Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - First Edition

[Lima]

With the Geneva Motor Show about to start, three new Golf competitors have been revealed. Most will know about the A3/S3, but what about the Benz or the Citroen. Would you consider buying one of those instead of the GTI?

And, in the case of the A 250 and DS4, do VW/Audi need to get a bit more funky with their designs?

Citroën DS4 Racing Concept

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Audi A3/S3

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Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport

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[Ryan_R]

Don't like Mercedes atm or the grill on that car
Audi A3 is slower than my car
DS4 looks interesting, but I'm not ready to own a French car just yet (I've been watching too much TopGear I think)

If I was going to spend more money and move away from VW I'd probably be comparing Audi and BMW (and even those new Jaaaags look pretty cool) but I don't see that happening any time soon.

[bwen]

Maybe Holden/HSV might release a new HSV Astra, Ford with their Focus ST/XR5 or even another RS, Honda with a better Civic Type R or Mazda with a new MPS3. Even Hyundai have their new 'hot hatch' which doesn't look too bad.

[THE_EGG]

Don't like Mercedes atm or the grill on that car
Audi A3 is slower than my car
DS4 looks interesting, but I'm not ready to own a French car just yet (I've been watching too much TopGear I think)

If I was going to spend more money and move away from VW I'd probably be comparing Audi and BMW (and even those new Jaaaags look pretty cool) but I don't see that happening any time soon.

LOL wut? TopGear gave their car of the year to a french car a in 2010. The Citroen DS3 as it happens. Must say i'm impressed with my DS3.

Hey Lima what about the Megane RS 250? that's a good car although doesn't have too many creature comforts =.=. Personally i think it will be Golf VII GTI vs. DS4R and thats if the DS4R comes to Australia because the DS3R didn't.

[Lima]

Yeah, RS 250 is supposed to be a cracking car. I've not driven one, but the comparison here was more on the basis of the three cars that have been announced in the last few days.

[Ryan_R]

LOL wut? TopGear gave their car of the year to a french car a in 2010. The Citroen DS3 as it happens. Must say i'm impressed with my DS3.

Yeah the Citroens and Renault's are getting good reviews as fun track day cars, no doubt about that. Glad you're enjoying it. They're on my radar of cars to keep an eye on as new versions come out. That said I still prefer the conservative look of the Golf. It only tells people it's a fast car when I put my foot down.

[Tim]

I think where the VW tends to win out is in the fact that it tends to be a bit of an all rounder. Its never been the fastest, best handling or most comfortable daily driver. It does all of them well enough in a package thats not too "show pony" which allows it to appeal to a wider audience.
If we were all serious hot hatch drivers not concerned with compromise we would be burning around in renault clios wouldnt we?

The merc sounds interesting but im sure as with the rest of their range, once you add a real engine it wont be priced too cheaply in Australia. I also havent seen lines that ugly since Chris Bangle ruined BMW

[team_v]

I voted GTI purely because it is an understated all rounder that does everything i need it to.

The others also look really odd (except the a3, that is sexy.)

[Captain Courteous]

That DS4 looks tuff! I'd have one in white

..I however voted for the GTI - I already know my next car will be an Edition 40!

[Lima]

Maybe Holden/HSV might release a new HSV Astra...

You mean like this one. Assuming it will be offered for sale by Opel Australia...

206kW/400Nm + mechanical LSD







AUSmotive.com » Geneva 2012: Vauxhall Astra VXR

[Scratchyratface]

I must say - it does look good and has a stack of power behind it.

[Klink1313]

No Golf R in the poll...........that is outrageous............

I would get another R

[elephino]

I like the look of the Benz, and the A250 is expected to be similar money to the BMW 125i, which is about $5k above the GTI (without comparing equipment).

[Sharkie]

The Astra is going to be awesome. Opel builds decent performance cars and that will be good even though FWD.

My vote will go to the BMW 1 series though.

Coming to Australia in the near future is 3 x turbo petrol RWD hot hatches. 120i and 128i both 2.0T in 2 states of tune, 1x 135kw and 1 x 180kw. (Like a Tiguan 132/155 the engines are identical) ... so buy a 120i cheap and chip it for max bang for your buck! and later the 135i twin turbo 6 ....

[Lima]

The Astra is going to be awesome. Opel builds decent performance cars and that will be good even though FWD.

My vote will go to the BMW 1 series though.

Coming to Australia in the near future is 3 x turbo petrol RWD hot hatches. 120i and 128i both 2.0T in 2 states of tune, 1x 135kw and 1 x 180kw. (Like a Tiguan 132/155 the engines are identical) ... so buy a 120i cheap and chip it for max bang for your buck! and later the 135i twin turbo 6 ....

Trouble is the new 1 Series is like a pineapple. Ugly on the outside, but sweet on the inside.

Could you really buy a pineapple when there are plenty of nice shiny apples to choose from?