Golf R stolen - what replacement?

[toffee]

Hi, our house was broken into and the keys for both our Golf R and our Up GTI were taken and both cars stolen. Neither had additional security - so would be looking at ghost and tracker for any replacements.
Looks like the Up has been found and will be coming back, but no update on the Golf.

Have had a Golf R for over 4 years as did everything we wanted, competently and safely and was quick enough - we never really got attached to the car but could never be bothered to replace as it it did everything so well.
Now we will have to replace - but with what?
Want a practical fun to drive car, comfortable for longer motorway miles, not too big, but takes 3 adults plus luggage, so need back seats that can take adults comfortably.
An auto probably most suitable, for the use (we have other manual cars.)
Live in North London so don't need an SUV or anything too big.
Budget up to circa £35k, 2018 ish or newer.

So far have considered:-
Another Golf R - had 2, will it attract attention again, what else is there....
Golf GTI - too similar to the R, would it feel a step down?
Merc AMG A class 35/45 - engine issues of the A35 concerning, interior quality, image?
Hyundai i30N - possible the fastback auto - get great reviews
Focus ST -
Alfa Giulia Veloce - seem to have theft issues through the front radar
And many others!

Let me have some ideas or thoughts on the above.

Thank you!

[toffee]

Have considered the Skoda, need to test drive it. Thank you

[toffee]

LasseV said:

I do have i30N Fastback (manual) and i can recommend it for you. It is very practical and DCT one is also quite fast. Driving dynamics is spot on for both fun driving and long distance driving. Goes around corner very well.

Nothing to complain really. Custom mode allows you to set up car how you like it. All driving modes are very well dialed in, personal favorite is maybe Sport for road driving. N mode makes this car special and i like it a lot, but i use it quite rarely. When i use it i drive like a hooligan. So theres that.

Definitely need to test drive one. I like that there are not many around!

[toffee]

ALawson said:

Will they be back for the replacement? 340i?

That does worry me, so would like something that is a bit of a sleeper. But I am not going to buy a boring car - will up the defences first!

[toffee]

troika said:

Maybe, although most cars are pretty good these days. Depends on your priorities and whether you want to actively attract the attention of the wrong sort I suppose, or fly under the radar.

Having exactly the same dilemma but I really enjoy my driving and many new cars are, in my experience, not fun to drive. It’s not about pure speed, it’s how they feel, the chassis and the steering feedback etc. I much preferred driving my Up GTI, to the golf R, but is not the best for long motorway journeys and too small for what we need.I am definitely not a badge snob so happy to fly under the radar - but I want a car that puts a smile on my face 😊

[toffee]

maz8062 said:

This response amazes me. Do you have children? Separate the cars that were stolen and the fact that burglars entered your house to steal something. What would have happened if you were in, your kids, family? Having cars on your drive that attracts trouble, thieves, is not clever in my view, but each to their own.

I am a 59year old female with no children. Guess we all have a different view on risk, but thank you for your thoughts.

[toffee]

AyBee said:

I had a Scirocco R and when child number 1 arrived, wanted to replace it with a Golf R estate but decided against it because of their reputation for being stolen. I went for a Superb 280 in the end and it's been excellent. It's probably going in the not too distant future because I want to go electric, but if I wasn't, it would be staying. Looks just like any other Superb but goes very well when you want it to.

Hi, I have considered a Superb, but they do look very big. How do find them to park etc?

[toffee]

Gio G said:

Sorry to hear about your car theft OP.

Many years ago, in the height of those super cheap lease deals on Golf R's, I was car jacked for mine, the whole held up with knives/cosh from masked scumbags in broad daylight. Mine was a 5 door, which was the perfect vehicle for committing further burglary. Over the period I remember many on here having theirs stolen too..

Unfortunately my incident shocked me to my core and didn't want to drive anything hot for a while. However I think you have the right idea, don't let them win and beef up your security. Just make it harder for them and they move on to something else...

G

So sorry to hear about the car jacking, that must have been horrid. Mine was a 5 door as well!

[toffee]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say take a good look at the last of the line 3.0 Jaguar XE S 380's as they're a very good steer ride well & are a nice place to be:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302284...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303175...

Last of the line Polestar V60:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303215...

Maserati Ghibli S now these are a true under ( the facelift 425 mobels are rare) the radar car & feel special too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303225...

Regular 350:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302254...

Not the best looking but the Kia Stinger is a very good steer & the V6TT is a peach:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302154...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208108...

Now if you want a proper sleeper then this is the one, no onw will suspect the performance on tap with one of these:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303135...

All the above are interesting alternatives, or the i30N DCT fastback is a very good alternative.

Thank you for such a thoughtful list, a few I hadn't thought of.

[toffee]

Silenoz said:

To replace the Golf R, I'd be looking at one of these:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023021141...

Same power and 4wd as the Golf, but much less theft attractive as they stand out

Thank you,I have often considered one of these, maybe the marmite looks would make it less attractive!