RE: VW Golf GTI: Review
Discussion
I ordered one a couple of weeks ago. I saw the preview at the Paris motorshow and loved the look of the new car, including and especially the tartan seats! At the same show I looked at the BMW. Just in my opinion, but the VW has a load more character and it's much better looking. I can't stand the look of the 1 series. The interior is also much more interesting to sit in than the BMW. BMW's standard Dakota leather to me is hideous, cheap and nasty.
As I've already got other cars with way more poke than either the GTI or BMW outright performance wasn't a consideration, fun factor and looks were more important to me in this purchase than outright performance. You can buy a lot of performance for £30k!
I also managed to get 5% off from a main dealer and not from a broadspeed etc (who have greater discounts but you're more likely to wait longer).
Car sounds spot on for what I want it for, fun, daily commuter, good MPG, and comfortable. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but it's also a pretty high quality item and it will depreciate a lot less than the competitors.
I decided on the car after driving a New Mk7 Golf, big step up on the previous models in quality, NVH, comfort, MPG etc.
As I've already got other cars with way more poke than either the GTI or BMW outright performance wasn't a consideration, fun factor and looks were more important to me in this purchase than outright performance. You can buy a lot of performance for £30k!
I also managed to get 5% off from a main dealer and not from a broadspeed etc (who have greater discounts but you're more likely to wait longer).
Car sounds spot on for what I want it for, fun, daily commuter, good MPG, and comfortable. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but it's also a pretty high quality item and it will depreciate a lot less than the competitors.
I decided on the car after driving a New Mk7 Golf, big step up on the previous models in quality, NVH, comfort, MPG etc.
greggy50 said:
People are moaning about it being compared to the 135i on price but I don’t understand why when it’s the most obvious rival and offers better vfm it just shows VW are taking the piss with the prices of hot golfs. It’s the same with the R model GTI a cabrio is getting on for £40k which is ludicrous for a fwd hatchback!
Also the Focus ST deserves a mention it comes very close in reviews I have read and yet can be picked up for £20k ish new with discount so a dam site cheaper than the golf. Also I actually own a golf GTI so not like I dislike the brand either just don’t understand why anyone sane would pay 5/6k more over a focus ST for one or not choose a superior 135i instead.
I have read that a new hotter one with circa 260bhp will come out soon this will most certainly be getting on for circa £30-£32k at a guess and at that point you have to look at the A45 AMG as well!
I just want people to be more "precise" when they comment and not compare basic with loaded, head over to the golfgtiforum and you will see all kinds of specs being ordered. So;Also the Focus ST deserves a mention it comes very close in reviews I have read and yet can be picked up for £20k ish new with discount so a dam site cheaper than the golf. Also I actually own a golf GTI so not like I dislike the brand either just don’t understand why anyone sane would pay 5/6k more over a focus ST for one or not choose a superior 135i instead.
I have read that a new hotter one with circa 260bhp will come out soon this will most certainly be getting on for circa £30-£32k at a guess and at that point you have to look at the A45 AMG as well!
Edited by greggy50 on Friday 3rd May 12:25
- The 135i is more expensive, but much quicker and lives in a different dynamic universe.
- The Focus and VRX are much cheaper yet deliver 95% of the Golf.
- The Megane is probably more fun (no comparisons yet).
Tomatogti said:
True - however it's BMW's M135 which is cheap (£30.5k) rather than the Golf GTI being expensive. Yes it's down on power versus competitors but if compared to say the Megane 265 you get a far nicer interior - horses for courses really.
Minor point but not sure why you're adding £500 to the golf for the stereo. Golf stereo is just as good.
I only added £500 as the article mentioned it...Minor point but not sure why you're adding £500 to the golf for the stereo. Golf stereo is just as good.
The megane is getting old now believe a new model will be out next year so will be interesting to see how that compares to the golf. Whilst I dont like the new Clio Sport the interiors are now stepping up a lot in quality so will be interesting if the meganne does the same!
the-photographer said:
urquattroGus said:
I've specced one up to £34,500 and that's without the leather! (£1200?)
Very dissapointed that the DSG has HIGHER C02 with DSG than as a manual, the reverse of what seems to be true with most other cars at the moment. Maybe its because its got 6 instead of 7 speeds etc.
It's the high torque wet clutch system with only 6 speeds, these boxes have always been worse in the CO2 tests.Very dissapointed that the DSG has HIGHER C02 with DSG than as a manual, the reverse of what seems to be true with most other cars at the moment. Maybe its because its got 6 instead of 7 speeds etc.
Impressively the A45 AMG is 161 g/km (24%)
The BMW also has a lower rating with the torque converter auto over manual but manages 175 g/km (27%). Manual is 188 (29%) I guess thats the penalty you have for having a lovely 3.0 straight six.
I was going to ignore all this and order the BMW, but the tax rates go up every year, so over 4/5 years it makes quite a difference!
