Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - First Edition

[Ryan_R]

I was thinking more of the i30 as far as equipment levels go. You can spend $60k on a BMW and get no features besides bluetooth.

[THE_EGG]

I was thinking more of the i30 as far as equipment levels go. You can spend $60k on a BMW and get no features besides bluetooth.

Thank gawd... CRISIS AVERTED!

I must say though I think Hyundais could be cheaper though.

[Dutch77]

I can see some DS3 in the Veloster.. the big open grille and the crease that runs from the headlights. But whereas Citroen used it as a styling difference and chucked some DRLs in there I'm not really sure what Hyundai were thinking, I find it one of the weakest parts of their car.

The partner of someone at my office was due to drive the A series this week assuming it was available but was leaning towards the 1 series. Apparently the GTI was err to blingy.. the err red in the interior too much.. umm the seat stitching?

Clearly anyone who is genuinely interested in what the GTI is wont be going for a Hyundai, but yeah, I see people looking at things like the i30 over the 77TSI (or equivalent in Mk7). Would I? No.

[Tobes_WIR35]

I was thinking more of the i30 as far as equipment levels go. You can spend $60k on a BMW and get no features besides bluetooth.

Fair point, but it's one thing to have the features. It's another to have them work well, and be of good quality. If I was going to buy a cheap car, I'd actually prefer it to be quite basic, but better quality. After a few years when all the features are falling to bits I'd be doing my head in.

[alebonau]

Thank gawd... CRISIS AVERTED!

I must say though I think Hyundais could be cheaper though.

theyre overpriced, I went to check out and was wondering what do they think theyre selling hondas or mazdas or something ?

personally I cant handle their interiors and styling and if sit in them etc ergonomically and just in a lot of things they just arent right.

[alebonau]

Thank gawd... CRISIS AVERTED!

I must say though I think Hyundais could be cheaper though.

theyre overpriced, I went to check out and was wondering what do they think theyre selling hondas or mazdas or something ?

personally I cant handle their interiors and styling and if sit in them etc ergonomically and just in a lot of things they just arent right.

[Tobes_WIR35]

I must say, with the exception of the Veloster, the current crop of Hyundais look better than the current crop of Japanese counterparts (Mazda, Toyota, Honda etc). The styling of Japanese cars has gone rapidly downhill in the past decade in my opinion. They're too bloated and gawdy. The Japanese used to make nice, uncluttered designs, not anymore though. Less is more!!

[Candyman]

Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI?

The new Mazda 6 is stunning. The 86, GTR, BRZ arent too hard on the eyes

Agree about Honda though

[grandturismo]

It's a very competitive market but my money is on the GTI. it's well priced and is definately a quality all rounder. I've been impressed with the 86. i think its got potential. Although the Mazda is starting too look better visually I just wouldn't go there, same with Honda (although that doesnt even look good). The Merc is an interesting addition to the mix but will probably be over priced. I hope the DS4 comes out, I'd like to drive it.

[THE_EGG]

It's a very competitive market but my money is on the GTI. it's well priced and is definately a quality all rounder. I've been impressed with the 86. i think its got potential. Although the Mazda is starting too look better visually I just wouldn't go there, same with Honda (although that doesnt even look good). The Merc is an interesting addition to the mix but will probably be over priced. I hope the DS4 comes out, I'd like to drive it.

As a resident Citroen owner I urge you to try the standard DS4 and see if you like the insides and how well made it is. Currently you can get a DSport THP200 manual but that is the fastest model out. I've tried the DS4 DSport, and the insides and feel of everything was lovely, it wasn't as good as a DS3 for driving. It felt more expensive than what it was, same goes for the DS5 (although I've only sat in that one). I thought there was a little turbo lag down low rpms and I'm unsure whether it was just that particular car but I found the brakes a bit squishy and not crisp like DS3. Suspension was actually really nice, better damped than the DS3 and soaked up potholes nicely, but again not as 'sporty' feeling as DS3. The high suspension probably doesn't help

[cktsi]

I was thinking more of the i30 as far as equipment levels go. You can spend $60k on a BMW and get no features besides bluetooth.

