Do I go back to FWD for a daily?

[ttonks93]

Currently have a BMW F30 330D as my daily driver and fancy something new and a bit smaller, hopefully get more mpg out of as well.

I’m stuck between a BMW F22 225D or a VW Golf MK7 GTD, both with an automatic gearbox.

Tempted to go with the VW as it’s something different but being FWD I’m a bit put off, are these still relatively fun to drive with a few power and handling mods?

Just like to hear people’s thoughts.

[Roboticarm]

At the end of the day it's a hot hatch so it's meant to be fun, and the GTD is the hot diesel version, whereas the BMW is a mid spec, it's not an M or M lite. They are decent cars

I know people love a RWD but really, in the real world, when does being rwd actually make a difference... Other than in the snow when you get stuck ?

They handle well, although you do notice the extra weight of the front axle Vs to GTi

Another one to consider is the Focus ST TDCi, I was looking at GTDs when I got my ST

Personally, having had a diesel BMW I'd prefer the GTD

Edited by Roboticarm on Thursday 26th February 17:04

[AddyT.]

Had a Mk7 GTD for about 4 years and covered 60k miles in it. Great all rounder. I did think about the Focus but thought the ride was a bit firm. My GTD was a manual. If I could have afforded it at the time probably would have got a DSG. Nice car and ride was fine even on the 19” Santiago alloys. From memory, would very easily see over 50mpg on the motorway and dont think it really dropped below 40mpg when really pushing on. Would recommend getting a 7.5 for the updates inside and out. A solid choice if you get one. Never gave me any trouble at all.

[aproctor1]

The 330d is easily capable of 45mpg, if you get a car 20% more efficient, and travel 20k miles a year, you save £500 a year.

If £500 is enough to change the car, I would look at something cheaper overall.

[TameRacingDriver]

I had a diesel FWD hot hatch over 20 years ago, a Fabia vRS, I wouldn't say it was especially fun personally, and I never had another diesel after that. Most turbo petrols are reasonably economical these days so that would be my preference, a Golf GTI for example.

[Doesitdrive]

I had a 7.5 Gtd dsg for a few years, changed it for a new Mk8 gti dsg in 2021. Big mistake.

I lived the GTD, hated the Gti but probably a 7.5 Gti I would have loved too, just hated the 8.

A BMW 3.0 diesel is something I would keep over a VW and my manual 530d was more economical than the GTD, so not sure where you are going there.

My 520d auto was super economical and I would have another over a Golf GTD, good as it was.

[samoht]

"An FF diesel automatic - that's not even a car!" (Initial D)

Personally I think I'd prefer a RWD EV like a Cupra Born over the Golf diesel as a fun and economical daily, if EV logistics work for you.

[Pickle_Rick]

samoht said:

"An FF diesel automatic - that's not even a car!" (Initial D)

Personally I think I'd prefer a RWD EV like a Cupra Born over the Golf diesel as a fun and economical daily, if EV logistics work for you.

Agree, will be far more fun to drive too. Mg4 LR or M3 rwd both good options too

[dmsims]

GTD is a hideous thing

If you want something of that ilk get the GTE

[Mr Tidy]

I wouldn't expect to get much better economy than your 330d from either of those.

I ran an E87 123d for over 6 years and 80K miles and only averaged 48 mpg, and that was the predecessor to the 225d so probably mechanically very similar.

By the time I sold it my mileage didn't justify a diesel so I went for straight 6 petrols, an E46 325ti daily and a Z4 Coupe for fun days, and realised what I had been missing! I've always preferred RWD too.

To be fair to get significantly better economy an EV might be your best bet.

[AndrewO]

I had a 2017 330d and was getting 38mpg average, the 2018 GTD is at 50mpg average. The golf is a manual and its nice to go back to a Gti, last one we had was a 1998 Gti.....had it from new and put 60k mls on it.

[Master Bean]

Just get a Golf GTI. Hell to fuel consumption. What's your annual mileage?

[Doesitdrive]

Master Bean said:

Just get a Golf GTI. Hell to fuel consumption. What's your annual mileage?

My son dailies a MK5 gti, a quick one, ain't bad on fuel at all unless he rags it, which he normally does lol.

Bought on 101k , belt done, it's over 160k now and been trouble free until a misfire last week.

New plugs and R8 coil packs sorted it.

Does get through wheel bearings though, just done rears again, but think that is a son issue lol.

[CSR Performance]

Mk7 GTD is a great car and still definitely fun to drive.

I would also suggest (in agreement with a post above) that the Focus ST TDCi is a fun car too!

[Roboticarm]

dmsims said:

GTD is a hideous thing

If you want something of that ilk get the GTE

The GTE ? You'd really take the hybrid efficiency focussed version over the GTD ?

[CSR Performance]

Roboticarm said:

The GTE ? You'd really take the hybrid efficiency focussed version over the GTD ?

Have you driven one? I had one for 4 years, had plenty of fun in it. Only downside is the boot when you have young kids and need a pushchair etc..

[dmsims]

Roboticarm said:

dmsims said:

GTD is a hideous thing

If you want something of that ilk get the GTE

The GTE ? You'd really take the hybrid efficiency focussed version over the GTD ?

Absolutely

Faster, more economical, quieter and a lot cleaner!

[Roboticarm]

dmsims said:

Roboticarm said:

dmsims said:

GTD is a hideous thing

If you want something of that ilk get the GTE

The GTE ? You'd really take the hybrid efficiency focussed version over the GTD ?

Absolutely

Faster, more economical, quieter and a lot cleaner!

Faster ? There's very little in it but is slower to 60 and slower top speed so it's not faster and real world in gear acceleration the Diesel will be quicker

https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/volkswagen-golf-gte-...

Not sure quieter and cleaner are usually key factors for a hot hatch, for a standard hatch yes.

[dmsims]

This not a hot hatch discussion - look at the OP

Carwow article is nonsense

[Pickle_Rick]

Roboticarm said:

Faster ? There's very little in it but is slower to 60 and slower top speed so it's not faster and real world in gear acceleration the Diesel will be quicker

https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/volkswagen-golf-gte-...

Not sure quieter and cleaner are usually key factors for a hot hatch, for a standard hatch yes.

The diesel will bore the tits off you