Factor in expected price and the Audi makes the most sense on paper, but I would love to go for the AMG if the price isn't sky high.
Kept telling myself, that it means more money to spend on my second car.....
urquattroGus said:
the-photographer said:
urquattroGus said:
I've specced one up to £34,500 and that's without the leather! (£1200?)
Very dissapointed that the DSG has HIGHER C02 with DSG than as a manual, the reverse of what seems to be true with most other cars at the moment. Maybe its because its got 6 instead of 7 speeds etc.
It's the high torque wet clutch system with only 6 speeds, these boxes have always been worse in the CO2 tests.Very dissapointed that the DSG has HIGHER C02 with DSG than as a manual, the reverse of what seems to be true with most other cars at the moment. Maybe its because its got 6 instead of 7 speeds etc.
It might be something as simple as gear ratios.
My spec would be 3dr, 'free' colour (red), GTI performance pack and thats it. Yes, you can spec one up if you throw everything at it, but that wouldn't be for me, and it keeps the car at just under 26k which feels like the right price IMHO.
Chris Harris's spec seems at odds with almost every other review which says get the Performance Pack but leave the adjustable dampers, however I agree about 3dr and cloth, the car doesn't look 'cheap' with cloth at all.
Chris Harris's spec seems at odds with almost every other review which says get the Performance Pack but leave the adjustable dampers, however I agree about 3dr and cloth, the car doesn't look 'cheap' with cloth at all.
red355 said:
currently just over £2k discount is available thru the normal routes on the new car .... which will pay for leather which is essential as they keep sticking in those dreadful tartan seats.
Via the likes of broadspeed and others? VW dealers I've spoken to aren't discounting much, if anything at the moment anyway, citing the usual new model spiel.AndyWoodall said:
Via the likes of broadspeed and others? VW dealers I've spoken to aren't discounting much, if anything at the moment anyway, citing the usual new model spiel.
When I bought the 335D the two local & snooty dealers said that so I bought thru broadspeed, saved 1500, and picked up on launch day from another BMW dealer (3 hour train journey away thou)coast2coast are currently showing £2k+ discount
HATCHBACK 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr £25,845.00 £23,693.50 £2,151.50
HATCHBACK 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr [Performance Pack] £26,824.99 £24,575.49 £2,249.50
Lagerlout said:
Just in my opinion, but the VW has a load more character and it's much better looking. I can't stand the look of the 1 series.
Interesting. To me the Golf is just plain boring. Nice. But boring. IMO, at least the 1 series is 'interesting' to look at! Each to their own! Lagerlout said:
...it will depreciate a lot less than the competitors.
Including the M135i? How have you worked that out? Looks are totally subjective eh! Lot's of people I know love the 1 series, but I think it's butt ugly. 
Golf isn't exactly inspiring, I just like the clean lines.
Golf will tend to hold 45-8% over three years compared to the BMW at 35-37%. Well that's based on a few websites and scouting second hand values. Golf's are one of the best cars depreciation wise, always have been and the new Mk7 GTI has diesel like economy compared to the 3L BMW. This will be a big factor in the second hand market.
Golf isn't exactly inspiring, I just like the clean lines. Golf will tend to hold 45-8% over three years compared to the BMW at 35-37%. Well that's based on a few websites and scouting second hand values. Golf's are one of the best cars depreciation wise, always have been and the new Mk7 GTI has diesel like economy compared to the 3L BMW. This will be a big factor in the second hand market.
currybum said:
I think it's obvious that price has a significant impact, BMW have shifted about 250 examples of the M135I in the UK so far....whereas the likes of VW and Ford will be shifting several thousand GTI's and ST's each year.
The £10k uplift from the Focus and £5k uplift from the Golf is not insignificant to most people.
The bigger problem is for the likes of the Megane 265 RS. Even the basic Megane 265 Cup with the LSD is £25400. This Golf with the Perf Pack (230 bhp + LSD) is £26800.The £10k uplift from the Focus and £5k uplift from the Golf is not insignificant to most people.
OK the Golf is bit down on power, but it is lighter, has 'the badge', quality, residuals and now is significantly more of a drivers car.
Lagerlout said:
Looks are totally subjective eh! Lot's of people I know love the 1 series, but I think it's butt ugly. Golf isn't exactly inspiring, I just like the clean lines.
Golf will tend to hold 45-8% over three years compared to the BMW at 35-37%. Well that's based on a few websites and scouting second hand values. Golf's are one of the best cars depreciation wise, always have been and the new Mk7 GTI has diesel like economy compared to the 3L BMW. This will be a big factor in the second hand market.
Interesting.... Golf isn't exactly inspiring, I just like the clean lines. Golf will tend to hold 45-8% over three years compared to the BMW at 35-37%. Well that's based on a few websites and scouting second hand values. Golf's are one of the best cars depreciation wise, always have been and the new Mk7 GTI has diesel like economy compared to the 3L BMW. This will be a big factor in the second hand market.
