golf R

[G-rig]

There's no doubt the Golf R or S3 is better than the GTI. AWD is a no brainer for traction but the GTI remains as great bang for buck (before adding options).

People will normally defend their purchase and I still think the R32 is better than GTI overall (power isn't the only criteria otherwise i would have got something else). Stock for stock its faster and the R32 is more unique and desirable. The resale values of all cars are pretty bad recently but i didn't want a GTI as i knew there would be so many of them around and that's been reflected by the MK5 GTI's come time to sell.

Having said that a Scirocco R or Golf R would be in my sights next purchase.

Insurance wasn't any different when i got a quote: R32/S3 was $900-$1000 Rating 1,+25yo BNE.

Isn't the XDS really there to help with the classic FWD issues? And the R being AWD not requiring it?

I don't think i'd get it (def not on an R), the Haldex Gen IV should do the trick and it sounded like the XDS limits the power being put down with the electronic throttle (taking away some of the fun or control??).

[elisiX]

Been quoted $1200 for the MKVI GTI @ Market and $1900 for a new S3.

27yo R1 Sydney.

[MariusGT]

No offence to our mates across the Tasman, but my mind boggles as to why VW NZ is able to secure new models way before Oz. Take a look at their website and they have the Scirocco, Golf Variant, and even the new Polo. Perhaps it's a case of much lower volumes so easier to fulfill demand.

that reminded me- last week walking home from train station (Sydenham if anyone cares) I noticed 2 golf VI variants driving along in the space of 2 blocks...

Never ever seen one on Aussie roads before- then 2 in 15 seconds.

What the??

Oh and- why the heck don't we get a crack at the scirocco!!!

[Lima]

I don't think i'd get it (def not on an R), the Haldex Gen IV should do the trick and it sounded like the XDS limits the power being put down with the electronic throttle (taking away some of the fun or control??).

Trouble is, the S3 must have some sort of torque or rev limiter in first gear too. When I had the S3 on the skidpan, even with ESP double switched off, I couldn't get any initial wheel spin, the car would just bog down.

Was awesome fun powersliding out of corners though (eve if you had to induce oversteer with the handbrake, haha).

[Spook]

that reminded me- last week walking home from train station (Sydenham if anyone cares) I noticed 2 golf VI variants driving along in the space of 2 blocks...

Never ever seen one on Aussie roads before- then 2 in 15 seconds.

What the??

Oh and- why the heck don't we get a crack at the scirocco!!!

Ah - so the variants have landed! GTIs were spotted plying Sydney streets about a couple of weeks before the official launch date if I recall correctly. Probably some press evaluation vehicles zipping around.

[Lima]

GTIs were spotted months and months in advance. The Golf Wagon (as it will be called in Australia, I believe) is due for launch in March. At least that was the case last I heard.

[G-rig]

Trouble is, the S3 must have some sort of torque or rev limiter in first gear too. When I had the S3 on the skidpan, even with ESP double switched off, I couldn't get any initial wheel spin, the car would just bog down.

Was awesome fun powersliding out of corners though (eve if you had to induce oversteer with the handbrake, haha).

That's what i found, the AWD system is great and was hard to get the car out of shape. Guy had the haldex in his A3 Quattro and was able to do four wheel drifting a little easier.

To be honest i've never noticed much difference with ESP on or off..

[fuzion]

pricing is approx $67k onroad from my sources..

close to a passat cc!

[elisiX]

If that's true P, then i'll be even happier with my GTI purchase

How you doing mate? (It's Jay in case you have forgotten lol)

[G-rig]

pricing is approx $67k onroad from my sources..

close to a passat cc!

That must be with a fair few options? 10k more than an R32 & same as S3 doesn't sound right.

I agree if it ridiculously priced then the GTI will be better value.

[elisiX]

I guess it all depends on what is standard on the R. If it was specified as per the GTI, i'd expect pricing to be 15k more at about $55-57k

However if its specified with leather and xenon for example standard, then it'll be anywhere up to and exceeding a $20k difference.

[Lima]

That must be with a fair few options? 10k more than an R32 & same as S3 doesn't sound right.

I agree if it ridiculously priced then the GTI will be better value.

Keep in mind the Golf R retails for more than an S3 in the UK. I know that's not comparing apples with apples, especially as Aus spec S3s get a lot more standard kit than UK deliveries do.

I reckon high 50s/low 60s will be the start price, plus on roads. Or around $7k(ish) less than an S3.

[G-rig]

I reckon high 50s/low 60s will be the start price, plus on roads. Or around $7k(ish) less than an S3.

Sounds about right, the S3 was about $10k more than the R32.

[dave_r]

Drove the S3...its just wrong. Couldn't get comfortable and really don't see how it has a huge price premium over the VW's. But did like the performance.

Drove the GTI...loved it. Within 10secs of sitting in the drivers seat I knew I was in the right place. So does that mean it was worthy of a purchase?

No...order placed for a Golf R

[tentacles1]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/VW-Golf/246779/

Comparison with the Focus RS and Megane 250. Surprising result considering the same magazine rated the Scirocco R above the Focus in a recent comparison.