Newish Fiesta ST vs slightly less new-ish Golf GTi

[matt50]

Hi all,

Been ages since I've posted on here (though often read forums) but in a bit of a quandary. I currently have a Mk 7 Fiesta ST (Mountune 215) and love it. However, I've got itchy feet and ready for a change, I think - plus it's done nearly 40k miles. I have always dreamed of a Golf GTi and feel I ought to grow up a bit with the GTi, but the reviews of the new Mk 8 ST are so good, they're hard to ignore (worth noting a couple of years ago bought a Octavia VRs, albeit the diesel estate, as our family car - would the Golf and Skoda be too similar?). Fiesta would be newer with up to 5k miles, but the Golf would have to be up to 20k miles, to fit in budget. Drive to work is 20 miles each way mostly across country - the Ford has been brilliant - the MPG etc looks to be pretty similar on paper at least - any thoughts either way?

Thanks in advance.

[ZX10R NIN]

This is a simple one, if you want a driver's car then the Fiesta is the one to go for if you want a more grown up option then there are other options.

[randomman]

One I can answer, as I am in a very similar position. Currently have a Mk7 ST, love it to bits, especially as my job has taken me along some lovely Middle England B roads lately. Need something a bit more grown up so test drove a MK7.5 GTI PP.

The golf felt a lot larger but very capable, just in a different way. The PP gets some huge front brakes and a nifty differential, coupled with the DSG box it felt a lot more point and go but it just ate up whatever road surface it was on, the Fiesta isn't the smoothest of rides but extra mass of the Golf did impress me, and my spine, on some of the more neglected road surfaces (read: the whole of Northamptonshire). The interior really is a nice place to be, it doesn't set the world on fire but it really does tick every daily box and I feel the MK7 is a fine return to form for the everyman hot hatch.

Apart from that a lot of similarities, chuckable, quick, the golf punches above its weight at the traffic light grand Prix if that's you're thing (more taken from YouTube than the test drive). I think they both look the right balance between sensible and sporty.

The other plus on the golf is a tuning box will see a very reliable 300bhp, meaning from a roll there isn't too much that would be much faster until you're spending big money or making sacrifices elsewhere, be it practicality or mpg etc.

It's hard not to look at a Golf R as well, but I'm not a fan of the exhaust pipes, less boot space, the attraction to scrotes (both those who drive like they stole it and those that ACTUALLY stole it), the red accents on the GTI are smart too and I think I'd miss them.

I imagine I'll be in a GTI in the not too distant future.

[acme]

A slightly different take as I’ve recently handed back a DSG 1.4 150bhp Golf company car after 86k miles and bought a late MK7 Fiesta ST.

Not directly comparable I grant you as not a GTI but after that mileage I think I’m qualified to help on general Golf points. Its far more comfortable than the FST, with a much lower driving position. The ability to alter the position to fit all was superb. Entertainment/nav etc worked well & steering wheel buttons were far more intuitive.

Naturally the FST is in a different league for fun, I’d imagine the GTI would run it close but not as good on a country road.

From all I’ve read on the MK8 & discussions with owners it’s a more mature MK7, might be perfect for what you’re looking for.

Edited by acme on Saturday 13th April 10:04

Edited by acme on Saturday 13th April 10:32

[ZX10R NIN]

I've found the i30N a better overall package than the Golf & is still sensible:

N Performance

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[stevemcs]

I'd be looking at an M135i or if you wanted something slightly cheaper then the 125i, if however its between the Golf and ST then i would go with the Fiesta (or a Focus St ......)

[MrModo]

ZX10R NIN said:

I've found the i30N a better overall package than the Golf & is still sensible:

N Performance

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I was wondering about a i30N also

Obviously, there is the badge snobbery issue, but doing a quick CarWow on this, there was an offer of £22,441 given on the non-performance i30N. Compared with the best price of £29,494 on a Golf GTI....this is hard to ignore. Of course, there is the depreciation on the i30N to consider, but at 7 grand cheaper...

If you're curious, I also got

M140 £30,105 You save £6,460
Golf R £33,944 You save £1,706 (4.8%)
AMG A35 £33,378 You save £2,217 (6.2%)

[Deep Thought]

MrModo said:

I was wondering about a i30N also

Obviously, there is the badge snobbery issue, but doing a quick CarWow on this, there was an offer of £22,441 given on the non-performance i30N. Compared with the best price of £29,494 on a Golf GTI....this is hard to ignore. Of course, there is the depreciation on the i30N to consider, but at 7 grand cheaper...

If you're curious, I also got

M140 £30,105 You save £6,460
Golf R £33,944 You save £1,706 (4.8%)
AMG A35 £33,378 You save £2,217 (6.2%)

Theres £10,000 savings to be had off M140i Shadow Editions. Look up TRL on BabyBMW.net

BMW M140 Shadow Edition 3 door Automatic
List price £37,250 OTR
Dealer contribution £6285
BMW contribution £4000
customer balance £26,965

[ZX10R NIN]

MrModo said:

I was wondering about a i30N also

Obviously, there is the badge snobbery issue, but doing a quick CarWow on this, there was an offer of £22,441 given on the non-performance i30N. Compared with the best price of £29,494 on a Golf GTI....this is hard to ignore. Of course, there is the depreciation on the i30N to consider, but at 7 grand cheaper...

