New Golf GTI or Skoda Fabia VRS?
Discussion
Which one? I will probably only have them for 12 months planning to work in France - so I want comfy for the UK France journeys, fun for the french country roads, not get vandalised on UK plates in france, miles per smiles for the journey and resale values a year later?
I have test driven both - the Golf is a fantastic handling car (used to have an Elise and it had a similar involvement), the Fabia is quite heavy at the front but feels quick. Obviously there is a difference in price but both seem good value (motorpoint for Golf not list price) and from what research I have done they seem to lose the same at resale.
Help?
I have test driven both - the Golf is a fantastic handling car (used to have an Elise and it had a similar involvement), the Fabia is quite heavy at the front but feels quick. Obviously there is a difference in price but both seem good value (motorpoint for Golf not list price) and from what research I have done they seem to lose the same at resale.
Help?
(Non biased)
The Golf would probably be the better of the two cars listed here overall (it is the one that continually wins the What Car? awards etc), but have you thought of looking at alternatives like the Vauxhall Astra VXR.. definately covers the fun part. A Seat could be the other option here, too...
The Ford Fiesta ST is usually in this category but I just find it too chav
The Golf would probably be the better of the two cars listed here overall (it is the one that continually wins the What Car? awards etc), but have you thought of looking at alternatives like the Vauxhall Astra VXR.. definately covers the fun part. A Seat could be the other option here, too...
The Ford Fiesta ST is usually in this category but I just find it too chav
Not driven a new golf so can't comment on that but I do run a Fabia VRS and elise for the weekends.
I do lots of miles (>25k) so the 45 minimum MPG the VRS does is very nice - on a run 55+ is possible. So far have covered 15k and it hasn't missed a beat
It's plenty quick enough to have some fun too. Feels as quick as the elise and much easier with all the torque.
Handling isn't great compared to say an elise but i find it a good compromise between comfort and handling. (Its certainly nicer to drive on b-roads than my old boys 330d sport was). Its not that grip is a problem its just a little soft and heavy at the front end - lots of things can be done to improve this if you want - personally i'm not bothered.
Only negatives i can find are the road noise and spongy feeling brakes. 4 big tyres and small shell don't help with tyre noise - am trying different tyres next swap to try and solve this. Have also now got used to the brakes.
Overall I have been really pleased with the VRS.
IMHO Golf GTI should be in a different league given its price difference - is it??
Yes it will be faster, bigger, more comfly, better handling - better in everyway no doubt. However, for what i use the VRS i doubt i would appreciate the benefits of the more expensive golf - its just a work car to me.
I do lots of miles (>25k) so the 45 minimum MPG the VRS does is very nice - on a run 55+ is possible. So far have covered 15k and it hasn't missed a beat
It's plenty quick enough to have some fun too. Feels as quick as the elise and much easier with all the torque.
Handling isn't great compared to say an elise but i find it a good compromise between comfort and handling. (Its certainly nicer to drive on b-roads than my old boys 330d sport was). Its not that grip is a problem its just a little soft and heavy at the front end - lots of things can be done to improve this if you want - personally i'm not bothered.
Only negatives i can find are the road noise and spongy feeling brakes. 4 big tyres and small shell don't help with tyre noise - am trying different tyres next swap to try and solve this. Have also now got used to the brakes.
Overall I have been really pleased with the VRS.
IMHO Golf GTI should be in a different league given its price difference - is it??
Yes it will be faster, bigger, more comfly, better handling - better in everyway no doubt. However, for what i use the VRS i doubt i would appreciate the benefits of the more expensive golf - its just a work car to me.
Edited by Ruxpin on Thursday 27th July 10:16
Ruxpin said:
Not driven a new golf so can't comment on that but I do run a Fabia VRS and elise for the weekends.
I do lots of miles (>25k) so the 45 minimum MPG the VRS does is very nice - on a run 55+ is possible. So far have covered 15k and it hasn't missed a beat
It's plenty quick enough to have some fun too. Feels as quick as the elise and much easier with all the torque.
Handling isn't great compared to say an elise but i find it a good compromise between comfort and handling. (Its certainly nicer to drive on b-roads than my old boys 330d sport was). Its not that grip is a problem its just a little soft and heavy at the front end - lots of things can be done to improve this if you want - personally i'm not bothered.
Only negatives i can find are the road noise and spongy feeling brakes. 4 big tyres and small shell don't help with tyre noise - am trying different tyres next swap to try and solve this. Have also now got used to the brakes.
Overall I have been really pleased with the VRS.
IMHO Golf GTI should be in a different league given its price difference - is it??
Yes it will be faster, bigger, more comfly, better handling - better in everyway no doubt. However, for what i use the VRS i doubt i would appreciate the benefits of the more expensive golf - its just a work car to me.
I do lots of miles (>25k) so the 45 minimum MPG the VRS does is very nice - on a run 55+ is possible. So far have covered 15k and it hasn't missed a beat
It's plenty quick enough to have some fun too. Feels as quick as the elise and much easier with all the torque.
Handling isn't great compared to say an elise but i find it a good compromise between comfort and handling. (Its certainly nicer to drive on b-roads than my old boys 330d sport was). Its not that grip is a problem its just a little soft and heavy at the front end - lots of things can be done to improve this if you want - personally i'm not bothered.
Only negatives i can find are the road noise and spongy feeling brakes. 4 big tyres and small shell don't help with tyre noise - am trying different tyres next swap to try and solve this. Have also now got used to the brakes.
Overall I have been really pleased with the VRS.
IMHO Golf GTI should be in a different league given its price difference - is it??
Yes it will be faster, bigger, more comfly, better handling - better in everyway no doubt. However, for what i use the VRS i doubt i would appreciate the benefits of the more expensive golf - its just a work car to me.
