Need hatch to match GT4

[Phokaioglaukos]

Moving from US to Scotland (for first 6 months of 2018) to Dublin (for 9 years). Need a RHD car, and want it to be fun but able to transport dogs too. Plan to buy around Dundee and then take to Dublin without needing to pay VRT. Then (Porsche content) will figure out whether to bring GT4 from US to Dublin or not. I understand that no mechanical changes are necessary to adapt a LHD GT4 to UK/Ireland specs--just software changes for speedo and PDLS.

So, Golf? Fiesta, this or next gen? Models are different there than here, so please advise.

Thoughts on a LHD GT4 there?

Thanks!

Chris

[anonymous-user]

I would take a look at vehicle duty rates.

Cayman GT4 is 238g/km so £520 a year in the UK, in Ireland £2350.

Nice cars in Ireland cost a lot of money..

[Cheib]

Traffic in Dublin is pretty poor so whilst there are some decent driving roads within half an hour to an hour of Dublin you won't probably want to be using your GT4 much day to day. I'd also say you might feel you never get the best out of it on the roads near Dublin....you'll struggle to ring the neck of GT4 for any length of time in the Dublin Mountains for instance. Some lovely roads but they get busy.

[Phokaioglaukos]

Road tax in Germany is only €500 for the GT4, so thought about keeping it near Köln as a 'ring, Spa and weekend car.

[md_ian]

Hatch to match, GTI Clubsport S 310bhp.

[Phokaioglaukos]

Not Golf R?

Need a back seat for the dogs, so really want a 5 door.

That leaves room for a fun two seater.

[pete.g]

Just take care with the VRT rules - look at the Transfer of Residence section of the Revenue Commissioners site for details.

Golf GTI would be my choice in your situation, or possibly a Golf R estate.

[MrVert]

Another vote for a GTI..

I have a Mark 7 Performance Pack and it's just about perfect as a DD..

60 in six, real performance through the gears, entertaining handling, precise, comfy, well equipped, brilliant Sat Nav....over 40mpg..

12 months in and 35,000 miles I can't think what I'd replace it with...

[Geneve]

Scotland has some great driving roads - but, be aware, you'll be arriving in mid-winter and Scotland definitely has 'weather'

Bring your GT4 over (LHD no problem whatsoever), perhaps on winter tyres, but leave on 'D' plates for the duration, then repatriate back to Germany, or wherever.

Ireland has the Craic but it's really not a driving country - unless you want to take up tarmac rallying! Not the best place for a lovely GT4.

Believe me, when the Celtic Tiger economic boom erupted, the beneficiaries didn't buy cars, they bought planes and, especially, helicopters - far better way to travel.

As for 'hot hatches' - in Scotland, 4wd might be beneficial, and in Ireland a compliant ride might be welcome.

[Phokaioglaukos]

Good thoughts.

The Golf R Estate is not sold in the US, as no many hot hatches are not. So I did not know it existed. Sounds great, with AWD. Just wish I could get a manual gearbox.

[MDL111]

Doesn't a Focus RS have a manual and 4wd - that could be an option
My FF is 4wd and a hatch (although my dog always sits in the passenger seat and whoever else wants to come has to sit in the back) ..... no manual though which is a real shame

A BMW 135 x drive could also be a fun option (or whatever the current 6-cylinder option is called)
Audi RS3 if you forego the manual
There must still be a bonkers Subaru or Mitsubishi available

[edc]

Something like an A/CLA 45 AMG?

[g7jhp]

Phokaioglaukos said:

Good thoughts.

The Golf R Estate is not sold in the US, as no many hot hatches are not. So I did not know it existed. Sounds great, with AWD. Just wish I could get a manual gearbox.

Just get a manual Golf R.

[Porsche911R]

I have a Golf Clubsport , it's a great car but hard to find in 3 door manual with buckets on the non S.

[I-Mac]

I have both a GT4 and a Golf R Estate. I have now covered ~13K miles in the Golf and still love it. In the real world it is almost as quick as the GT4. In the wet (which here in Scotland it is often - Absolutely pouring rain as I type this in July!) the Golf is quicker than the GT4 on the Cups, where you need your eyes wide open to make brisk progress. The Golf is an effortless car to drive briskly and very surefooted. Think of it as a thinking mans Mitsi Evo 280/300.... I would certainly recommend one. Yes the Gearbox is no match for a manual, but sadly the estate (for reasons only known to VW) is only available as a DSG twin clutch.

Things I like about the GOLF R Estate:
- The DSG Gearbox - It is easier for 95% of my commute than a manual.
- Surefooted handling
- Easy to switch between sport mode and economy mode for brisk overtaking
- Real world economy of 31-39MPG (based on rural commute)
- It is an estate and I can fit kids in the back (although we have a larger car for family trips). It also swallows a 27.5 wheeled mountainbike!

Things I do not like about the GOLF R Estate:
- The DSG Gearbox - Sometimes it gets confused when pressing on and slow reacting/laggy throttle pedal for pulling out of junctions.
- The Fake exhausts.... Why does the estate have fake tips, but the hatch gets switchable tips?? So you get 2 black tips and 2 shiny ones!

Overall one of the best all round cars I have ever bought..... lots of deals on them too... Shop carefully.

[ChrisW.]

Audi RS3 Sportbac if you want a semi estate ?

Or Golf GT1 / R ?? (as suggested)

Or Polo GTI ???

[George Smiley]

In Dublin? Get yourself a Dacia of some description as there is no point in getting anything fun. Also if by any chance you are off to work for the Bank of Ireland on their huge debacle of IT transformation. I would run a mile in the opposite direction.

[Jibaro]

For the hot hatch, get a Golf R, DSG preferably, the manual gearbox/clutch is not quite up to the job. Standard seats are fine. Fantastic car, could probably beat just about any normal Porsche down an Irish road, albeit it won't "feel" particularly fast because it is so competent.

[Porsche911R]

Jibaro said:

For the hot hatch, get a Golf R, DSG preferably, the manual gearbox/clutch is not quite up to the job. Standard seats are fine. Fantastic car, could probably beat just about any normal Porsche down an Irish road, albeit it won't "feel" particularly fast because it is so competent.

4WD and DSG = a bit dullard, the OP is asking for a GT4 match so the Golf Clubsport in manual with buckets is the car imo.

Manual a great box I have fitted a short shift kit and new engine mount, really does wonders for the shift.

[Koln-RS]

I'd agree with the Golf/Audi options, but 'manual' box for extra engagement.

Having driven in Scotland and Ireland, 4-wd may well come in handy, without robbing any of the fun.

Don't know about VW, but Audi do 'Magntetic' ride, that may help on some of Ireland's roads, and don't go for big wheels if comfort is important.