Obscure Performance Saloon Spin-offs e.g. Jetta 16v
Discussion
Didn't want to derail the Golf R / S3 thread, but this is a topic I personally find interesting, specifically that of rare 4-door variants of hot hatches. Or indeed any other performance car that's more normally associated with a different body-style. I'm sure there must be many I've forgotten about now, and wonder how many are actually left on the roads these days? so, for example:
Honda Civic VTi 4-dr:
The lesser-spotted Saab 900 Turbo Sedan:
And the one discussed in the other thread:
The Jetta that was based on the Mk5 Golf had the engine from the Golf GTi at the time as an option. Not many about though so your point stands, although it shows they had another crack at it.The Jetta is/was a lot more popular in the states than the UK. The Bora sold quite well in the UK though.
I remember the old 16V Jetta fondly. Pretty decent car and somehow felt a bit better through the corners than the Golf.I presume that's due to not having a large hole cut out of the back of it?
I think I remember either Performance Car or Car Magazine doing a comparison test of the Jetta 16v against a couple of rivals, but can't remember what they were. Wasn't there a performance version of the Orion, with an XR3i engine?
Honda Civic VTi 4-dr:
The lesser-spotted Saab 900 Turbo Sedan:
And the one discussed in the other thread:
SuperchargedVR6 said:
Triumph Man said:
Leins said:
Triumph Man said:
I don't like hatchbacks, so the Golf R doesn't do it for me. I do like saloons though, and the S3 is available as a saloon, so I'd have one of those. I wonder if VW would produce a Jetta R....
Judging by how many they sold of these in the heyday of the GTi, I'd be surprised if they botheredI remember the old 16V Jetta fondly. Pretty decent car and somehow felt a bit better through the corners than the Golf.
I think I remember either Performance Car or Car Magazine doing a comparison test of the Jetta 16v against a couple of rivals, but can't remember what they were. Wasn't there a performance version of the Orion, with an XR3i engine?
How about the Cavalier Turbo 4x4, same engine and running gear as the Calibra Turbo.
Everyone knew of the Calibra, but not of the Cavalier.
It was basically a facelift Mk3 Cavalier with prefacelift GSI bumpers and skirts looks wise.
My old one on a photoshoot for Total Vauxhall magazine
Everyone knew of the Calibra, but not of the Cavalier.
It was basically a facelift Mk3 Cavalier with prefacelift GSI bumpers and skirts looks wise.
My old one on a photoshoot for Total Vauxhall magazine
Gary29 said:
I'm not a fan of 4/5 door performance cars, for me a hot hatch should always be 3 door, like the new Focus RS, only available in 5 door, I obviously know why they make them, but 5 doors is too much of a compromise for me.
No way, that is EXACTLY why I love them!Give me a high performance saloon or estate over a coupe or hatch every time.
There is something satisfying about leaving behind supposed high performance coupes and hatches in a big 4 door saloon car
Gary29 said:
I'm not a fan of 4/5 door performance cars, for me a hot hatch should always be 3 door, like the new Focus RS, only available in 5 door, I obviously know why they make them, but 5 doors is too much of a compromise for me.
I would have thought 5 doors was LESS of a compromise...GroundEffect said:
I would have thought 5 doors was LESS of a compromise...
Depends5 doors are heavier, can be a tad harder to get in/out of the front seats (doors are smaller), and visibility over the shoulder is worse (B pilar further forward), they also tend to cost a bit more.
Personally i prefer 3 doors for personal use, but kids meant 5-doors was the preferred choice for my current car, even if i only have them a few days per week.
GroundEffect said:
Gary29 said:
I'm not a fan of 4/5 door performance cars, for me a hot hatch should always be 3 door, like the new Focus RS, only available in 5 door, I obviously know why they make them, but 5 doors is too much of a compromise for me.
I would have thought 5 doors was LESS of a compromise...
So would I, how is having more doors a compromise in any way?
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