Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - First Edition

[cktsi]

well a3 sportback is out I would think as a contender,
Drive - Audi A3 Sportback Review

one word comes to mind and thats "boring"... not sure where audi is going these days but the world of bland seems the destination.

for a car with the name sport back dont understand where is the cooking version ? best it gets is a 132kw engine ? and looks like its a long wheelbase car too so can imagine a bit of a snoozer...pass !

Maybe it's ike the Golf release strategy? In 2009 the Golf mk6 GTI wasnt available until october, but the rest of the Golf range excluding R was released around April.

Perhaps the real cooking version will come out later?

Btw those engine outputs look pretty good. I think the reviewer's caveat is that the power to weight ratio has been blunted by the AWD.

Even though the max torque comes on at 1500rpm, i think in real world driving there will be lag. Pity they dropped the twincharger! Superchargers rule at low rpm with insta-torque

[alebonau]

your probably right, and am sure there will be a s3 version, but was just thinking there would have been a model inbetween, similar performance level to the golf gti but in audi clothing

just like the a1 sportback that has the cooking version with the 136kw engine and a natural step up from the golf polo gti

[AdamD]

your probably right, and am sure there will be a s3 version

There most certainly is:

2013 Audi S3 Unveiled Ahead Of Australian Sportback Debut | Reviews | Prices | Australian specifications
Audi S3 2013 - YouTube

[alebonau]

There most certainly is:

2013 Audi S3 Unveiled Ahead Of Australian Sportback Debut | Reviews | Prices | Australian specifications
Audi S3 2013 - YouTube

just wish there was something inbetween...and with 5 doors ! ie. golf gti alternative

[cktsi]

just wish there was something inbetween...and with 5 doors ! ie. golf gti alternative

My point was that they probably will release a 2 litre turbo a few months down the track. I see the 1.8 litre as a mid range spec vehicle much like the comfortline in the golf range. So there would have to be one more car before you get to the s3 if past patterns are anything to go by.

[AdamD]

My point was that they probably will release a 2 litre turbo a few months down the track. I see the 1.8 litre as a mid range spec vehicle much like the comfortline in the golf range. So there would have to be one more car before you get to the s3 if past patterns are anything to go by.

+1 on this - chances are they'll release the A3 with the 2.0 EA888 just has they did in the current range. But the reason Audi can offer so many choices in the A3 range relative to the model's local popularity is because they charge such huge prices for the more premium models, and so price (and perceived prestige) is the main differentiator between them!

The S3 will be a 5-door in Australia, as per the above article. If you're keen to move to an Audi, maybe stretching to an S3 Sportback is worthwhile (at least that model goes a long way toward justifying the premium Audi tax).

[Paul_R]

(at least that model goes a long way toward justifying the premium Audi tax).

I don't want to harp on but...

An Audi S4 in the UK costs only AU$10,000 more than a Golf R!

The Golf R is basically the same price over there as it here when you convert GBP to AU$.

[alebonau]

the s3 sportback I somehow doubt would fall in the category of "stiff competition for the mk7 golf GTI" especially if the s3 sportback is over $10k the GOLFR in the UK god forbid what it ends up costing here over a more humble mk7 golf gti. cant see too many looking at it as competion for the gti somehow...

I guess just like the golf polo gti vs A1 alternative the audi version is always going to be at a premium. just that the premium charged is starting to get a bit on the silly side I'm thinking !

[Captain Courteous]

looks the part thats for sure !

I agree.. It looks fantastic

I've heard it's only available in an automatic? Such a shame if it's true...

[DoggieHowser]

Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI?

Yes. Bane of Mercs. Even AMGs are available in auto only. Tho some now have DSG I think.

[alebonau]

I agree.. It looks fantastic

I've heard it's only available in an automatic? Such a shame if it's true...

7 speed dual clutch transmission. love the dsg on my gti so dont see why not

check out the performance car of the year nominees and winner.... apart from the nissan the rest are all dual clutch or autos
DCOTY 2012: Best Performance Car Over $60k finalists

[Ryan_R]

But many don't like the 7 speed DCT on their normal Golf. Obviously being 7 speed isn't the issue, it's the dry clutch setup. Not sure what MB is using here.

[alebonau]

But many don't like the 7 speed DCT on their normal Golf. Obviously being 7 speed isn't the issue, it's the dry clutch setup. Not sure what MB is using here.

same 7 speed DCT merc been using for quite a while.

[lol.u.mad.bro]

Going back to the Nissan SSS coming out next June, have just learnt that it will be almost half the price of the Golf GTI. (less power and torque) Here's a video of the a development vehicle at Eastern Creek. No fast driving footage I'm sorry.

[cktsi]

Er... No. The pulsar is not relevant to this thread. It's a rice boy car. I would sooner mention the focus st as an alternative to the gti or the new civic r