Edited by Ruxpin on Thursday 27th July 10:16
The golf is a much bigger car than a fabia, as nice as 45mpg is , the golf offers more metal around u and of the few i have seen trashed in accidents they stand up well. Had my new GTI a while now, average 35mpg over 6000 miles , not as goo das the vrs but not bad for a 200 hp car. Best bits on golf are handling, cross country performance and ease, and seats.
I'd take the Golf. Better looking, better made and better residuals.
I'm looking for a second car at the moment and short listed the Focus RS, Mini Cooper S and the Golf GTI. Anyway, of the 3 the Mini went first, I just can't see myself in one long term and the ride quality is terrible on 18" wheels. I don't know why people rave about them tbh.
Focus was next off as it was nose heavy and laggy, not keen on the overall look of the car either, but it absolutely flies when it comes on boost. Sounds superb too. Build quality is good, but not up to the Golf's high standards.
I also tried the R32, but at 1600Kg and a 3.2 V6 in charge of dragging all that weight around, economy was truly awful. Incredible grip and handling though.
Then the GTI. It does everything well and is clear from the moment you take it off the forecourt why it's so highly praised. Ride quality is superb (even on 18s), the damping and spring rates being perfectly judged for awful UK roads and the engine is punchy and smooth. Granite like build quality. My only complaints are a lack of steering feel, although that can be tweaked via the diag port with VAG-COM, and the engine lacks urge past 4500rpm, seems to do all it's best work between 1700-4000rpm....kind of flattens there after, but that's the price you pay for a small, lag free turbo. It can be Revo'd to about 270hp though (Oettinger also do a 310hp pack) which is said to improve top end pull. So loads of runing potential there if that floats your boat.
I think I might get one actually as it would make for a better daily commuting car than my current one.
I'm looking for a second car at the moment and short listed the Focus RS, Mini Cooper S and the Golf GTI. Anyway, of the 3 the Mini went first, I just can't see myself in one long term and the ride quality is terrible on 18" wheels. I don't know why people rave about them tbh.
Focus was next off as it was nose heavy and laggy, not keen on the overall look of the car either, but it absolutely flies when it comes on boost. Sounds superb too. Build quality is good, but not up to the Golf's high standards.
I also tried the R32, but at 1600Kg and a 3.2 V6 in charge of dragging all that weight around, economy was truly awful. Incredible grip and handling though.
Then the GTI. It does everything well and is clear from the moment you take it off the forecourt why it's so highly praised. Ride quality is superb (even on 18s), the damping and spring rates being perfectly judged for awful UK roads and the engine is punchy and smooth. Granite like build quality. My only complaints are a lack of steering feel, although that can be tweaked via the diag port with VAG-COM, and the engine lacks urge past 4500rpm, seems to do all it's best work between 1700-4000rpm....kind of flattens there after, but that's the price you pay for a small, lag free turbo. It can be Revo'd to about 270hp though (Oettinger also do a 310hp pack) which is said to improve top end pull. So loads of runing potential there if that floats your boat.
I think I might get one actually as it would make for a better daily commuting car than my current one.
Edited by superchargedvr6 on Thursday 27th July 22:04
I'm not trying to make out that the VRS is a better car. If i had the money i would love to run the new GTI as it is the better car.
However the price difference is huge - just looked on parkers price guide
VRS OTR £12375
VRS Suggested Price £11750
VRS 3Year Value £5965
GTI OTR £20860
GTI Suggested Price £20650
GTI 3Year Value £10700
They are 2 very different cars - size, price, fuel so its difficult to compare. Depends what you need the car for and how you intend to use it.
IMHO the VRS is good value for money and works really well for me.
However the price difference is huge - just looked on parkers price guide
VRS OTR £12375
VRS Suggested Price £11750
VRS 3Year Value £5965
GTI OTR £20860
GTI Suggested Price £20650
GTI 3Year Value £10700
They are 2 very different cars - size, price, fuel so its difficult to compare. Depends what you need the car for and how you intend to use it.
IMHO the VRS is good value for money and works really well for me.
And likewise, I'm not trying to belittle the VRS, but you asked if the Golf is in a different league and I duly responded, just to share my experiences, but not meant in a "you should get the Golf and nothing else" kind of way, apologies if it came across like that.
Can't go wrong with either car tbh.
Can't go wrong with either car tbh.
superchargedvr6 said:
Can't go wrong with either car tbh.
Seconded. It's entirely up to your feelings on each car at the end.
You could get the Skoda, then buy a decent Griff or a Wedge or something for a hoon round at the weekend with the change compared to the GTI.
Or buy a GTI used? eBay! But make sure the spec is spot on or you will regret it. It may take time but it'll save you a few quid alright. You won't take such a hit when you come to sell it either.
No doubt the GTI is in a different league and is IMHO quite overpriced new (but still pretty good value if you see what I mean) but the Skoda is still great (from what I have heard
)nobbles said:
The skoda won - pick it up in september. Actually truth be told the GTI won but the car I was looking at sold - I was too busy dillying. I actually think I made the right choice - cheaper to run etc means I can get that 911 sooner..
Congrats, good choice....
As discussed i think either is a sound buy. Enjoy
Rich
Ruxpin said:
VRS OTR £12375
VRS Suggested Price £11750
VRS 3Year Value £5965
GTI OTR £20860
GTI Suggested Price £20650
GTI 3Year Value £10700
VRS Suggested Price £11750
VRS 3Year Value £5965
GTI OTR £20860
GTI Suggested Price £20650
GTI 3Year Value £10700
I'd be VERY surprised if you could pick either of those up for those prices at 3 years old. Two-and-a-half year old Furbies are fetching £8.5K at least, and the Golf GTI will probably do even better.
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