Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - First Edition

[Ryan_R]

The specs look good, not quite a fan of the looks though (back appears to have collapsed, and the interior is extremely... busy)




This version looks a bit better (at least as far as the center console part is concerned)



I wouldn't say no to having a go though

[clip]

DS4 Racing in a heartbeat!

[RoccoR]

The rear of the ford focus is my main gripe with the car, and of course the interior build quality. I can't wait to get my scirocco R next week

[DoggieHowser]

Man the ST interior looks really busy.

The new A Class on the other hand looks very sweet...

[alebonau]

the ford is definitely other extreme in extrovert compared to the understated golf gti.

re the merc a class, top gear have done a first drive review,
First drive: the new Mercedes A-Class - BBC Top Gear

their impressions indicate its not really a hot hatch as such...

anyways will see what its like when its out. looking good to extending my warranty on the mk6 golf gti at the present. then sit it out see what comes !

[Ryan_R]

Besides the front grille that A class looks not too bad at least in the comfort/tech/features department, based on that video.

[DoggieHowser]

I was comparing the interior of the Merc. Besides the car they tested was the diesel so not sure if we can base the handling on it.

[alebonau]

the a1 sportback has my interest, I know more polo than golf sized. but his one a 5 door 5 seater option for those who dont mind a slight down size from the golf,
Drive - Audi A1 Sportback Review

the clio similarly sized and with dual clutch transmission, though no RS version till early 2014 ?
First look: Renault Clio

review of the citroen DS4 sport here
Drive - Citroen DS4 D-Sport review
but the stupid windows at the back that dont go down, plus no dual clutch/auto option with the turbo 1.6 is dissapointing !

new A-class gets a 1st drive report here,
Drive - Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review
if the a250 is in golf R and bmw 125i segment than the lower spec a180/A200 be plenty for me. looks the business for sure and very pleased to see the interior, that has a dual clutch gear box and has a nice panoramic sunroof

mean time am still happy to wait....extend the warranty past mar next year and sit tight till something comes along that is a good move on from the mk6 gti

[elephino]

Some of us are unhappy on hearing there may be no manual gearboxes imported with the A-Class, especially on the A250.

As for the A1 sportback, it's ok if you don't want a boot (so no problems if cross-shopping with a Mini).

[Tobes_WIR35]

I'll wait and see what the AMG version looks like, but the body shape isn't doing it for me. The 4 door CLS style coupe sedan sounds alright though...

[alebonau]

the problem with A250 is looks like its going to end up priced around golf R price point, but when in performance stakes it appears more golf gti. I guess got to pay for the mercedes brand name...

[Tobes_WIR35]

The A250 seems to have some pretty trick features, but I'm not sure whether they'll be standard or (costly) options. Probably the latter

[alebonau]

this quote here from the car sales review is encouraging as far as what is standard,

Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport: Quick Spin

What also augurs well for the A 250 Sport is indicative pricing. Benz insiders insist that the A 250 Sport will hit the market at close, perhaps under $50K. Given the level of standard equipment -- DCT transmission, leather, satnav, unique exterior detailing and high-spec wheels and tyres -- that should compare favourably with the heavily option GTIs that seem to inhabit Aussie roads in increasing numbers.

It'll take a drive back-to-back to decide whether the A really is a GTI beater. But the fact we're even making that statement is proof positive of how far Benz's hatch has come.

wow with that standard line up, only option Id want is the sunroof, i they can get that on the road for $50k Id be mighty pleased !

[WhiteJames]

I think an really good all-rounder car that may have been overlooked is the new Audi 1.8 TSI all-wheel drive. Plenty of power for your average joe coupled with AWD for all conditions, relatively light weight (1300kgs) and good fuel economy.

On another note ... had a look a the Toyota FT86 last week. The ergonomics are not great. The steering wheel does not come up high enough or far-out enough with seat set to lowest position. Feels like an Impreza seating position, or slighly lower, with the rest of the Coupe lowered in every other aspect (motor, gearbox, dash). Sort a bit like my old 1988 Toyota Celica SX that was based on the Camry architecture. I didn't feel this with the Mazda MX5 re: seating position and ergonomics. The FT86 door feels tinny, the interior is definitely Subaru cheap (much worse than anything from Toyota) except for parts that the driver actually touches. The seats were an bit firm in the mid to lower back for medium build average height male. Boot is smaller than pics have indicated. Haven't driven the FT86 or BRZ yet ... it doesn't look like a place to spend a long time in ... my Golf GTI is much much niceer inside with proper reach adjustment for steering wheel.

Cheers.
WJ

[clip]

On another note ... had a look a the Toyota FT86 last week. The ergonomics are not great. The steering wheel does not come up high enough or far-out enough with seat set to lowest position...

YUK, they'll sell few, and the ones that do will have zero resale. Just not in the league.