Golf v A3 v 1-series
Discussion
Having finally decided to plump for a company car rather than allowance in my new job (and also deciding to buy a 2nd hand estate for my wife and children), I mulling over what car to choose.
I reckon its Golf v A3 v 1-series. What would you go for (and any suggestions on engine & spec)?
(This is probably redundant and just for fun, as I'll probably just be given whatever someone else who has just left has handed back - but, you never know...)
I reckon its Golf v A3 v 1-series. What would you go for (and any suggestions on engine & spec)?
(This is probably redundant and just for fun, as I'll probably just be given whatever someone else who has just left has handed back - but, you never know...)
I've put nearly 20k on a 125d and whilst its a great car, it has its flaws.
1. Doesnt feel massively rear biased, so I wouldnt factor RWD into your choice
2. Standard M Sport suspension is perfectly comfortable but I think body control could be better
3. Standard electric power steering is very numb, perhaps adding to the issue named in '1' above
4. N47 timing chain issues. Not a worry for a company car but BMW should be sorting it. Mine sounds awful.
5. Divisive looks (although you'd have to be a bit weak minded to worry about this).
6. Rear leg room is tight.
I also tried a 120d and whilst it was a very good car, it didnt quite feel as strong as the numbers suggest.
On the flipside its very comfy, fast, ridiculously economical for 218bhp and very very well screwed together.
Unfortunately neither the A3 nor the Golf do anything for me, although I think the former is a touch under-rated dynamically. If I had my choice again i'd be looking very hard at a Leon FR diesel, especially with the purchase price & emissions ratings.
1. Doesnt feel massively rear biased, so I wouldnt factor RWD into your choice
2. Standard M Sport suspension is perfectly comfortable but I think body control could be better
3. Standard electric power steering is very numb, perhaps adding to the issue named in '1' above
4. N47 timing chain issues. Not a worry for a company car but BMW should be sorting it. Mine sounds awful.
5. Divisive looks (although you'd have to be a bit weak minded to worry about this).
6. Rear leg room is tight.
I also tried a 120d and whilst it was a very good car, it didnt quite feel as strong as the numbers suggest.
On the flipside its very comfy, fast, ridiculously economical for 218bhp and very very well screwed together.
Unfortunately neither the A3 nor the Golf do anything for me, although I think the former is a touch under-rated dynamically. If I had my choice again i'd be looking very hard at a Leon FR diesel, especially with the purchase price & emissions ratings.
Probably Golf then.
Audi and BMW spec is pretty sparse IMHO unless you start adding option packs.
Our warehouse guy is looking at a 1 series at the moment. For 25 grand I would expect a sat nav but it appears to be an option.
ETA: It could have Sat Nav as standard but the BMW site is such w
k that I'm buggered if I can find a full standard spec!
Audi and BMW spec is pretty sparse IMHO unless you start adding option packs.
Our warehouse guy is looking at a 1 series at the moment. For 25 grand I would expect a sat nav but it appears to be an option.
ETA: It could have Sat Nav as standard but the BMW site is such w
k that I'm buggered if I can find a full standard spec!Edited by Sixpackpert on Wednesday 31st July 16:01
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