Thoughts - VW boring? + Mazda CX-5 + Golf Mk7 and Mx-5

[julesski]

Hi

I currently own a 1.4 118KW TSI Golf Mk6, this is my third golf in a row.

Starting with a V5 Mk4, GT Mk5 and now my current car.

I am looking forward to see what Volkswagen will do with the next version but and I guess this is the point of my thread, I am concerned that VW have gone safe. In the pursuit for top spot in the automotive world they seem to be pursuing an ever more bland approach to facelift and models.

Interestingly the recent Tiguan facelift, I think and I am sure many others could, almost have predicted exactly what the firm would do to freshen up the model. New corporate front, switchgear lifted from the Golf Mk6 etc.

I am not saying any car firm can push the boundaries all the time and I know the cost benefits in sharing parts from the VW parts bin (especially in these cost conscious times) but eventually many car lines will just be exactly the same, just bigger or larger as a customer demands.

I recently needed a second car and eventually settled on a Mazda Mx-5 2.0 which we need for everyday short journey use but more importantly to have some fun. It has been quite a revelation as I have never owned a "sports car" before.

Now I know everyone will say, it's a "girls car" (not my words), has no power etc but with driving both cars it has amazed me what a different driving experience this can bring. The Mazda, despite being an allegedly "girls car", is raw, requires manual gear change (great box BTW) and feels like you are really driving, even at low speeds it feels fast. The Golf now seems relaxed refined and with DSG, almost as if you can go do something else whilst you are driving.

Whereas before, I thought the Golf handled well, it feels far removed from the "real" driving experience, all I would say is, if you have never tried one - have a go.

Anyway back to my original post, I am thinking I may look at the Mazda CX5 (to replace the Golf) when it arrives as I have been impressed with Mazda and (in NZ) the three years warranty + servicing. My first service with the Golf was $376, for what exactly?

Of course I will wait until the next Golf arrives as well, to compare directly but I guess the point of my post is, if even I am thinking of swapping, being a great VW fan, how many others out there are becoming even a little disenchanted....

Just interested in your thoughts

Julian

p.s. Of course the VW Bluesport may make me stay true to the "one true VW path" - http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/d...roadster-live/

Jules Movie Reviews

[Buller_Scott]

My first service with the Golf was $376, for what exactly?

-oil filter + oil change
-check indicators
-check tyre pressures
-check headlights
-check tail lights
-check that stereo works
-check that seat belts work
-check that windscreen wipers work
-check that handbrake works
-check that side mirrors work
-check that car turns on
-check that steering wheel turns
-check that instrument cluster dials work
-check that seats recline
-check that seats can go forward and backward
-check windscreen washer fluid + top up with tap water

hey, it happens in snowboarding, too - $80 for a ''full tune'', hahaha (cheap file + brush + kmart iron + 25¢ of wax)

[ParaBul]

Not quite an MX-5, but before I bought my GTD one of the major contenders was a Mazda3 (diesel). Although better equipped for less money, the 3 wasn't as engaging as the Golf (I drove GTD & Comfortline (?) 103).

However, I have discovered that the GTD is a fun car to drive quickly through the hills, it's not so much fun when driving fast. It's easy to drive quickly and keep it smooth, but (to me) it becomes a handful when I try that little bit harder. But, at the end of the day, my GTD is a GT version of a shopping trolley, not a sports car - just like the Mazda3. The MX-5 was designed to be a sports car, so I'm not surprised that it's so much more enjoyable - and I wouldn't expect the CX-5 to come close.

[pologti18t]

In Australia Mazdas have 6month/10K km service intervals. VW have 15k km/12 month intervals. Right there most owner will have to fork out for 2 services a year for Mazda and 1 per year for a VW.

A pre prod road test of a US spec CX5 2013 Mazda CX-5 First Drive - Motor Trend

[kaanage]

My first service with the Golf was $376,

Is that all you paid? I'm getting more and more fed up with the dealer that serviced my car.

[Candyman]

VW has never not been "boring"

The Golf styling has always been subdued (and one major reason I buy VW).

Driving dynamics have also been delivered in such a way as to give a "daily driver" ride and feel. Never on the edge of the seat style of driving.

However, the Golf can be modified with moderate changes to deliver that experience if you want it.

As far as Mazda goes, specifically the MX5, you can hardly compare vehicles from two different classes. You may as well compare the Golf with a Toyota Corolla.

Good luck.

[Buller_Scott]

Is that all you paid? I'm getting more and more fed up with the dealer that serviced my car.

read a good thread on used oil analysis on tdiclub that pertained to wear particles vs miles.... results were such that more frequent oil changes led to greater wear particles circulating through the engine... as such, this guy recommends only doing 30,000 MILE oil changes, if youre chasing vehicle longevity in the 1.9 (with oil top ups whenever needed of course...)

do it yourself, do it less frequently - better in the long run (or so many of the tdiclub boys say)

will never get my car serviced at a dealer again (im not paying someone $100/hr to walk around my car and look at the tyres and light globes)

[kaanage]

will never get my car serviced at a dealer again (im not paying someone $100/hr to walk around my car and look at the tyres and light globes)

Yeah, I only went to the dealer since the car was under warranty and now the MoFu's have disowned the car from ANY warranty work due to my cup kit (which they somehow didn't notice during the safety check, though they noted down the aftermarket head unit I'd installed) and ECU remap.

Sorry for the OT - You need to find a review where they compare how the CX-5 drives vs a Tiguan or Yeti - the MX-5 really is in a bracket of its own amongst the Mazda stable.

[Syd118TSI]

Yes, that's a very strange comparison to make - the Golf vs the MX-5! Of course the MX-5 will be more engaging to drive, you're much closer to the ground, and any car with a manual will involve more interaction from the driver.

By comparison driving the 118tsi with DSG is smooth and effortless which is great in traffic.

[clip]

comparing an MX5 with a 118 Golf?! No comparison. I have also had an MX5 in the family and I know what they are like - a true 'sports' car, but underpowered, and last 10 years have gradually got blander and blander - drive an original MA and compare the two for fun factor.

But, as for the CX5, if you enjoy poor interior ergos, (think new Hyundia i35), massive turbo lag (if you go for the turbo, or poor performance if you don't), blind spots all around, and American style suspension, then the CX5 should be just about right.

But then, comparing a Golf to a CX5 is almost the same as comparing the Golf to the MX5

As for VW styling, I was actually a bit worried about it up until the current new corporate design trend that I think is great. I was worried they were going down the Korean, Jap, American styling with big over exagerated sweeping body panels with the over-flared guards, and interiors designed by 12 year old boys. But no, fortunatley they got the Italians in and have come up with a very distinctive style that is unlike anything else on the road at the moment - which is a good thing IMO. It may not be spot on, but at least it recognisable. It's not over the top, but with little effort, can still shout 'look at me, look at me' if you want it to.

[Buller_Scott]

It's not over the top, but with little effort, can still shout 'look at me, look at me' if you want it to.

that's why i like vw's, have since i first saw a vr6 in a showroom at 14. in the korean car thread, i did say that vw's are bland to look at. one look at my car and you'll see that whilst i call vw's bland, i actually say this in a good way (it's damn nice to fly under the radar as it's just a useless bog-stock polo to anyone who sees it).

in the same vein, it's also why i like the RS megane II over the current model, and ditto for the 197clio over the 200.