Looking for a next step from a Golf GTI
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm in the position wherein I've just paid off the final balloon payment on my Mk7.5 GTI Performance. It's a great car and I do enjoy it, but there is an itch for something new.
I don't wish to spend a fortune over and above what my car is currently worth (circa £22k in my eyes).
I'd like something that is a bit more "mature". The GTI is a decent car but ideally I'd like to get away from a hatchback now. At the same time, it's mostly just me in the car, or with the other half, and I like to throw it around the fenland bends and have a bit of fun with it. I therefore don't really want something any bigger than a 3 series, A4 kind of size, and ideally it would be something in between a GTI and that size.
I've looked at an M2 (and Competition) and I am a bit wary of the running costs. At the same time, I'd like an upgrade on the 2.0, 4 cylinder turbo which seems to be spreading across the industry.
A body style I'm a fan of is the fastback style, rather than a saloon, as I'm a golfer with a dog and they just have that little bit more practicality.
A car I quite like the look of is the i30 Fastback N, which looks the perfect size and body style, but has that 2.0T and the interior quality and design looks a step down from my current GTI.
I just am having a hard time identifying my next vehicle. To summarise, I'd like something with a decent interior, 2 series sized, fastback/liftback style, with a nice engine (sound) and decent handling. Does such a thing exist, or am I sticking with my GTI until I can afford a 911?
Cheers
I'm in the position wherein I've just paid off the final balloon payment on my Mk7.5 GTI Performance. It's a great car and I do enjoy it, but there is an itch for something new.
I don't wish to spend a fortune over and above what my car is currently worth (circa £22k in my eyes).
I'd like something that is a bit more "mature". The GTI is a decent car but ideally I'd like to get away from a hatchback now. At the same time, it's mostly just me in the car, or with the other half, and I like to throw it around the fenland bends and have a bit of fun with it. I therefore don't really want something any bigger than a 3 series, A4 kind of size, and ideally it would be something in between a GTI and that size.
I've looked at an M2 (and Competition) and I am a bit wary of the running costs. At the same time, I'd like an upgrade on the 2.0, 4 cylinder turbo which seems to be spreading across the industry.
A body style I'm a fan of is the fastback style, rather than a saloon, as I'm a golfer with a dog and they just have that little bit more practicality.
A car I quite like the look of is the i30 Fastback N, which looks the perfect size and body style, but has that 2.0T and the interior quality and design looks a step down from my current GTI.
I just am having a hard time identifying my next vehicle. To summarise, I'd like something with a decent interior, 2 series sized, fastback/liftback style, with a nice engine (sound) and decent handling. Does such a thing exist, or am I sticking with my GTI until I can afford a 911?
Cheers
Edited by sxmwht on Monday 25th July 12:25
M2 or M4 will be you best move. Running costs for consumables will be more, however not toooooo scary a leap if you can find a good local indy.
RS4 has similar appeal if you value VAGness over driver engagement
If the i30N indicates that FWD might still be interest, then how about a Megane RS? Best FWD hot hatches IMO
RS4 has similar appeal if you value VAGness over driver engagement
If the i30N indicates that FWD might still be interest, then how about a Megane RS? Best FWD hot hatches IMO
M.F.D said:
Nissan 370z?
More coupe than fastback, but has decent hatch with some space for a medium-ish dog maybe?
I'd hardly describe the interior as similar to the GTI. Good shape and size though, but always just look old.More coupe than fastback, but has decent hatch with some space for a medium-ish dog maybe?
I have a feeling that what I am picturing in my head isn't out there. An M2 is what I always come back to, but then I think of the fuel bills...
sxmwht said:
I'd hardly describe the interior as similar to the GTI. Good shape and size though, but always just look old.
I have a feeling that what I am picturing in my head isn't out there. An M2 is what I always come back to, but then I think of the fuel bills...
There has to be a compromise somewhere. Unfortunately you want an M2 with dog space and the running costs of a mid range hot hatch, and all without increasing budget.I have a feeling that what I am picturing in my head isn't out there. An M2 is what I always come back to, but then I think of the fuel bills...
However, the fuel bill wouldn't be my concern with the M2. I really don't think it would be that more uneconomical. It would be servicing, consumables and insurance where you'd notice a contrast in costs.
M.F.D said:
There has to be a compromise somewhere. Unfortunately you want an M2 with dog space and the running costs of a mid range hot hatch, and all without increasing budget.
However, the fuel bill wouldn't be my concern with the M2. I really don't think it would be that more uneconomical. It would be servicing, consumables and insurance where you'd notice a contrast in costs.
TBF, the dog can easily go on the back seats. He does most of the time anyway. I just quite like the liftback style.However, the fuel bill wouldn't be my concern with the M2. I really don't think it would be that more uneconomical. It would be servicing, consumables and insurance where you'd notice a contrast in costs.
I think an M2 is still the front-runner. It might have to wait a few months though.
Canon_Fodder said:
sxmwht said:
or am I sticking with my GTI until I can afford a 911? :lol:
Cheers
Are Cayman's (Caymen?) in budget?Cheers
My 2 dogs have never complained, neither have my kids, or mates come to that. Getting golf clubs in could be easier but they do fit!
Have you driven the i30N Fastback, you mention noise, and I think it's one of the best sounding 2.0 cars on the market.
I just bought a hatchback i30N Performance due to the noise mainly. I went on the August 2018 N Performance day at Millbrook (through PH) and that's what made me want the car. A GTI PP was the obvious alternative, but was not exactly the fun choice. The interior of the Hyundai is actually not bad, softer plastics on the dash and some gloss black bits here and there; relatively smart in my opinion. Lots of toys too.
In your position, maybe a M240i or Focus ST Estate (for the dog)?
I just bought a hatchback i30N Performance due to the noise mainly. I went on the August 2018 N Performance day at Millbrook (through PH) and that's what made me want the car. A GTI PP was the obvious alternative, but was not exactly the fun choice. The interior of the Hyundai is actually not bad, softer plastics on the dash and some gloss black bits here and there; relatively smart in my opinion. Lots of toys too.
In your position, maybe a M240i or Focus ST Estate (for the dog)?
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