what to buy? Golf GTi vs Ford Focus ST Tourer vs Octavia

[rastapasta]

All,

I wouldnt mind some guidance from the floor on this. Looks like I am moving in a few months to an area which will involve a commute of ca 120km per day. Im living in Switzerland so I wont bore with the names of the places however suffice to say I would like a car which will somehow make this a pleasure and the options are:

Golf GTI
Ford Focus ST
Skoda Octavia VRS
Alfa Giulietta Q4

I would like one within 6 months old but not new. Options 2 or 3 I would like preferrably in Tourer or Estate options as I can throw a snowboard/bike/pram in the back and may be more practice.

So what are peoples experiences of these cars? what are the pitfalls of the newest models and what would you recommend? Also advice on consumption (in reality) would be a benefit.

Cheers

[Glosphil]

So around 55K kilometres per year just on the commute. You aren't considering a diesel? A Golf GTD or an Octavia vRS CR would certainly meet your requirements although the Golf may not have the space for your luggage needs.

I have a 2012 hatchback vRS. Remember that the hatch and the estate are the same length; it is only on height right at the rear that the estate is larger.

[rastapasta]

Glosphil said:

So around 55K kilometres per year just on the commute. You aren't considering a diesel? A Golf GTD or an Octavia vRS CR would certainly meet your requirements although the Golf may not have the space for your luggage needs.

I have a 2012 hatchback vRS. Remember that the hatch and the estate are the same length; it is only on height right at the rear that the estate is larger.

Thanks for the reply. I do get the diesel argument but out here they are the exception rather than the norm even for such commutes. Petrol prices and wages tend to dictate. I do like the look of the golf gtd but its not in estate form here. I new vrs estate would be nice here but only available in petrol it seems. I get what you are saying on the height but again Estates are alot more popular for the general hauling of snow gear prams bikes etc. What is the Vrs like to live with?

[Scottland]

What about the Golf R (in estate guise or not?) 4WD may prove useful in the Swiss Alps


Octavia and Golf GTI are quite similar, but the Octavia a little bigger - the Focus may be a little firmer in comparison.

Edited by Scottland on Monday 5th January 14:51

[ORD]

I know that it is annoying when responses suggest cars not on the list, but what about a 328i Touring? Or even a 335i?

[rastapasta]

Scottland said:

What about the Golf R (in estate guise or not?) 4WD may prove useful in the Swiss Alps


Octavia and Golf GTI are quite similar, but the Octavia a little bigger - the Focus may be a little firmer in comparison.

Edited by Scottland on Monday 5th January 14:51

A couple of the heads I work with drive Golf R's. They are hard to drive with any sort of manners given the Power. I dont think the estate is available here as yet but Ill bear it in mind and thanks for the suggestion

[rastapasta]

ORD said:

I know that it is annoying when responses suggest cars not on the list, but what about a 328i Touring? Or even a 335i?

The BMW seems expensive here for some reason and those models are rare. I would like an xdrive model which adds to the rarity. RWD in the snow even with snow tyres is a handfull. That said thatnks for the suggestion as it didnt register on my radar. I might try find one for sale and take it for a spin.

[kambites]

The 3-series touring is pretty pokey inside considering its outside dimensions.

Nicer car to drive, mind.

[ORD]

kambites said:

The 3-series touring is pretty pokey inside considering its outside dimensions.

Nicer car to drive, mind.

Compared to the Skoda, I agree on both counts.

[g7jhp]

Just come back from the alps.

If you're going to the slopes you'll certainly need winter tyres.

I managed with a FWD hatch with winter tyres even though I had snow chains in the boot.

I certainly wouldn't want RWD, my preference would be 4WD 5dr hatch or estate for practicality.

How about an S3 Sportback, B8 S4, B7 RS4 or R32?

[rastapasta]

g7jhp said:

Just come back from the alps.

If you're going to the slopes you'll certainly need winter tyres.

I managed with a FWD hatch with winter tyres even though I had snow chains in the boot.

I certainly wouldn't want RWD, my preference would be 4WD 5dr hatch or estate for practicality.

How about an S3 Sportback, B8 S4, B7 RS4 or R32?

I did check out an A3 or S3 and basically they are everywhere here. You'll need winter tyres? In Switzerland they are mandatory. Insurance won't cover you in certain accidents at winter if you dont have them fitted. My budget would not stretch to a nearly new s4 and that would leave me with a high miler which would be undesirable. Thanks for the suggestion though. Much appreciated

[Hubris]

Of that lot the Octavia vRS is clearly the best choice.