RE: Volkswagen Golf GTI

[Dave200]

Tycho said:

Seems like the marketing/finance people are going for the more mature/boring market rather than the hardcore market who will snap up the Focus RS.

You seem to ignore the fact that this is what the VAST majority of the hot-hatchback market will want. Contrary to the article (something I would like to take umbrage with), the appeal for "hardcore", "track-orientated" cars is minuscule, when compared with those who desire something which can combine exceptional performance of the most mundane tasks (family lugging, long journeys), with the ability to entertain when its legs are stretched.

It is this reason that the original Focus ST was the commercial success that none of the "hot" Meganes have so far proven to be; and it is its exceptional ability to combine these attributes (combined with a defined brand image and comparatively solid residuals) which will ensure that the Golf GTI continues to sell strongly and have appeal among the masses.

This car will be a success.

ETA: People saying that it "isn't as fast as the Focus", or it "doesn't give as many bhp/£ as the Megane R26" are completely missing the point. While Pistonheads is going to be full of people to whom these are key issues, 99% of hot-hatch buyers couldn't give a monkeys about on-the-limit adjustable handling, or shaving milliseconds off their 0-60mph time. They are buying an overall package, which is why the Golf GTI continues to be a popular car.

Edited by Dave200 on Friday 17th April 15:15

[Vagabond]

Gridl0k said:

Vagabond said:

I disagree, this site covers more new cars then it does old cars, so maybe you should go over to www.idriveanoldwreck.co.uk where you can discuss cars from 20 years ago.

People with their old bangers thinking they own some classic because there arent many on the roads, hmm, ever think that's because no one wants them anymmore?

Seriously, have you even read a copy of evo? Do you understand that this site is about exciting, fun cars? Have you ever driven a Golf GTi or a 205 GTi? Or is your appreciation of motoring limited to damped cupholders and soft-touch plastic?

I don't know what you drive but I can guarantee that no matter what it is I could run rings round you in my 1990 Golf (I am cheating on the power front though) and have a stload more fun that you in your "new car". Or are all these people driving 1973 911s and Lamborghini
Miuras also idiots who should chop them in for a Lacetti?

'Different strokes for different folks' aside, you've definitely got the wrong site mate.

Again, you're either trolling or genuinely haven't got a clue what you're talking about. New = good, old = bad, right? Nothing else even comes into the equation? Pistonheads is all about new cars?

Progress happens, if you like your old bangers then fine, but dont go comparing a new Mk6 Golf to some 205, or 20 year old model, you prefer that, very very few other people do (I assume its easy to spot your type by the amount of plaid you wear )

I bet you cook on an open fire because it gives more "feeling", and wash your clothes in a brooke, because washing machines just dont give that same feeling of getting your hands wet?

You're an "old car" geek, you're viewed the same way as Disco Stu stuck in his 70's fashion, so as much as you'd shake your head at some geezer riding a penny farthing, that's how the greater public see you in your "classic", you just havent realised it.

[swamp]

Dave200 said:

Tycho said:

Seems like the marketing/finance people are going for the more mature/boring market rather than the hardcore market who will snap up the Focus RS.

You seem to ignore the fact that this is what the VAST majority of the hot-hatchback market will want. Contrary to the article (something I would like to take umbrage with), the appeal for "hardcore", "track-orientated" cars is minuscule, when compared with those who desire something which can combine exceptional performance of the most mundane tasks (family lugging, long journeys), with the ability to entertain when its legs are stretched.

It is this reason that the original Focus ST was the commercial success that none of the "hot" Meganes have so far proven to be; and it is its exceptional ability to combine these attributes (combined with a defined brand image and comparatively solid residuals) which will ensure that the Golf GTI continues to sell strongly and have appeal among the masses.

This car will be a success.

Golf GTI is the Swiss Army knife of cars. Nothing does as much and as well in all areas as the GTI. Nothing.

[Gridl0k]

OK, I should have known better and I'll stop feeding the trolls now. I'll go and sit with the other plaid-wearing GTi drivers (including Vicky Butler-Henderson, last I heard) and leave you to your imaginary perfect new car that you seem to have problems listing.

For what it's worth, day to day I drive a C43 AMG - hardly an antique - and my Golf has roughly 330bhp/ton, but I'm sure your Honda FRV makes you happy.

[Vagabond]

Gridl0k said:

OK, I should have known better and I'll stop feeding the trolls now. I'll go and sit with the other plaid-wearing GTi drivers (including Vicky Butler-Henderson, last I heard) and leave you to your imaginary perfect new car that you seem to have problems listing.

For what it's worth, day to day I drive a C43 AMG - hardly an antique - and my Golf has roughly 330bhp/ton, but I'm sure your Honda FRV makes you happy.

