Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[team_v]

I'll reserve judgement about it being a daily until I can get behind the wheel

From the reviews and tech info, it's not as painful as a daily as some are suggesting.

Pretty damn good second car as a run about and way sexier than anything VW make.

Regarding the Tiguan, nice softroader (little small and a little soft) but not really close to good looks or handling, different market

That was a personal example in that i wouldn't trade in the Tig for an 86 as i prefer a car that does everything well enough rather than a car that does one thing well for a smal amount of the time i would be using it.

I agree it is a different market but the sportscar market is also a difficult one to crack as a lot of people are now finding with their 3 door GTI/R's being harder to sell when people want family friendly vehicles.

Having said that, obviously there is a market for the car but for me i would rather take the comprimise.
Kudos to people who can afford/have the time to enjoy the 86 on top of their other priorities.

[Candyman]

I don't think many class GTI's/R's as "sport cars"

Regarding priorities, some might suggest buying a VW softroader is not high on the list of priorities or posting on an internet forum

We are a 4 car family (sometimes 5), I can certainly see the 86/BRZ as a replacement for the daily drivers we have, one especially that is likely to get replaced is the WS Fiesta. Wife is very interested in the BRZ as her daily driver and we have put our name down for test drives at three dealers when available.

Aftermarket kits will come and TRD are touting a SC for the 86. I don't see a great need for it as it has plenty enough torque and power as it is for what it is aimed at - the very successful MX5 market.

[WhiteJames]

FT86/BRZ -v- Hot Hatch

Not keen on the foreign reviews of the FT86/BRZ twins? Here's a local comparison of hot hatch -v- FT86 -v- MX5. Not the best review I've ever read, but it does contain some useful insights from carsguide.com.au like solid -v- ventilated rear discs on the FT86:

Toyota 86 | Mazda MX-5 | Renault Megane RS250

Imo the Sirocco R would have won the Wheels Magazine Car of The Year Contest if it had a set of Driver Gear Volkswagen OEM Sport Springs fitted to improve the low speed compression secondary ride on our craps AUS roadways. The secondary ride on the Sirocco R really let it down, it could be the case with the Toyota FT86 -v- Subaru BRZ. On the other hand, there will be no shortage of aftermarket TRD and STI spring & sway bar to re-tune the ride compliance & handling finesse.

Cheers.
WJ

[Candyman]

How much does the Rocco cost

How much does the Renault cost

[kaanage]

The price of the 86 really does make it compelling - I was gobsmacked when they announced the price.

But it just doesn't compete against anything in VW's range. Not even the Sirocco is as focussed for driving since it's derived from a Golf (the perrenial allrounder) rather than being designed from the ground up for the purpose.

I don't understand it even being mentioned in this thread

[Candyman]

86 got talked about because people were tired of the GTI vs R chatter (well, that happened after the first page)

[SilvrFoxX]

The price of the 86 really does make it compelling - I was gobsmacked when they announced the price.

But it just doesn't compete against anything in VW's range. Not even the Sirocco is as focussed for driving since it's derived from a Golf (the perrenial allrounder) rather than being designed from the ground up for the purpose.

I don't understand it even being mentioned in this thread

because Ray has put a deposit on one

[WhiteJames]

Alternatives

Ray is a very divided man. Trying to entice him to unertake the BMW driving course as he missed the VW Driver Experience Day in Sydney. The twins will naturally be compared to torque rich hatchbacks as this article auto express indicates:

So, should you buy a BRZ? If you’ve been used to a torquey hot hatch turbo, you might wonder what all the fuss is about. But if you’re prepared to put that little bit more effort into your driving, it will certainly reward you.

Read more: Subaru BRZ review | Auto Express

Questions remains is that how often do you want to put extra effort into your driving?

Cheers.
WJ

[SilvrFoxX]

Now we are all getting to the same place...

[WhiteJames]

ST -v- GTI

Another direct competitor to the MK7 Golf GTI is the Ford Focus ST. Handling is somewhere between the Megane RS250 and current MK6 GTI and rides better than both according to autoexpress.co.uk. The rear sway bar on the Focus ST is linked to the outside of the damper/spring combo, making for a more lively rear end without compromising too much on ride quality. Helps point the ST into corners a little more like a RenaultSport Clio RS200 apparently:

Ford Focus ST review | Auto Express

Pricing is sure to be very good value for money for the ST ... hope they include driver footrest and cruise control this time around.

And again from autocar.co.uk.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ford/focus/first-drives/first-drive-review-ford-focus-st

Cheers.
WJ

[Fab_R]

Another direct competitor to the MK7 Golf GTI is the Ford Focus ST. Handling is somewhere between the Megane RS250 and current MK6 GTI and rides better than both according to autoexpress.co.uk. The rear sway bar on the Focus ST is linked to the outside of the damper/spring combo, making for a more lively rear end without compromising too much on ride quality. Helps point the ST into corners a little more like a RenaultSport Clio RS200 apparently:

Ford Focus ST review | Auto Express

Pricing is sure to be very good value for money for the ST ... hope they include driver footrest and cruise control this time around.

And again from autocar.co.uk.

First drive review: Ford Focus ST Review | Autocar

Cheers.
WJ

Ford ST...What an ugly POS!

[Candyman]

Ford ST...What an ugly POS!

Well, it's in good company with a Golf which ain't pretty either ....

[SilvrFoxX]

Having driven the XR5 all I can say is that there is no fizz

[Candyman]

Having driven the XR5 all I can say is that there is no fizz

Huh ?

ST or XR5

[SilvrFoxX]

XR5, if the ST is the updated version I can't see much has changed.. the R and GTI are a much more enjoyable experience