Golf R - Top Gear's Hot Hatch of the Year 2010 winner!

[runningmanz]

Woohoo!

2010 Top Gear Awards: full winners list - BBC Top Gear

Can't wait till mine arrives!!

[masev]

Top Gear have just accepted the fact that the R is just too good! Something us R owners already knew long ago

[DreamensioN]

Ha! In 2001, I bought the 200sx - which was Motor Magazine's Performance Car of the Year.

Now in 2010, I've bought Top Gear's Hot Hatch of the Year.

I have made the right choice.

[REXman]

The 200SX shape blew me away when it released. Very modifiy-able and solid as a stand alone model too. So some good choices so far.

I am loving the R as well. Seems to be worth the wait, almost.

Very happy it got the TopGear award! Those guys have driven everything!

[fuzion]

so that would be the same for the audi s3 then lol

its the winner because of price range and bang for buck, as the s3 is too expensive as a new car

[Corey_R]

Isn't the R slightly more than the S3 in the UK?

[team_v]

so that would be the same for the audi s3 then lol

its the winner because of price range and bang for buck, as the s3 is too expensive as a new car

It is also probably to do with the fact the R is a new release for this year, where as the S3 has been out for a while.
I know that some Aus mag's only allow entries for new models in that year for their awards.

[dave_r]

Ha! In 2001, I bought the 200sx - which was Motor Magazine's Performance Car of the Year.

LOL ditto. But back then reading the PCOTY which had nothing to do with the cost given they have BFYB, I'd have taken the runner up which from memory was a 911 Turbo! Still the S15 was an awesome car.

I know that some Aus mag's only allow entries for new models in that year for their awards.

Yeah they exclude cars that aren't deemed to be new enough so model updates only qualify if they add significant new features.

[manyoo]

This year GTI doesn't earn any awards from any events...

[team_v]

This year GTI doesn't earn any awards from any events...

The GTI was out last year in the UK wasn't it?
That would mean it isn't a new model for this year and as such not available for nomination?

[REXman]

Isn't the R slightly more than the S3 in the UK?

yeah, thats right. So i don't think the S3 being more expensive would have much to do with it.

[runningmanz]

While we are on the subject of awards for the R. did anyone get the Royal Auto magazine here? The Golf R was second to the BMW 135i coupe in the Best Sports Cars in 2010 under $80,000. The R scored a 7/10 for ride and an 8/10 for performance vs the 135i's 10/10 for ride and 9/10 for performance. Is the ride and performance that much better in the 135i? Would have thought the R with DCC in comfort mode and 18" wheels would deserve at least an 8/10 for ride?

http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/2010/Score%20Sheet_Sports%20Under.pdf

[Corey_R]

The R is $48,490 + Onroads. You can can pick a stock one up for as little as $52k drive away.
The 135i is $72,800 - which is already in LCT territory. By the time you've got dealer delviery and taxes, you'd be hard pressed to get a stock one for <$80k drive away.

For $28k difference, you'd be hoping that you get something which is better, since it's smaller, less practical, no better equipped, and the interior quality is not as good. So yeah, I would believe that the ride and performance is scored better than the R

[dave_r]

Is the ride and performance that much better in the 135i?

Its a small coupe with good power to weight and rear wheel drive. Yeah its a better drive but as Corey mention, you pay a nice premium for the privilege and have a car that is ugly to look at (IMO) and useless practically (and that is coming from someone with a 3dr lol).

[triode12]

I wasn't impressed driving the 135i when I tested it back to back with the R.
I felt that it was heavy and not as nimble in comparison to the R. If I was given the choice between the two cars, I'd take the 135i.
I'd then sell it, buy the R and pocket the difference in change.