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Drove a new Corolla, and a new Golf 118TSI.
The Corolla was OK but felt a bit sluggish. It was no nonsense, but uninspired. Hated the centre console thing they have going on with the gear shift. All the models going up from the base line are essentially identical apart from bolt ons for bling, but nothing for added driving experience (handling/motor options/etc). Driving the base model is essentially the same as driving the Levin ZR. I won't say it's bad, but mostly it's boring. I see Toyota are also adding the cost of an extended warranty onto their quotes, even if you didn't ask for one.
On the other hand, the Golf was an entirely different kettle of fish. The cabin layout is sensible (although the MDI taking up all the centre console space is a shame).The ride was very quiet, even during a spirited press of the accelerator or two. My wife commented on some of the little things like how the placement of the door closing hand grips made it more comfortable to use the door arm rests than the Corolla. And also things like the helpful gear selection suggestions in the MFD, and the fact we could easily pair her phone via Bluetooth without needing to look in the manual for instructions. For a mere 18kw of extra power, the Golf was far more responsive to accelerator input across a range of gears, and the handling made it feel effortless. The hill start assist was also nice (we live in a hilly suburb). I could go on. My wife summed up the Golf as "a car for grown ups". I couldn't agree more. The bug has bitten. We'll be placing our order for a TSI118 w/- Sports Pack next week. I think I now appreciate how VW have come to have such a large following of enthusiasts. I've just become one.
Also, a quick thanks to all the forum members who have posted so much useful information here. It's been invaluable over the last few weeks that I've been lurking as I researched the Golf.
The Corolla was OK but felt a bit sluggish. It was no nonsense, but uninspired. Hated the centre console thing they have going on with the gear shift. All the models going up from the base line are essentially identical apart from bolt ons for bling, but nothing for added driving experience (handling/motor options/etc). Driving the base model is essentially the same as driving the Levin ZR. I won't say it's bad, but mostly it's boring. I see Toyota are also adding the cost of an extended warranty onto their quotes, even if you didn't ask for one.
On the other hand, the Golf was an entirely different kettle of fish. The cabin layout is sensible (although the MDI taking up all the centre console space is a shame).The ride was very quiet, even during a spirited press of the accelerator or two. My wife commented on some of the little things like how the placement of the door closing hand grips made it more comfortable to use the door arm rests than the Corolla. And also things like the helpful gear selection suggestions in the MFD, and the fact we could easily pair her phone via Bluetooth without needing to look in the manual for instructions. For a mere 18kw of extra power, the Golf was far more responsive to accelerator input across a range of gears, and the handling made it feel effortless. The hill start assist was also nice (we live in a hilly suburb). I could go on. My wife summed up the Golf as "a car for grown ups". I couldn't agree more. The bug has bitten. We'll be placing our order for a TSI118 w/- Sports Pack next week. I think I now appreciate how VW have come to have such a large following of enthusiasts. I've just become one.
Also, a quick thanks to all the forum members who have posted so much useful information here. It's been invaluable over the last few weeks that I've been lurking as I researched the Golf.
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