Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - Second Edition

[AdamD]

Following on from the http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...ion-69132.html thread, we have a whole host of new options on the market now, or soon to be released into Australia.

Based on these new offerings, which new hot hatch (or coupe) will you be spending your money on?

[alebonau]

merc a250 for me, waiting for a test drive but so far seems a good move from my m6 gti

[Ryan_R]

Without thinking too much about cost I'd go for the new S3 first, then Golf R or GTI (pending reviews). If I had to go other brands I'd probably look at the Focus ST and Astra (don't like the Opel interior though), or otherwise a BRZ/86 (hopefully with more power then-available). Although Jeremy didn't seem to mind.

[cktsi]

The poll results may change depending on final specs and pricing for the Mark 7. I think a tad too early, but i voted anyway based on what i know right now and assume about the GTI and golf R rather than what it actually will be.

It would be interesting to see the breakdown of those who voted whether they have had significant problems with their mk5 or mk6 Golfs.

I for one have been bitten too much to want a third Golf, as much as i still think a supercharger and turbo is the freakin coolest engine ever made!

Btw Ryan_R... Like your animated GIF

[pologti18t]

Are the next Clio RS and Pug 208GTI considered hot hatches?

[Diesel_vert]

Are the next Clio RS and Pug 208GTI considered hot hatches?

Yes, although they are from the next class down, so their natural competitors would include (hot versions of) the Audi A1, Citroen DS3, Ford Fiesta ST, Mini Cooper S, Opel Corsa OPC, Skoda Fabia RS, VW Polo GTI, and so forth.

[alebonau]

The poll results may change depending on final specs and pricing for the Mark 7. I think a tad too early, but i voted anyway based on what i know right now and assume about the GTI and golf R rather than what it actually will be.

It would be interesting to see the breakdown of those who voted whether they have had significant problems with their mk5 or mk6 Golfs.

~

my mk6 gti been rock solid

[Dutch77]

I thought long and hard on my vote, but at this stage I think I'm still in the VW GTI/R camp.

As above I've got a feeling we may see some sharper pricing and/or more highly specced Mk7s simply because M-Benz has forced their hand and I would also expect other brands to follow suit.

At the end of the day it will still come down to a drive of the vehicles concerned, but for those who can't wait for the Mk7 then the A250 seems to be a good choice.

I just wonder whether that design will still look good a few years down the track, I feel confident that the Golfs will (personal bias aside); it just seems to have certain elements of Hyundai in it - not the actual design, more the vibe behind it (ok now I'm channeling Dennis Denuto). I thought the i40 looked great when it was released, today it just looks a little tired.

If we can drop money from the equation then the S3 would get a look.. although under that measure so does the A45 which seems like a deranged bit of work.

[dsuhiti]

My next car will be RWD, so I have settled mostly on a 370Z or a 135i. However, if I were to go hot hatch (I have had 2 and love them) I would put the Astra OPC first, I have driven it and its an awesome machine. Second would be a battle between GTI and Megane, probably the GTI though, the Renault would be hard to live with day to day.

[alebonau]

yawn, definitely not golf gti competition, not sure why I thought would ever be !
Drive - Hyundai i30 SR hot hatch

more luke warm than hot hatch !

[Ryan_R]

If you've seen the latest TopGear, you would've seen Jeremy amazed by the new Astra VXR (besides the Vauxhall brand-name), not so impressed with the Focus ST (trackwise), and only enjoyed the handling characteristics of the Megane (didn't like the lack of equipment/price, seatbelt, and lack of straight-line power). In fact he was more glowing in his review of the new Kia Cee'd.

If you know your way around torrents you can find the episode here: FinalGear.com :: Shows :: Top Gear :: Season 19 :: Episode 4

[Dutch77]

yawn, definitely not golf gti competition, not sure why I thought would ever be !
Drive - Hyundai i30 SR hot hatch

more luke warm than hot hatch !

Agreed, but for those that can't stretch the budget.. at least they're having a crack unlike most of their competition. I'd pick this over a Veloster.

I note they hint there could be a two tier warm (hot) hatch structure, with this being the lower of the two. I'm guessing the turbo from the Veloster might be option two? Trouble is the i30 weighs more than the Veloster and that thing is about 1.5 secs too slow in its 100 kay sprint as it is.

[jrgti]

On paper the Merc looks good however I am confident it's dct is no match for the dct of the vw/audi group. Currently have a GTI myself, and it is good to see the rise in other competing hatches.
Hope to see more competitive pricing or packages from VW/Audi for the R/A3quattro respectively because if I do upgrade it should be AWD. But then again I could just go get the upcoming Tiguan with 4motion.

[alebonau]

First drive: Volvo V40 T5 R-Design

the volvo v40 T5-R which is apparently the gti rival from volvo. not really clear on overall pricing and whether that $50k plus price comes with all the goodies the merc a250 comes with.

good there is another option

[Lemonskin]

Don't forget the Volvo V40 T5 R Design... Looks the goods.
First drive: Volvo V40 T5 R-Design