A BMW drivers view of the GTI !

[BodyThief]

I had a test drive today in a mk5 GTI DSG

My current car is a 2002 BMW330i Sport with auto box which I've had for three years without any major problems. I've had a 1.6 mkIV golf in the past which I disliked due to the soft suspension but I thought I'd give the mkV a go due to the positive road tests.

I loved it!

The car handles great, feels much lighter on its feet, with less body roll than either the mkIV Golf or the BMW. I was impressed by the performance too, the throttle responses were much sharper than in the BMW and overall felt just as quick. The DSG box is fantastic,a big leap forward from the Alafa selespeed box I had in a previous car and more interesting than a standard auto. The seats were particularly comfortable and supportive (something I dislike about my current car)

The negatives? well I like the sharp styling of the BMW, it's the last of the hard, square style Bm's before Mr Bangle took over. The Golf is not a bad looking car in GTI trim but doesn't have the presence of the 3-series. The look of the interior plastics also are a bit inferior but it didn't rattle unlike mine! Finally, the price is a bit crazy for a small car with a 2.0 litre engine!

Overall though hugely impressed, I think I want one  I can't think of any other similar car I want to test drive (don't like the BMW 1 series and find the A3 a bit boring looking) so it's either keep the BMW for a few more years or go for it! I'll let you know if decide to buy one

[TagnuT]

You know you want to...........And a GTI is more exclusive than a 3 series these days..

[CHRIS-M07GTI]

Buy a gti,keep it for a while,then sell and rob a bank for a new M3 with there version of DSG!!!
I know that is my intention,now where is my Tony Blair mask for practice!!!!!!!!!!

Chris.

[god lovesa trya]

Drop the beemer get a ed30 (if still available)
thats what iv done(2.5ci msport convertible)
only negetive side is the WAITING 8 WEEKS DONE AND COUNTING

[VWaddict73]

I changed from a 2001 Boxster S to the Golf GTI Turbo. I found it a nicer all round drive than the porsche, doesn't have the growl of the Porsche flat 6 and can't get near it for power and grip. But all round I think the Golf is a nicer drive.

Steve

[maxamus]

GTI is the car to have. Only a limited number on the roads so you will get some attention and its a cracking car!
Its loved by the young and the old. The boys and the gals !

[Cass]

Review of the new BMW M3 here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2007/07/14/nosplit/mfbmw14.xml

Particularly like the summary here:

We like: Gloriously unapologetic power and performance from BMW’s racing division.

We don't like: Uncouth engine note, scary handling when pressing on (or not), lack of steering feedback, carbon-fibre roof, image as a drug dealers’ car, 11mpg means a life spent with oil company free gifts. 

Cass

[illyun]

11 mpg !?!     I thought the R32 drank too much - my only criticism of it.

[08micsta]

BMW IS 

I think my opinion has been given on this topic

[yan355]

Hi There,

Last week i cancelled my order for a new M3 looks rubbish particulaly inside 11-15mpg who they kidding and bought a GTI which is fantastic. Most tellingly when the last M3 was launched everyone praised it for offering a genuine 911 alternative with 4 seats and the mpg was acceptable I know I had one. None of the road tests have mentioned the current 911 C2S in comparison worrying for BMW me thinks.

Get a Golf GTI wish id done it 2 years ago

Cheers