Five door fun - 130i or mk5 GTI?

[danp]

As above, I need 5 doors for family duties etc, but would like something that's as enjoyable to drive as possible. 130i is probably pushing it in terms of practicality, but I can buy a roof box if needed!

So which of the above would you buy? Or is there better.

Budget 8/10k, I don't like big, heavy, inefficient cars so looking at medium hatches. Currently have an EV1 Civic Type-S (the square looking one) which is brilliant but I'd like something quicker.

[danp]

Thanks, yes must poke around and try them, the ed30 sounds good if I go for the mk5 Golf. Shame they didn't do a 5 door ep3 Civic Type-R.

[danp]

We've just about coped with an Audi A2 so hoping that the 1er is no worse than that for room!

[danp]

shoestring7 said:

It is, much worse. As I said /\, behind a driver of a bit above average height there is practically no leg-room in a E87 1 series. Why BMW thought a 5 door, two seater was a good idea I don't know.

SS7
PS Ride quality of a 130i MSport on OE spec. run flats is shockingly bad

Edited by shoestring7 on Friday 10th October 12:24

Will have to go and see how bad they are for room, and yes have read that non run flats plus the Birds kit transforms them (at a price!). I'm getting old so would like a modicum of comfort. ;-)

[danp]

Kolbenkopp said:

Room wise I guess you will need to try the 1er out. It's defo not an A2 in that respect. But the engine is IMO worth some compromise, especially as you'll have the rest of your life to drive around in FI 4 pots, while big NA engine in small car is done :-/.

A2 is pretty narrow, with the false floor removed it's just about OK for small buggies etc, managed a week away in it with two young children, so trying to convince myself a 1er is fine so that I get that engine ;-) I can buy a roof box for holidays if needs must!

[danp]

Lefty said:

Why did you mention the Gti over the r32? R32 a much closer competetitor to the 130 and, IMHO, a much nicer can than the GTi.

I had a mk v r32 for 3 years and my wife has had a mk v GTi for about 9 months now - the Gti is dull, dull, dull. Really wish we'd bought another r32 instead.

On paper the R32 seems rather heavy and inefficient (co2/tax/mpg), even compared to a 130i let alone the GTI.