Not sure how victor butler-henderson helps you're cause, she's a pig ugly hag with a mans voice, about as attractive as cold rice pudding.

I was being slightly tounge in cheek about the older cars, hope youdidnt genuinly take offense or anything, im a modern car type person, you appreciate your classics, I just think that the new Golf represents motoring of today, and dont think the oldies do anymmore.

[Gridl0k]

Didn't take offence, just perplexed as to how someone can miss the point of pistonheads in such a massive way and yet still have a 300-strong post count.

[rsstman]

an old 205 gti is hardly a car to put comparison against a brand new golf gti though is it? new cars are heavier, thats just how it is, unless you get a track day type car.

i seriously doubt anyone looking to get a quick new hot hatch will think "hang on i could just spend a grand on some old pug".

[Vagabond]

I like cars, Im not a massive enthusiast or anything (used to be) but enjoy reading about the latest cars coming out and some of the car debates that go on.

Just because I dont like old cars doesnt mean I dont "get" Pistonheads, it's just a car forum, they're just cars, nothing to take as life and death.

[slowDC5]

Dave200 said:

You seem to ignore the fact that this is what the VAST majority of the hot-hatchback market will want. Contrary to the article (something I would like to take umbrage with), the appeal for "hardcore", "track-orientated" cars is minuscule, when compared with those who desire something which can combine exceptional performance of the most mundane tasks (family lugging, long journeys), with the ability to entertain when its legs are stretched.

It is this reason that the original Focus ST was the commercial success that none of the "hot" Meganes have so far proven to be; and it is its exceptional ability to combine these attributes (combined with a defined brand image and comparatively solid residuals) which will ensure that the Golf GTI continues to sell strongly and have appeal among the masses.

This car will be a success.

ETA: People saying that it "isn't as fast as the Focus", or it "doesn't give as many bhp/£ as the Megane R26" are completely missing the point. While Pistonheads is going to be full of people to whom these are key issues, 99% of hot-hatch buyers couldn't give a monkeys about on-the-limit adjustable handling, or shaving milliseconds off their 0-60mph time. They are buying an overall package, which is why the Golf GTI continues to be a popular car.

Edited by Dave200 on Friday 17th April 15:15

Sounds like you should buy a Suby WRX for 4 grand less than the GTI based on your description of what a hot hatch should be. People buy the GTI because they want a GTI, that's the end of it really. I doubt many of them even test drive other cars in comparison.

[tstain]

CTE said:

Now, make a proper GTI new style Polo with proper steering, and you`ll have a cracker....oh, sounds rather a lot like the orignal Golf in spec?

like the polo gti perhaps? massively underrated car, feels a lot more chuckable than golf gti and wouldn't cost much to get similar power outputs.

[Gridl0k]

tstain said:

CTE said:

Now, make a proper GTI new style Polo with proper steering, and you`ll have a cracker....oh, sounds rather a lot like the orignal Golf in spec?

like the polo gti perhaps? massively underrated car, feels a lot more chuckable than golf gti and wouldn't cost much to get similar power outputs.

Lupo GTi... Best built VW for years, excellent Mk1-style handling, lovely lovely revvy engine and look the bks.

A very very under-rated car.

[choplee]

Just as VW started to sort out the Golf styling they all have afew to many pints and a hot hot curry ......result Facelift Golf

[Motorrad]

Vagabond said:

Just because I dont like old cars doesnt mean I dont "get" Pistonheads

Yes it does.

Have you ever considered that the 'WhatCar' website or 'Diesel Car Owner' forums might be more up your street.

[Vagabond]

Motorrad said:

Vagabond said:

Just because I dont like old cars doesnt mean I dont "get" Pistonheads

Yes it does.

Have you ever considered that the 'WhatCar' website or 'Diesel Car Owner' forums might be more up your street.

Grow up, I bet you're the type who sleeps on a matress in the garage just to be enar his car.

Thanks for the heads up on the other forums, may give them a go in the hope there arent as many "individuals" like you on them.

Edited to reduce nastiness.

Edited by Vagabond on Friday 17th April 16:45

[collateral]

slowDC5 said:

People buy the GTI because they want a GTI, that's the end of it really. I doubt many of them even test drive other cars in comparison.

Part of the problem perhaps?

I've only driven works mk5 GTs but I thought they were terminally boring due to how detached you feel, and I was happy to be driving my more chuckable and communicative 'wreck' home afterwards. Sadly most mainstream cars seem to be going in this direction.

[Motorrad]

Vagabond said:

Motorrad said:

Vagabond said:

Just because I dont like old cars doesnt mean I dont "get" Pistonheads

Yes it does.

Have you ever considered that the 'WhatCar' website or 'Diesel Car Owner' forums might be more up your street.

Grow up, I bet you're the type who sleeps on a matress in the garage just to be enar his car.

Thanks for the heads up on the other forums, may give them a go in the hope there arent as many "individuals" like you on them.

Edited to reduce nastiness.

Edited by Vagabond on Friday 17th April 16:45

Your attempts at trolling are getting ever more obvious.

No I don't sleep on a matress in the garage, I'm not precious about cars in the slightest.

I like driving them, which is why I have an appreciation for any car that drives well and delivers pleasure when one is sat behind the wheel.

As for reducing the amoint of 'nastiness' be as nasty as you like, I'm guessing most people will have already decided you're a prick.

Have a nice weekend loser.

[Dave200]

slowDC5 said:

Dave200 said:

You seem to ignore the fact that this is what the VAST majority of the hot-hatchback market will want. Contrary to the article (something I would like to take umbrage with), the appeal for "hardcore", "track-orientated" cars is minuscule, when compared with those who desire something which can combine exceptional performance of the most mundane tasks (family lugging, long journeys), with the ability to entertain when its legs are stretched.

It is this reason that the original Focus ST was the commercial success that none of the "hot" Meganes have so far proven to be; and it is its exceptional ability to combine these attributes (combined with a defined brand image and comparatively solid residuals) which will ensure that the Golf GTI continues to sell strongly and have appeal among the masses.

This car will be a success.

ETA: People saying that it "isn't as fast as the Focus", or it "doesn't give as many bhp/£ as the Megane R26" are completely missing the point. While Pistonheads is going to be full of people to whom these are key issues, 99% of hot-hatch buyers couldn't give a monkeys about on-the-limit adjustable handling, or shaving milliseconds off their 0-60mph time. They are buying an overall package, which is why the Golf GTI continues to be a popular car.

Edited by Dave200 on Friday 17th April 15:15

Sounds like you should buy a Suby WRX for 4 grand less than the GTI based on your description of what a hot hatch should be. People buy the GTI because they want a GTI, that's the end of it really. I doubt many of them even test drive other cars in comparison.

No. An Impreza has a far inferior image to the new Golf GTI (you hardly have to go far before you trip over one with "blingin' rims" and a dustbin exhaust), as well as poorer residuals, a far less ergonomic interior, and ride comfort which isn't even in the same league as the VW.
It's nowhere close to being the complete package that the Golf GTI offers. Try as you might, there is no more rounded hot hatch than the current Golf GTI.

While I evangelise about the new Golf GTI, I fully understand that it is far from the best car on the road.
I too prefer the more direct, distinct feel of a classic Golf (check my profile), over the noticeably more removed level of input and feedback that you get from a new Golf (or 99% of new cars for that matter).
However, what so many posters in this thread seem to be missing/ignoring/failing to grasp, is that we (the PH audience) are in no way representative of the overall car-buying public. The ENORMOUS majority of people buying new cars don't share our values, and don't make buying decisions based on the same criteria. So, therefore, for anyone to slate the car because it isn't "hardcore/track-focused" enough, or doesn't have sufficient power/performance to justify its premium price tag, simply shows that they are missing the point or a car which will (continue to) be a success among its target market.

Edited by Dave200 on Friday 17th April 17:09

[rsstman]

slowDC5 said:

People buy the GTI because they want a GTI, that's the end of it really. I doubt many of them even test drive other cars in comparison.

possibly, but when i went to buy my focus ST i test drove a civic type-r golf gti, and a friends astra vxr and personally thought the ST appealed more.

perhaps people who buy golfs though are different though as i think a lot of them are just buying the badge.

[slowDC5]

Dave200 said:

No. An Impreza has a far inferior image to the new Golf GTI (you hardly have to go far before you trip over one with "blingin' rims" and a dustbin exhaust), as well as poorer residuals, a far less ergonomic interior, and ride comfort which isn't even in the same league as the VW.
It's nowhere close to being the complete package that the Golf GTI offers. Try as you might, there is no more rounded hot hatch than the current Golf GTI.

Edited by Dave200 on Friday 17th April 17:09

Seems like things on your side of the pond differ greatly from here in the states. I can't leave the house without tripping over some idiot with chrome wheels and a $20 coffee can exhaust on his VW. Residuals on Subaru's are also much better here as well since VW's aren't so great on reliability.

Reading CAR it would seem the RS is a bit more livable than posts on this forum would indicate.

[r1ch]

Honestly, as car enthusiasts, does anybody get "excited" when they release a new golf anymore?

Really, i appreciate the classy image and they are a versatile hatch, just about as exciting as sitting on a train doing a crossword to me. Sure they can't make hardcore hathbacks anymore, the safety aspect won't allow. Just, wheres the excitement of wallowing round in a car when you can hardly feel the road?