What did U test drive b4 you bought a Golf?

[Jester_Fu]

Oh, don't worry, I'm not pumping up VWs tyres - they ain't no choirboys!

Actually the parcel shelf 'string' broke when I opened the hatch & on another the glove box wouldn't stay shut on the 206s I looked at and drove. This is consistent with 306s and 206s that friends have had. Like Alfas, they both loved them and hated them, simultaneously. But their quality is certainly much improved from the previous models - I believe they're made in a different factory now. What the long-term effects of this are is the 'questionable' bit.

I took a 'risk' myself getting the VW - my head kept saying Honda, Honda, Honda... but, so far, so good.

Glovebox not staying shut is a new one to me... I've had 5 pug's now and it's never been a problem in any of them. I think the thing a lot of people forget when considering Renault and Peugeot, in particular, is that they are French versions of a Mazda or Hyundai effectively. Lot's of fun, but you get what you pay for. I think the sport Peugeots represent good value for money against fun factor. The low end stuff is more of an excuse to claim you bought a european car. Just my 2c's, but if you remember that they're cheap fun, you never seem to have issues are your expectations are consistently exceeded.

VGA, on the other hand, make every effort to create the image of a semi-premium brand. I can't say their product doesn't deliver, but the service is way way way down the list near Daewoo or Hyundai. Knowing that VGA also distribute Audi and Skoda in Australia i'm so far very reluctant to buy any of those brands in the future. Let's hope they don't get Porsche as well... or i'll never be able to buy another German sports car

[BarneyBoy]

it feels just like the Jazz we have. after comparing to my mate's DC2R, the steering was night and day.

We have a Jazz, too. I understand that the Civic R uses a Jazz floorpan - that's probably why it seemed familiar! The Jazz fueltank is under the front seats too.

[aj2501]

Had A3TFSI DSG - great interior, liked the gearbox. Looked like a half finished wagon; tight on standard trim; dodgy torque steer; launch control utter pish.

Tried 3MPS - Great engine, interior like an unfinished crack den.

Tried GTi - See A3 above. Much better ride, loved the blue lighting. Looked better than the A3 and MPS. Interior cheap in comparison to A3. Better resale though.

Sat in and started R32. Sweet, sweet engine. Same cheap interior. Recaro's lovely. DSG available. Did not take it out because of interior, but in the way of things a great buy for the money. Loved the deep blue in the sale yard.

TT 2.0 - Lovely. Hairdressers car; could not do it.

130i - Not on the list, looks like a smashed up full size wagon (see above) except a crack ho applied the make up.

Mini S - Loved it, creaky interior, kiddies golf clubs only

S3 - Bit understated, mint interior, hard to beat performance. Boot still small for golf clubs. Needs revs. Resale not as good as GTi. Expensive

Bought the S3, chipped it. Nice little rocket ship.

[bailey78]

Excellent choice mate (the S3)

My partner recently ordered one. He had a call that his car has been delayed til July now! Grrrrrrrr

Amazing cars.

[99gti]

I've heard so many people rate the civic type R quite well but they are out numbered on the road by gti's 10 to 1.

Interesting.... Or maybe I just dont notice the type R's?

[bailey78]

I know its a matter of one's own personal taste....but I find the new Type R to be a hideous little thing. I know the engine revs to the heavens when its fanged and the handling may be up there too...but I just can't get over the way it looks. I have nothing against Honda...actually quite like the look of their Accord Euro.

[Mischa]

I know its a matter of one's own personal taste....but I find the new Type R to be a hideous little thing. I know the engine revs to the heavens when its fanged and the handling may be up there too...but I just can't get over the way it looks. I have nothing against Honda...actually quite like the look of their Accord Euro.

x2 on that

[mitch_gti]

I love hondas range.

Especially Euro Accord and Civic.

Type R is definately out there and i think thats one of its shining features.
There are no other cars out there which resemble it.
Pretty much everything in its price range is turbocharged, but honda has always loved their Vtec and high revving heaven.

It would be a fun little weekend/track car. But i just dont know if i could live with it.

On this topic, outside VW today was parked the most gorgeous Passat ive ever seen. Metallic silvery green Sedan. Big VW wheels. tan leather, tinted windows. front/rear parking sensors.
I wouldnt be able to look past one of these as a family car.

Except maybe for the RS6...

[Mr R32]

XR4 - drove it for the hell of it and wasn't seriously considering it (my better half was). Great little engine but lots of road noise. Will probably date badly with the GT stripes.

GTI - fabulous, hard to fault and I just about signed up for one, but spins in the wet and (because they are so good!) are common.

Civic Type R - engine and interior are from another world, but the exterior is not to my taste. As an owner of a VTIR I also wasn't keen on another high revving plant that has to be pushed for effect.

A3 - great car, well built but just unexciting - I'd even say boring. It just didn't put a smile on my face even when caning it. Didn't look at the S3 and nearly fainted when the dealer told me the price of it properly optioned.

R32 DSG - Power, noise, grip, stance. Rocked my world. So I bought it.

[Mr R32]

XR4 - drove it for the hell of it and wasn't seriously considering it (my better half was). Great little engine but lots of road noise. Will probably date badly with the GT stripes.

GTI - fabulous, hard to fault and I just about signed up for one, but spins in the wet and (because they are so good!) are common.

Civic Type R - engine and interior are from another world, but the exterior is not to my taste. As an owner of a VTIR I also wasn't keen on another high revving plant that has to be pushed for effect.

A3 - great car, well built but just unexciting - I'd even say boring. It just didn't put a smile on my face even when caning it. Didn't look at the S3 and nearly fainted when the dealer told me the price of it properly optioned.

R32 DSG - Power, noise, grip, stance. Rocked my world. So I bought it.