is a very nice colour, and yes, I’d go for 19s too.
Just seen a video of a car in that spec in wrexham- it really does look good.

We’re living in a police state- you do need a little luck to get normal things done. Well done for taking your opportunity.

[ub7rm]

Exonian,

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

The harshness of the 128 i don't remember on the 135. They messed with the suspension on the 128 and it's 80kg lighter. Something maybe got lost there in the same way as a mk7 R feels more planted than a GTI (and its not the feeling of 4wd its definitely weight and weight distribution)

I remember reading an early article on the 128 where the person said they were unsure how it would fair on uk roads... Remember that clearly.

I also didn't feel like the 135 was uncomfortable but I had only a standard accompanied test drive of it, maybe it didn't have time for me to notice.

I did notice the fuel economy though back then, it was better. How I don't know.

I did need to do that evaluation, it would have been stupid not to. If luck hadn't been on my side I would have waited but its been a frustrating twelve months plus as I don't like having unresolved problems nagging me every day.

I almost set my self on a course to drive the i30n yesterday... Almost.

I honestly think its a real pity the standard tyre pressure is so high and you didn't have the opportunity to knock it down - it really makes all the difference.  The firmness is softened but the witchcraft with which it corners remains.  Its a 'B' road machine for sure. 

Glad you got the opportunity to test one out and confirm your decision. 

[Daz Auto]

I was allowed a proper drive in her 218i today. The rear camera was completely fouled. So I gave the whole car a quick pressure wash.

We did the shopping this morning. When we arrived back I was wondering why my right knee was aching. Then I remember why I will never be buying a BMW, Audi or Merc. All that fancy, automated assistance at your finger tips and no rest for your right foot. I love the ability to put both my feet up in the Golf.

Then we went for a drive to umm... ahh... test my eyesight Love the car, but struggled to get my right leg comfortable. My wife has been driving the A3 with no right foot rest for years. Also, being smaller, maybe it is less of an issue for her. 

[fredgroves]

Here's what Top Gear had to say:

https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/bmw/128ti

I disagree somewhat!

Not totally convinced they've driven the car actually... I think thats from a spec sheet.

[fredgroves]

Just in case anyone still cares.. Here's a man driving a car

https://youtu.be/TYL3ROGeP7E

Here's the summary of what he tells you.. Its a bmw 128ti, it's front wheel drive and has ps4 tyres.

Not sure where you apply for a job like that.

Think I did better, maybe I should make my own YouTube channel.

[JoeGTI]

Just in case anyone still cares.. Here's a man driving a car

https://youtu.be/TYL3ROGeP7E

Here's the summary of what he tells you.. Its a bmw 128ti, it's front wheel drive and has ps4 tyres.

Not sure where you apply for a job like that.

Think I did better, maybe I should make my own YouTube channel.

Joe Achilles. He’s a massive self confessed BMW fan boy / influencer. Some of his stuff is decent. That was poor though I agree.

[ub7rm]

Much prefer the TRHamza review tbh - genuine views of a hot hatch enthusiast.

[fredgroves]

I don't mind the fan boy thing, but what did anyone learn from his efforts there?

Even trhamza told you more and that was mainly just grinning and going wow 😂