The GFV on my M135i after 3 years is 55%, and that's the dealer buyback - If everything bombs and you'd fail to make more selling private, that's a nice safety net. 35%! Are you just making this stuff up?
It also quite happily will deliver over 40mpg on the motorway. Not bad for a 3.0 I6 with a big blower.
Edited by Mike Roberts on Friday 3rd May 14:33
Edited by Mike Roberts on Friday 3rd May 14:34
Edited by Mike Roberts on Friday 3rd May 14:35
The depreciation myth is still there, I am really surprised. Most volume cars are around the 50% mark after 3 years and the difference between the best performers and the average is tiny, 3 to 4 percentage points. As they also tend to be discounted less, they end up costing about the same in £ terms.
I genuinely believe that the M135i might be an exception though and retain a little more due to rarity/value compared to its competitors.
It's great to have a choice. If you prefer the reassurance of a front wheel drive car then the Golf is brilliant I am sure. If you prefer an in-line 6 RWD car than the BMW seems a great choice too, for a little more money once the spec is equalised (£1,700). 10% off is available on the BMW from alsmost any dealer but I don't how much is available on the Golf.
As for looks, it's obviously subjective but judging a 3-dr M135i based on a ES 114i 5-dr is a little unfair. I think a basic Golf 7 is extremely bland but the GTI is OK. Overall I prefer the BMW (even from the front!!).
I genuinely believe that the M135i might be an exception though and retain a little more due to rarity/value compared to its competitors.
It's great to have a choice. If you prefer the reassurance of a front wheel drive car then the Golf is brilliant I am sure. If you prefer an in-line 6 RWD car than the BMW seems a great choice too, for a little more money once the spec is equalised (£1,700). 10% off is available on the BMW from alsmost any dealer but I don't how much is available on the Golf.
As for looks, it's obviously subjective but judging a 3-dr M135i based on a ES 114i 5-dr is a little unfair. I think a basic Golf 7 is extremely bland but the GTI is OK. Overall I prefer the BMW (even from the front!!).
Edited by nickfrog on Friday 3rd May 15:04
Edited by nickfrog on Friday 3rd May 15:17
red355 said:
When I bought the 335D the two local & snooty dealers said that so I bought thru broadspeed, saved 1500, and picked up on launch day from another BMW dealer (3 hour train journey away thou)
coast2coast are currently showing £2k+ discount
HATCHBACK 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr £25,845.00 £23,693.50 £2,151.50
HATCHBACK 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr [Performance Pack] £26,824.99 £24,575.49 £2,249.50
Autoebid are showing 23981 for 3 door Perf.coast2coast are currently showing £2k+ discount
HATCHBACK 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr £25,845.00 £23,693.50 £2,151.50
HATCHBACK 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr [Performance Pack] £26,824.99 £24,575.49 £2,249.50
nickfrog said:
The depreciation myth is still there, I am really surprised. Most volume cars are around the 50% mark after 3 years and the difference between the best performers and the average is tiny, 3 to 4 percentage points. As they also tend to be discounted less, they end up costing about the same in £ terms.
I genuinely believe that the M135i might be an exception though and retain a little more due to rarity/value compared to its competitors.
No myth. I just traded a 1 series for an employee of mine and I'm afraid it was at 36%. I stand by the fact that Golf's trade higher, generally. You might get lucky with the 135 who knows. As a former CSL owner, values tanked in those very quickly indeed, then stablised at c. 50% and then have hardly moved. This is the exception, will a 135 do the same?I genuinely believe that the M135i might be an exception though and retain a little more due to rarity/value compared to its competitors.
Lagerlout said:
Golf will tend to hold 45-8% over three years compared to the BMW at 35-37%. Well that's based on a few websites and scouting second hand values. Golf's are one of the best cars depreciation wise, always have been and the new Mk7 GTI has diesel like economy compared to the 3L BMW. This will be a big factor in the second hand market.
I agree that Golfs hold their value well. However, looking at the second hand values of the 1Ms, they are holding their value incredibly well (i.e. almost no depreciation). I don't expect the M135i to hold it quite as well as an 1M, but it should be still be pretty strong.Lagerlout said:
No myth. I just traded a 1 series for an employee of mine and I'm afraid it was at 36%.
What model and trim?Sorry, appreciate that we are going off on a tangent here. The Golf GTI. I think the fact that we are talking about it in the same sentence as a semi M badged car shows how good it is. I am sure they will sell well. Not sure I could justify spending a similar amount of money on a GTD though. I would have priced the GTD a little bit less. Or made the performance gap between the two bigger (maybe 240 hp ish for the GTI) and charged a bit more for the GTI.
Edited by Roma101 on Friday 3rd May 15:15
Edited by Roma101 on Friday 3rd May 15:16
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff