Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - First Edition

[Tobes_WIR35]

I think they'll sell a lot, purely because the Jap fans haven't had a decent, affordable, rear wheel drive sports coupe since (arguably) the mid 90's. That said, I am pretty let down. I had much higher hopes for the car, and prices in the high 30's and 40's is not great value in my opinion. If they were to bring out a tuned turbo version I might be more interested

[alebonau]

thing with interiors of cars it is the one thing that you are interacting with when driving a car. I can never understand car makers who strip that out. ok sure for a race car. but a road car ? I dont get it. unless they were trying to keep the dash as though it belonged in something from 1986 ?

it will sell heaps. but yeah driving a golf gti for last couple of years, I couldnt handle such a downgrade to the interior. but really the 86 is definitely such a different car both inside and out..and in fairness to get it at $30k I guess something had to be stripped back.

anyways all my reading of the a250 is really ticking boxes for me. but I fear I will not be able to afford one ! lets see...

excellent 1st drive review on carsales here,

http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2012/prestige-and-luxury/mercedes-benz/a-class/mercedes-benz-a-class-launch-review-31117

[Tobes_WIR35]

I doubt you'd get one for 30k. All the ones on carsales are into the high 30's and well into the mid 40's, which is a bit steep in my opinion.

[team_v]

I doubt you'd get one for 30k. All the ones on carsales are into the high 30's and well into the mid 40's, which is a bit steep in my opinion.

Dealers are bumping up the RRP by 2k and then you add on any options and dealer charges and it jumps to 35k for the base spec one.

[Captain Courteous]

Yeah because they know there's a big waiting list for them..

I agree with Tobes_WIR35 they should have done a turbo.. I'm surprised Subaru isn't even going to offer it on their version, the BRZ, nor are they doing AWD.. You'd think they would do so to set it apart from the Toyota..


Personally the Scirocco looks ten times better.. What are the chances VW will bring the entire range here?

[alebonau]

another pretty comprehensive review here on the new merc A series..

New Mercedes-Benz A-Class (12 on) Car Review - Summary | Parkers

[Tobes_WIR35]

I don't know about the Scirocco, half the time I look at them and think they're hot, the other half I think hmmmmm I dunno. I think it depends what angle you're looking at it. But luckily aesthetics are mostly subjective

[alebonau]

Mercedes-Benz Australia - Facts & Figures - A 250 Sport, Sport Model

also given the A250 is $50k and heavily loaded as standard stiff competition to the GTI indeed or golf R at very least !

[clip]

I don't know about the Scirocco, half the time I look at them and think they're hot, the other half I think hmmmmm I dunno. I think it depends what angle you're looking at it. But luckily aesthetics are mostly subjective

agree, asthetics are totally subjective, but it's not so much the exterior that gets to me - I think the rocco looks awesome- in the right colour, but you jump into one expecting something a bit special, and well, as someone commented, it's just mum's golf with different seats. TBH, I'm getting bit tired with the spartan VW interiors. While I hate absolutely, something like what Hyundai does, they could step it up a tad. JMHO though

[clip]

Mercedes-Benz Australia - Facts & Figures - A 250 Sport, Sport Model

also given the A250 is $50k and heavily loaded as standard stiff competition to the GTI indeed or golf R at very least !

yep, but then I reckon unless it is something really out of the box to build it's reputation really fast, it will lack cred and be seen as soft. GTI, (and R to less extent) are so well proven and have such massive cred and reputation, and that's taken years to build but plays out really well for VW now. But if the A250 actually drives better, who knows?

[cktsi]

leaving the stable.

The recent SMH article http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...015-27mq7.html says the A250 will come in at $50k. That is compelling value!

Whilst I like my hatch to be sporty, I also appreciate a comfortable quiet ride which is what I think the A250 provides. If you are track focussed, at this price range obviously go for the Golf R. However, if you want a nice interior, I think this will beat a fully optioned GTI... looks like I will be leaving the VW stable after 7 years and 2 Golfs.

If I can't get into a 328i under $70k drive away, the A250 is under serious consideration.

[alebonau]

looks the part thats for sure !

[Ryan_R]

except for the front grill

[Sharkie]

If I can't get into a 328i under $70k drive away, the A250 is under serious consideration.

The 320i is mechanically identical to the 328i. And sooner rather than later the major tuners will be able to "chip" both. Current expectations are that they will deliver identical power once chipped. Save $15k by buying a 320i, chip it and get chipped 328i power ....

[alebonau]

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 !