BMW 120d xdrive or VW golf GTD
Discussion
My experience has been with the petrol models of each so can't comment on the specific drivetrains.
When I was car shopping last year I did find that gen of 1 Series had much less room in the back and a smaller boot than the equivalent Golf . I didn't find the cockpit of the 1 Series to be better made or have higher quality materials than the Golf either.
I was looking at 2018/19 models and it seemed like the Golf had more tech for the same money- fully digital dash, android auto/apple carplay built in.
When I was car shopping last year I did find that gen of 1 Series had much less room in the back and a smaller boot than the equivalent Golf . I didn't find the cockpit of the 1 Series to be better made or have higher quality materials than the Golf either.
I was looking at 2018/19 models and it seemed like the Golf had more tech for the same money- fully digital dash, android auto/apple carplay built in.
I’ve no experience of the 1-Series, but bought a 2016 GTD in June this year.
To be honest, it was a bit of an impulse purchase as I was originally looking for a GTI or R. However, the GTDs are plentiful at this age and about 20% cheaper to buy than a GTI and so that swayed me as I wasn’t sure if it’d be a stop-gap car.
What is clearer now is just what a great all rounder the GTD is. Obviously diesel isn’t flavour of the month, but coupled with DSG it’s an excellent drive with very accessible power that you can actually use day-to-day. Mine’s mapped, too, so while it’s lacking a little compared to my previous RS3 it’s definitely satisfying enough.
More generally it’s a Mk7 Golf, so the details are well-considered and the niggles are easily remedied. Thanks to forums I’m now running free Android Auto / CarPlay and the most recent maps, for example. Being a 2016 model (prefacelift) means it comes with kit including keyless.
Handling is excellent, I think, and over 50mpg on tour is a slam dunk. 60mpg if you go easy, 45mpg overall. I also prefer the silver styling details to the GTI’s red, and it’s plenty comfy.
To be honest, it was a bit of an impulse purchase as I was originally looking for a GTI or R. However, the GTDs are plentiful at this age and about 20% cheaper to buy than a GTI and so that swayed me as I wasn’t sure if it’d be a stop-gap car.
What is clearer now is just what a great all rounder the GTD is. Obviously diesel isn’t flavour of the month, but coupled with DSG it’s an excellent drive with very accessible power that you can actually use day-to-day. Mine’s mapped, too, so while it’s lacking a little compared to my previous RS3 it’s definitely satisfying enough.
More generally it’s a Mk7 Golf, so the details are well-considered and the niggles are easily remedied. Thanks to forums I’m now running free Android Auto / CarPlay and the most recent maps, for example. Being a 2016 model (prefacelift) means it comes with kit including keyless.
Handling is excellent, I think, and over 50mpg on tour is a slam dunk. 60mpg if you go easy, 45mpg overall. I also prefer the silver styling details to the GTI’s red, and it’s plenty comfy.
The GTD is brilliant. Not quite a diesel GTI more a GT line but just so easy to live with and honestly doesn’t have a weakness. Smoother engine and returns better mpg.
I ran a 120d for 6 weeks though the RWD model not the Xdrive. It’s smaller inside, boot and rear seats are quite small but it’s nice to drive. If you get rid of the run flats the cabin is quieter. I’d make sure to go an automatic as the manual isn’t great. It doesn’t have the composure of the GTD when pushed either.
Unless you really love the look of the 1 series I’d go the GTD.
I ran a 120d for 6 weeks though the RWD model not the Xdrive. It’s smaller inside, boot and rear seats are quite small but it’s nice to drive. If you get rid of the run flats the cabin is quieter. I’d make sure to go an automatic as the manual isn’t great. It doesn’t have the composure of the GTD when pushed either.
Unless you really love the look of the 1 series I’d go the GTD.
I have a 2016 1 series. Granted it is not the same model (I have a 116d, which is the 1.5 cyl diesel) - however, it is the most unreliable car I have owned. In the 2 years I have had it, it has had a gearbox leak, EGR cooler recall, DPF flexi pipe is failing, cooling fan failed the other week, and I had to have a new inlet manifold a few months back)... and my car old has 60k miles, and was bought from a main dealer 2 years ago!
On the positive side, it (feels) well built, good handling, and good mix of performance/economy.
I understand that the BMW 2.0d engines have timing chain issues, so best to get that checked.
I don't have much experience of the GTD's im afraid.
Personally I would go for something japenese - I.e. Mazda 3, however, you may have to consider a petrol, as I have been told the Mazda Diesels are unreliable (not sure how true this is)
The Civic diesels look nice (if you need a diesel), although I appreciate they will not have the power of the GTD/120d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310022...
A petrol Civic like the below (1.5 turbo with good economy) seems like a good bet
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307049...
On the positive side, it (feels) well built, good handling, and good mix of performance/economy.
I understand that the BMW 2.0d engines have timing chain issues, so best to get that checked.
I don't have much experience of the GTD's im afraid.
Personally I would go for something japenese - I.e. Mazda 3, however, you may have to consider a petrol, as I have been told the Mazda Diesels are unreliable (not sure how true this is)
The Civic diesels look nice (if you need a diesel), although I appreciate they will not have the power of the GTD/120d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310022...
A petrol Civic like the below (1.5 turbo with good economy) seems like a good bet
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307049...
Not sure what your budget is but the Infiniti Q30 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310122...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306168...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310122...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306168...
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