NSW Golf 118 TSI or now 103TDI?

[Cossor]

Greetings all
First time on such a forum!
Have test driven both petrol and diesel versions.
Requirement to have good performance and quiet operation.
Diesel fantastic power, not so quiet, and a bit sluggish at traffic lights (At first, but then LOOK OUT)
Petrol (Seven speed DSG) more quiet and, shell we say, refined.
I prefer petrol.
BUT on reading problems on this forum re TSI 118 I wonder, should I quickly switch to Diesel?
Am about to make deposit to VERY helpful dealer who has gone out of way to assist in decision!
But now thinking perhaps diesel, although more expensive to service, more noisy, and less smooth in heavy traffic, would be better. (Forget saving, cancelled by more service costs and intervals)
Re rest of golf decision, after test driving other vehicles and considering which will fit in garage, Golf is way in front. I Really do like Golf, so perhaps should put up with more rugged diesel version? Appreciate your thoughts.
Present car is Toyota Corolla. 8 yrs old. Purchased on retirement, but damn it, time to part with mediocrity

[team_v]

I would go the 118TSI.
They would have re-flashed the ECU for you and you would get it right away.

I am almost at 4 months of waiting for my car that i ordered instead of getting one off the floor.
If you can wait 4 months for a sluggish diesel with power in a very small torque range then go ahead.
If you can't then get the 118TSI and remap it with APR/Giac/Customcode etc for even more power and enjoyability.

[Frankenstrat]

I test drove a 118TSI and a 103TDI, both manual transmissions. The only problem I've had since making my decision is that the 103TDI makes me drive like a hoon! See, once that turbo kicks in, hold on baby... Oh and something else, when the diesel stalls, it STALLS. Bang! That's the price you pay for a high compression engine. ^Sluggish diesel, ha. Power in a very small torque range??? Tsk tsk. Performance and economy, that's what you get with the diesel.

[Cossor]

Many thanks guys. Have placed my order and deposit today for 118TSI, with auto DSG, BUT have taken up the extended warrenty!!
Will also ensure using R98. (Nothing but the best!)
Order includes RCD510, reverse camera, and park assist (Not for the self park, but for the other goodies)
By the way, sales manager was not aware of this site! Have given him the address. (This guy was ever so helpfull, AND gave a good trade in)
So now have to play the waiting game.
Cheers
Ian
PS I loved the feeling of power from the 103TDI. Pull my arms off on an uphill corner! But a bit erratic toddling about town. Of course, driver education could easily
overcome this. But I did not like the initial delay in moving off smoothly. 118TSI more better in this regard. (Also just a little more quiet, love my clasical music)
Several years ago drove Renault 16TS. Loved it. Golf with DSG and manual operation of DSG brings back anticipation of real enjoyment.
(One problem with Renault 16TS was to stand still at the traffic lights, spinning the wheels, in wet weather!!)

[Frankenstrat]

Good luck with your 118TSI, Cossor, you won't regret your purchase. I haven't driven a DSG Golf so I can't make any informed critique with respect to a 103TDI/DSG. You didn't mention which colour you're having.

When I test drove the 103TDI I was really impressed with the torque at lower revs. The 118TSI felt to me like a driver's car, it wanted to go through the gears and keep the engine revving. My style of driving was more suited to the 103TDI, but believe me, it will go like the wind when you need it to. I've left many a would-be overtaker in my wake just by dropping into a lower gear and flooring the throttle.

[Cossor]

103TDI fantastic torque. Going up hill around bend on test drive, panic as had to hang onto wheel as pushed into seat.
But found required gentle throttle around town, otherwise showed faults as reported in papers. OK, perhaps spend more time learning how to control the beast.
But then 118TSI more refined although unlike my present Corolla, must be watched re speed, as so very quickly gets way above speed limit
without any fuss or bother!
Many years ago had Renault 1600TS, Manual gear. got away from lights like (You name it). 118TS in ALL respects seems to be able to continue the tradition of a great drive.
But just in case, have the extended warrenty.

oh yes, Colour shark Blue
Best regards,
Ian

[Greg Roles]

The Golf will corner just a little better than the 16TS.

Diesels have the potential problems of oil vapour sludge buildup in the inlet tract, and now all have the dreaded DPF filter in the exhaust. No perfect solution.

I've noticed the GT is a lot more willing away from the lights than the 103, but in gear the difference is less, stock for stock.

[RedDevil]

So, you guys are not obviously worried about the recent engine problems?