Stiff competition for the Mk7 Golf GTI - Second Edition

[Dutch77]

The U.K spec is 17" alloys, parking sensors & 7" 'infotainment' type thing. Here's hoping come June we'll get some solid facts and figures.
Do you think VW will either spec up their GTI's or lower the price to combat the A250 onslaught?

I'd like to think a combination of both. There is no doubt the market today and in the future is a lot different to the one that existed when the mk6 landed.

Assuming the GTI mk7 is a cracking drive and remains the best drivers all-rounder then I don't think they need to slash prices, more just shave them.. and hopefully spec up the cars for the most common options. This would also simplify the ordering and holding of stock.

I'd like to see maybe two specs - a stripper, and a 'highline' that matches up more closely with the A250 specs.. which should then only leave a handful of less chosen options maybe for those that are keen on more of a 'special order'.

[alebonau]

I would very seriously consider a BMW M135i if it wasn't so horribly, horribly ugly. A great driver's car, but the styling offends on an epic scale. Still, watch Chris Harris's comparison of the BMW and Audi RS3 - it absolutely demolishes the Audi.

And as for the Megane... a mate of mine has just bought an RS265 as his daily driver (spends most of its time commuting through Melbourne traffic). He didn't consider a Golf because they're just too common on the roads.

yes struggled myself with the bmw 1 series styling, both inside and out. but maybe its something grows on you ! not really usre how a megane rs265 would be as daily drive. renault seem to have an all or nothing wiht the megane its either boring as bat ***** 5 door hatchbacks or take no prisoners with the RS265. nothing in between !

I would have probably bought the Megane if it came in an DSG/dual clutch auto. I know that's awful to say but I do too much city driving to be bothered with a manual!

yeah same here DSG and if there was an RS in a 5 door hatch. need those as everyday car

[kaktusdigital]

The 7G-DCT in the A250 certainly seems an interesting beast considering the same unit is in the A45 AMG - 450Nm!
Perhaps something for prospective buyers to think of in terms of tuning capabilities.

Does anyone have any experiences with both the 7G-DCT and 6-speed in the GTI? The only reports i hear are that the 7G isn't quite as nimble and 'aware' as the 6 speed.

[alebonau]

Drive - Subaru VizIV Concept at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

perhaps some competition from subaru in the new wrx to the both gti and R. not that the wrx seems to get much interest here, but perhaps an option for some. Sound like subaru definitely thinking outside the square this time around

[Dutch77]

Lol @ 'almost exclusive all-wheel drive range'.

I think most of us here either appreciate the understated style/quality/finish of the Golf and other German interiors, or at least the style flair of the French etc.

That article doesn't discuss it but I'm sure I've also read that they were planning on using a CVT transmission rather than developing a DSG style box which means it's a manual only option for anyone who cares about driving.. and knocks out a huge segment of potential buyers who prefer the DSG type option.

[alebonau]

CVT as in feels like driving a singer sewing machine ? major fail !

agree with you, for myself french and german cars seem to have my attention and what have mostly owned .... the italian cars tend to get my attention too but too scared to buy them !

[Capercat]

I would very seriously consider a BMW M135i if it wasn't so horribly, horribly ugly. A great driver's car, but the styling offends on an epic scale. Still, watch Chris Harris's comparison of the BMW and Audi RS3 - it absolutely demolishes the Audi.

The 135i Coupe can still be had, the same N55 engine & with BMW PPK the same performance without elephant man looks.

[Dutch77]

Different tune tho - 225kw/400nm v 235kw/450nm. Similar performance regardless. Main edge of the M135i hatch is the rear doors giving it five door practicality.. tho with the lack of room 'practicality' is a flexible term.

[Dutch77]

I see a first drive of the M-Benz CLA (with diesel) has popped up on carsales. I note it says rear room is poor, and while it's good.. it's no Golf.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI: First Drive

[Capercat]

Different tune tho - 225kw/400nm v 235kw/450nm. Similar performance regardless. Main edge of the M135i hatch is the rear doors giving it five door practicality.. tho with the lack of room 'practicality' is a flexible term.

BMW PPK (Performance pack) 135i coupe =
240kw/450nm DCT
240kw/430nm 6MT

[Dutch77]

BMW PPK (Performance pack) 135i coupe =
240kw/450nm DCT
240kw/430nm 6MT

Oops, I now reigstered what you meant by PPK, apologies.

The coupe option is one I'd like over that hatch, but the rear doors and windows are a handy thing when transporting two canines around.

[WhiteJames]

Reduced prices for Audi A3 add viable option to that list. The 1.8 turbo AWD Audi A3 Sportback 5 door is all you'll even need for local conditions.

Drive - Audi to cut prices on A3 hatch

Good news of price reductions prior to release of the MK7 Golf range ... hopefully VW will follow re: price cuts.

Cheers.
WJ

[kaktusdigital]

Interesting that the A3 132kW model sits between the Golf (110kW) and the GTI (160kW). A move to further distinguish the brand as not just a pricier golf. Do these new A3's have that fancy pants cylinder shutdown technology?

I'd consider an A3, but 132kW is not quite enough grunt and S3 is just too pricey for me.

[alebonau]

agree 100% audi at 132 is going backwards ! why they dont have a classier golf I have no idea. it could be used to hit right back at benz with its a250. maybe all in good time !

[jrgti]

35K including on road costs and dealer for a basic A3??? I would seriously consider the quattro A3 1.8 if that comes to the Aus market if prices are going to be significantly dropped for that as well.