Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - Second Edition

[Lemonskin]

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

Lol great minds...

[alebonau]

hehe

my main problem....




.... its a volvo

ps other thing suprised about the autos are conventional slush boxes. I thought volvo had access to fords dual clutch transmission. pity as doesnt seem the case with this model

[THE_EGG]

The fact that this too, does not have a manual option is disappointing. I use to be auto fanboi but I've found that manual is just so much more rewarding and involving compared to any auto, including dsg style boxes. Also, I thought Volvo said they weren't going to continue making cars using a 5 cylinder engine? Volvo is owned by Geely now right? So I'm guessing they won't have access to sophisticated new engines for a while. I do like the 5 cylinder engine though

And why no Astra OPC option in the multichoice vote? :O

[AdamD]

And why no Astra OPC option in the multichoice vote? :O

Typo on my part, it's there now. (Who cares about a GTC with only 132kw...)

[THE_EGG]

Typo on my part, it's there now. (Who cares about a GTC with only 132kw...)

Yeh jeez who cares about the GTC Thanks for adding it.

[Sharkie]

I have decided to buy a Mk7 R in a manual and 5 doors when they come out ..... Colour tbc

Nothing else compares spec wise for the price IMO, whilst I'd like a 135i it's looks puts me off and fwd will not be an option so pretty much everything else is out. S3 too expensive for what is essentially a R with a different body.

[alebonau]

the R is defiitely in a niche of its own. anything comparable from the other brands is hugely more expensive so be a great choice I reckon

[Lemonskin]

I actually think the Ford Focus ST looks great. Plus it's bigger so more room. I would definitely buy that or the Astra OPC if I had the money!

[Molotov]

I put my money where my mouth was and bought an 86... yet to be delivered.

[Cookie28]

I also voted 86 (although I do currently drive a MK4) this is because for me being young (only 18 atm) I would prefer something a bit more fun I guess and because I can live with the worse interior and being a less practical car (at least for now) but if I was older and I cared more about everyday comfort and practicality it would be GTI all the way for me

[DJJASE]

Drove it today at the launch, Cancelled my pre order, very disappointed. Will be buying a golf R as orinnally planned

[Molotov]

Drove it today at the launch, Cancelled my pre order, very disappointed. Will be buying a golf R as orinnally planned

Jase, very interesting. Care to elaborate?

[Lemonskin]

Wow, motoring write ups on the V40 say its electric steering sucks on the V40 T5 R Design.

[Tobes_WIR35]

Drove it today at the launch, Cancelled my pre order, very disappointed. Will be buying a golf R as orinnally planned

Drove what?

[sheckster]

Had the chance to check out a250 up close, didn't get to drive it though as I missed my allotted time, they still handed me the keys so I could turn the engine on Interior is first class, from seats to dash to controls and layout. Panoramic sunroof is pretty nice too, the screen for nav didn't seem to bad. All in all, pretty nice looking car from MB, but as all the reviews says, it's pretty cramped n the back, although my 5 yr old boy didn't mind when hopped-in and buckled himself. Then I saw an R32 on the road today and I still covet it