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Hatchbacks Best Hot Hatch - SVT, Civic Si, GTI, RSX, Mini, Beetle...
894 messages, Last post on Nov 25, 2009 at 11:12 PM
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| Comfort is personal. Test drive both, don't just take our word for it. Some seats are great for some people but awful for others. Test them for yourself. | |
| If you put people in the backseats... the GTI. I've heard it has an annoying throttle lag though. | |
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If you put people in the backseats... the GTI. The Mercedes C230K also has a superior back seat. Costs a bit more, though... -hh |
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| Hi All, looking into buying a new GTI (1.8T) or the Civic Si. Any comments? I've been hearing a lot of stuff about VW's shady reliability. Many have said that it could be good or bad and is inconsistent. They are about the same price, hatches, etc. Would appreciate any input. Thanks! | |
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***This is cut-and-paste from my post after buying the car about a month ago, but it still applies. So my wife goes out last Saturday and gets herself a new GTI 1.8T. I had my eye on a Mini CooperS, but after driving her car and looking into the even more muscular VR6, I was hooked. I just picked up my Silverstone Grey VR6 yesterday, and I'm in love with this car. A few notes about the two: - Both the 1.8T and the VR6 are exceptionally quick cars from 1st gear to last (5th for the 1.8T, 6th for the VR6). The VR6 is a bit smoother, though, and purports a higher top speed of 146 mph, vs. the 1.8T's "modest" 135. - Whether you get the 1.8T or the VR6, you should definitely spring for the upgrade packages. Luxury (Monsoon sound system, Sunroof), Leather (Leather, plus heated seats and windshield cleaning fluid), and Technology (onboard computer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Automatic Climate Control, and rain-sensing intermittent wipers), are all worthy additions. My wife has just the Luxury, which is a must-have. The Leather and Tech make a world of difference in this car, though. The entire thing feels SO luxurious (and for under 25K). - About the leather: I recommend the black over the grey. The reason is, the grey gets you matching grey interior panels below the dash and on the door. This mix of dark and light colors tends to make the interior look cheap. It's NOT cheap, though, and the black leather keeps all surfaces the same tone, which really makes the whole car look great. - The only real benefit of the Monsoon sound system is that you'll have hookups for eight speakers (6.5" mid plus .5" tweeter X 4) when you replace them all. The sooner you do this, the better, as far as I'm concerned. I'm not a "Ghetto Rattle" car stereo advocate, but I do like a nice, deep tone, and these speakers don't do it. In case you're wondering, I'm going with the same setup as in my last car: MB Quart Discus Series (www.mbquart.com) all the way around, plus a 10-inch sub, also MB Quart Discus, in the back and two Alpine amps to power them all. - Despite what you may have read about cupholders in previous models, rest assured that the 04's on sale now include relocated holders (they're in the center console now, next to the parking brake lever). The previous location was, indeed, stupid. The current set-up is just fine. - That being said, though, you should know that the armest/center storage bin, while scoring points for having an "Up" and "Down" position choice, isn't placed very well, and shifting with it in the "Down" position is a bit awkward. When it's in the "up" position, you're almost always going to smack it with your elbow if you're reaching back at all. Not too bad, since it's the only problem I have with these cars yet, but I'm picky, and it's a pain. I'll update in a few weeks, but these cars are incredible. Regardless of which of the two GTI's you choose, you'll be really happy with the engine performance and handling. Spring for the upgrade packages, and you'll smile every time you open you car door to take a drive. *** With regard to your specific choice, I thought I'd let you know that I test-drove the Civic SI before buying my GTI, but I didn't think it was all that impressive. Sure, it was quicker than the "normal" Civics (including the '01 LX that my wife traded in for her GTI 1.8T), but in comparison with the GTI, it just felt awfully bland. If you're looking for a fun-to-drive car with great options to go with the nice standard line-up, I'd definitely choose the GTI. Oh yeah, and it's got SIX airbags, in case you get into too much trouble with all the flying around you'll be doing. |
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Replying to: mutarjim (Jun 27, 2004 2:05 pm) |
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A) I'm willing to bet you can get an Si for at least $2500 less than a GTI 1.8T, and a lot, lot less than a VR6. Mutarijim got his for some amount under $25k, and no doubt it is a great car, but that is a lot of money, in a very competitive group. About $7k more than you could get an Si for. Think about what kind of performance is important for you - for that price you could be driving a Evolution RS. If you are into modifying your car, a revhard turbo is $3400 installed (if you are in Los Angeles, install not included elsewhere), and will put you into the low/mid 13s. B) I like the handling, shifter, and seats, much better on the Si. C) Either GTI is markedly faster than the Si, so if straight line is your thing, the Si is the wrong car. (unless you want to add a turbo) D) The GTI does come with nice leather and bigger wheels - but for the price, I'd rather pick my own wheels, and I prefer grippy cloth seats (like the Si) to leather seats (in a sporty-type car) anyway. I think the GTI (both versions) are great touring-type cars. Powerful, and comfortable. I don't think they are the best handlers, and they are pretty expensive. |
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Replying to: mutarjim (Jun 27, 2004 2:05 pm) A VW Golf for $25K is a little pricey for "Peoples car." Now, an Audi A2 (or 3, whatever the Golf in Audi disguise is) for that price is a good deal.
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If you want to spend $25k on a hatchback, the GTI VR6 is the only choice. But $25k buys a lot of car these days. Evolution RS Mazdaspeed Miata RX8 Subaru WRX Acura RSX-S Acura TSX MR-2 Spyder Cooper S SRT-4 Celica GT-S |
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VW's have good ergonomics and the 1.8T is a brilliant engine. However, VW reliabilty and customer service is notorious for a good reason. Why have VW's sales plummeted in 04? Word of mouth on their horrible build quality and arrogant customer service. As the former owner of a GTI and a New Beetle, I can attest to both. Have you looked at the Focus SVT, Acura RSX, or Mazda 3S hatch? They are all much better handlers and much more fun than anything in VW's stable. Good luck with your purchase. |
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