BMW and Mercedes are masters at making you pay for features everyone else offers as standard. However, is it just me or does it feel as though MB is about to shake up their own pricing with the new A class?

The fact that they openly admit they are aiming for mid to higher end VW owners and seeing their prices leads me to believe so. I also think that is just the beginning. The CLA will also be priced to compete (maybe Passat and mazda 6 high en)d as will the 2014 C class.

I feel Mazda has fired a warning shot with the Atenzza 6 as well. I can't see how ze germans can ignore this much longer.

Even Audi has reduced the price of the A4 and made quattro standard on their 2 litre. We consumers are about to have things better.

So is it just me?

My impression is that the veloster is a cheap rip-off of a scirocco combined with a Renault Megane RS, but styled by someone with sight impediment. I don't see much of the DS3 in it tobe honest - but trust me, that is a good thing!

Sooo... Doesnt that make it somewhat fresh? I had to google the DS3, DS4, and veloster just to see what all of you are talking about :-p

One could argue the DS4 has the same headlights as the mitsubishi lancer but larger, but i still think those two are styled differently enough (mainly due to the lancer's ugly nose).

I have seen the veloster and it turns my head every time. Then i see the hyundai badge and kick myself for looking. Kinda the same reaction i get when i see my hot ex gf :-p

Reading the reviews of the veloster turbo, whilst the engine power output looks great, for some reason the drivetrain cannot put it to the ground. Its 0-100 is 8.5 secs! So until it can do so, it isn't competition for the GTI... Unless one is still hankering after your hot ex-gf.

In which case... One has issues man!

If the Veloster is mentioned at all in this thread, it will become a hate thread from me ie the veloster copying the DS3 in almost everyway.

Uh oh!

Err... You started it!

The new Mazda 6 is stunning. The 86, GTR, BRZ arent too hard on the eyes

Agree about Honda though

i really like the 6 as well for looks. Pity when you are behind the wheel you cannot enjoy them.

The only time i can perve at my Golf is when i am washing it... Hence the weekly washing :-p

As a resident Citroen owner I urge you to try the standard DS4

I had to look up the DS4 sport to see what it does. On paper, is it a better match for the twincharger or TDI than the GTI? I dunno as i haven't driven the latest.

2012 Citroen DS4 Launched In Australia | Reviews | Prices | Australian specifications



Btw no one else for the V40?

[Tobes_WIR35]

The new Mazda 6 is stunning. The 86, GTR, BRZ arent too hard on the eyes

Agree about Honda though

The Mazda 6 is okay... don't know if I'd go with stunning, but a big improvement over the last couple of models for sure. There are exceptions like the 86/BRZ.

Honda lost the plot. The Accord is about the only half-decent looking car in their whole line-up. The Civic is horrible.

Subaru is not far behind (the Forester, XV crossover, and the STI Impreza are okay - specifically the STI though, not the standard WRX) - what is that horrible Liberty minivan thing they're flogging - man that is horrible!!

It just seems that the Jap manufacturers have lost the idea of "proportions". They've started making these huge bulbous plasticky cars with giant headlights, big bulging panels, and small wheels. It really is a shame because they used to make really smart looking, well proportioned cars.

[Tobes_WIR35]

Btw no one else for the V40?

+1 for V40 R-Design

[Lemonskin]

For a mid size sedan (almost large now), I'd call the Mazda 6 stunning. Looks mint.

+1 for the Volvo too. First time I've looked at a Volvo and not been mortified.

[alebonau]

unfortunately mazda 6 and honda accord feel like need to put a cardigan on before getting in

theyre not really golf territory anyways for that role would expect the honda civic or mazda 3 to have the competition there. wife has the previous 3 and was quite a good car, sitting in a 3 loaner of the current model and it looks over styled and with things like power windows and plastic things broken already though expect that from a loaner I guess. there is a new 3 due this year which might change things. but in engines and transmissions mazda got nothing on vw to compete with the golf. in hondas my dad bought a civic and man honda have lost the plot. where did all that f1 inspired sporty cars go ? the civic is a good commuter but internal is very plasticky and the again like mazda the engines and transmissions are really pretty uninspiring maybe there will be a CRX that changes all this but till then not competition.