M140i, Golf R, S3 or an RS3

[Josho]

So our hire/courtesy car has pushed us both into upgrading our car a bit quicker.

We're a bit stuck on what to go for. She's happy with a Golf auto of any flavour but I'm not.

Got to be 5 door. She wants auto.

Golf R - AWD, quick and pretty nice inside. Cheaper of the bunch with the BMW

S3 - As above but a bit more pricey

M140i - so much fun and quicker than the other two but worse on fuel

RS3 - probably the trump card but is it worth the extra 10k?

She doesnt want the BMW but I think I do. I think if I got an S3 I'd be constantly wanting the RS3 instead.

I havent driven the RS3 but have the rest.

[bitchstewie]

I have an M140i and get 36mpg. That doesn't feel too bad to me.

[shep1001]

Golf R - joy riders & steal to order favourite. Not with the hassle.

[Frimley111R]

Budget? An RS3 is quite pricey and an M140i quite good value.

I found the Golf's interior to be ok but the 140i quality was on a much higher level and the Audis even better. Bear in mind what you'll be seeing every time you're in the car.

If your budget stretches to it, it'd have to the be the RS3. Nicest inside, good badge, 4WD, great engine and fastest.

[Johnnytheboy]

M140i has the nicest auto box (and I say that as a Golf R owner) and is the better handling car from what I've read.

I've never driven an M140i but again from what I've read you've got to concentrate if driving it quickly, whereas the rest just go where you point them.

S3 is just an R in a party frock.

RS3 has that 5 pot.

Obviously a Subaru Legacy Spec B is better than all of them

[ZX10R NIN]

For me it would be the RS3 with that engine as well it trumps the rest or if it has to be a 4pot then I'd be getting the A45 AMG.

[rfn]

I'd have the M140i or the RS3, because they don't have a 4-pot.

I've had an M135i for the last 2.5 years and absolutely love it - so that'd be where my money would go. Brilliant cars, sound great and can be economical (40+) if you want. I've averaged 32mpg over 30k in mine.