If you're curious, I also got

M140 £30,105 You save £6,460
Golf R £33,944 You save £1,706 (4.8%)
AMG A35 £33,378 You save £2,217 (6.2%)

The depreciation on the i30N has been pretty much in line with it's competitors, the N Performance is the one to get.

[anonymous-user]

For me it would be the mk8 ST or as suggested the i30N can be had for similar money 2nd hand. The Golf wouldn't get a look in unless it was an R.

[acme]

Deep Thought said:

Theres £10,000 savings to be had off M140i Shadow Editions. Look up TRL on BabyBMW.net

BMW M140 Shadow Edition 3 door Automatic
List price £37,250 OTR
Dealer contribution £6285
BMW contribution £4000
customer balance £26,965

Strewth, the M140 price is that based on finance only?

[Deep Thought]

acme said:

Deep Thought said:

Theres £10,000 savings to be had off M140i Shadow Editions. Look up TRL on BabyBMW.net

BMW M140 Shadow Edition 3 door Automatic
List price £37,250 OTR
Dealer contribution £6285
BMW contribution £4000
customer balance £26,965

Strewth, the M140 price is that based on finance only?

You can take out the finance then cancel it a matter of days later and get the full benefit of the incentives.

We bought ours for around £28,300. Over £10K off list. That was from our local dealer. You need to take the finance then settle it.



5 door, auto, Shadow Edition, pro media, heated seats, front parking sensors, Harman Kardon, leather, etc, etc.

It would have been rude not to.

[Joust99]

Currently have both cars sat on my driveway, mk7 Fiesta ST and an early Mk7.5 GTI (non PP). TBH, different cars - the Fiesta for sure tells you all about it when you are driving, noise etc, and quite stiff set up. However, the Golf is just so much better in my opinion - the ultimate grip level from the Golf is so much higher than the fiesta, in fact it borders on insane, admittedly, the 'feeling' you get in the drivers seat is more 'sedate', but don't let that fool you, its just telling me the VW is just soo more refined and comfortable, that you really don't notice the speed you are doing, and what you are accessing. I can only imagine the PP GTI is just that bit more better (I'd have one in an instant).

If I was buying for myself again today, the PP GTI would be on my drive in an instant - just make sure you spec it with the improved audio, as the standard audio is 'OK'.....

Joust

[Court_S]

If a Golf is an option, I'd also be looking at the M140 given the discounts available or a used M135.

The Golf GTI TCR was on my list to replace my company car (the GTI looks much better than the R to these eyes) and so was the M140. I know there's a discrepancy in power etc but costs were pretty similar. I honestly thought the Golf would smash it - bigger inside, digital dash. But when comparing them back to back, I much preferred the M140 interior, the ZF8 and obviously the engine.

If that doesn't float your boat, the i30N Performance would be pretty high up on my list - they look great, are pretty rare and make a very good noise.

[MrModo]

After having a 130i in the past and test driving a Golf GTI...the 130i was way ahead in driving pleasure...after testing a M135 I wasn't disappointed by this incarnation.

But it's hard to get away from the quality and overall practicality of the Golf and it keeps pulling me back. I need to drive the latest one just to see if it's got back any of it's excitement

The i20N is a wildcard for me, having been given such a great price for new. The reported hard ride and depreciation would be my worry

[Court_S]

MrModo said:

After having a 130i in the past and test driving a Golf GTI...the 130i was way ahead in driving pleasure...after testing a M135 I wasn't disappointed by this incarnation.

But it's hard to get away from the quality and overall practicality of the Golf and it keeps pulling me back. I need to drive the latest one just to see if it's got back any of it's excitement

The i20N is a wildcard for me, having been given such a great price for new. The reported hard ride and depreciation would be my worry

The depreciation on something like a 140 isn’t exactly stellar; mine is £28.5k with a GFV of around £13k based on no deposit. I’m not that fussed because it’s funded by a car allowance so in the world of man maths, isn’t really my money (I know it is, but it seems easier telling myself that it’s not).

The Golf is undoubtably a great car, I just didn’t want it enough against the M140, especially when the latter worked out slightly cheaper.

When I looked at i30N’s there were no discounts available so they didn’t really feature this time around.

[matt50]

Thanks so much to all for your helpful comments. I’ve test driven the Fiesta with PP (loved it - felt far more grown up than my current Mk 7 ST, you really sit ‘in’ it, rather than slightly ‘on’ it, if you know what I mean. Kit levels are also very high. Driving Golf GTI this morning and will also take a look at a BMW - you’re right, I’d be daft not to. The Hyundai just looks a little bit too hardcore for me, I think. Thanks again.

[culpz]

The Fiesta ST is a more fun and nimble car and you may miss that. The Golf is more comfortable but still capable. They can feel quite numb in comparison though. I prefer a good flappy-paddle gearbox these days, so a Golf GTI with DSG would be what I'd probably go for. A middle-ground would be maybe something like a Clio 200 EDC or 220 Trophy.

The new MK8 Fiesta ST is a bit more grown up but still a lot of fun, according to press reviews. If you don't fancy taking the bigger leap to the Golf, it's probably a good step up. The only real issue I've got with the new Fiesta ST is that the basic Mountune upgrade is no longer warranty-friendly, which makes you wonder about the tuneability of that 3-pot against the previous generation model.