Golf GT or A3 Sportback S-Line

[bobwilson]

We're thinking between these 2 cars, so thought we'd make a pro's and con's list and share it here. Would be interested in people's thoughts. We're going fully loaded, so both cars are the same price, £30k.

A3 s-line sportback 1.8TFSI (180) s tronic loaded £30k:

pro: exterior looks great
pro: iphone connector in convenient location
pro: generally feels more solid
pro: not forced to have tinted rear windows
pro: has upmarket appeal, has 'the badge'

con: general dashboard & air vents look ugly / kiddie
con: cupholders are main focus (?!)
con: seats aren't as pretty as the golf's
con: gimmicky retractible MMI screen
con: ride not as comfortable / quite firm (will try to find a standard suspension s line to testdrive)
con: louder on motorways
con: engine has lag problem (press pedal, wait almost a second, then car moves)

Golf GT (5 door) 1.4TSI (140) s tronic loaded £30k:

pro: dashboard looks classy
pro: seats are pretty
pro: more comfortable
pro: quieter on motorways
pro: engine has no lag problem (will verify this in another test drive)

con: exterior looks dull
con: iphone connector in bad location, with gearstick in the way
con: doesn't have such upmarket appeal
con: doesn't have 'the badge'
con: steering wheel doesn't feel as nice
con: forced to have tinted rear windows

Most other things about the 2 cars seems quite similar, both can use voice control, have the same sat nav, the same technology options (keyless entry, adaptive cruise etc.)

 

[PjDali]

Go for the Golf Bob, the kiddy vents and gimmicky screen in the A3 will no doubt drive you mad.

Meanwhile the rest if us A3 owners can get on enjoying our cars.

 

[deci]

I think you know my thoughts... haha

I disagree with almost all your A3 cons so I guess my opinion won't matter. I still don't get the 'kiddy' interior thing. I really don't.

 

[Ruthus_1]

Hmmmm I joined this forum due to my love of the the new A3!

i currently have a polo and had a bora before that and I just don't think VW feel as luxurious or as good quality as an audi! Find them boring in comparison TBH!

 

[audicruiser]

We're thinking between these 2 cars, so thought we'd make a pro's and con's list and share it here. Would be interested in people's thoughts. We're going fully loaded, so both cars are the same price, £30k.

A3 s-line sportback 1.8TFSI (180) s tronic loaded £30k:

pro: exterior looks great
pro: iphone connector in convenient location
pro: generally feels more solid
pro: not forced to have tinted rear windows
pro: has upmarket appeal, has 'the badge'

con: general dashboard & air vents look ugly / kiddie
con: cupholders are main focus (?!)
con: seats aren't as pretty as the golf's
con: gimmicky retractible MMI screen
con: ride not as comfortable / quite firm (will try to find a standard suspension s line to testdrive)
con: louder on motorways
con: engine has lag problem (press pedal, wait almost a second, then car moves)

Golf GT (5 door) 1.4TSI (140) s tronic loaded £30k:

pro: dashboard looks classy
pro: seats are pretty
pro: more comfortable
pro: quieter on motorways
pro: engine has no lag problem (will verify this in another test drive)

con: exterior looks dull
con: iphone connector in bad location, with gearstick in the way
con: doesn't have such upmarket appeal
con: doesn't have 'the badge'
con: steering wheel doesn't feel as nice
con: forced to have tinted rear windows

Most other things about the 2 cars seems quite similar, both can use voice control, have the same sat nav, the same technology options (keyless entry, adaptive cruise etc.)

Out of interest Bob, what do you drive now?

 

[noidea]

I think this is for his parents. Not sure Bob drives

 

[Pganders]

Glad to see Bob has now had the sense to open his own post for this never ending argument which really is going nowhere.
If you like the Audi buy it – if not then don’t. Simple.

I do like the A3 and that's why I have ordered one. Oh, and by the way I'm not a teenager, I'm in my mid 50's!!

Enjoy yourself for life’s too short.

Oh, and I pitty the poor salesman lol

 

[synthdood]

con: general dashboard & air vents look ugly / kiddie

Agreed on the vents (although they've started to grow on me and I think I may actually start liking them at some point).

con: louder on motorways

Probably due to the s-line suspension. I would deselect s-line suspension in which case you get the sport suspension (Still lower than standard: -15mm instead of -25mm). Also 18" wheels don't help. 17" will be quieter.

con: engine has lag problem (press pedal, wait almost a second, then car moves)

Really? DIdn't hear about that one before. Haven't driven an 8V yet but this seriously worries me! Also, if I understand correctly the 1.8 is limited to 250Nm because the 7 speed box can't handle more torque. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a bigger engine in my opinion. Why have the 1.8 if it lags and is limited if the 1.4 pulls just as well? I guess the 1.8 is more refined/smoother/quieter. Has anybody driven both, and if so, in what respects are they different? Is it worth the difference in cost/tax/mpg?

 

[Ruthus_1]

Oh, and I pitty the poor salesman lol

ha ha lol!

 

[pluves1]

Only Bob could shortlist two cars each with more cons on the list than pros

 

[Pganders]

And we still don't know what he (or is it his parents) currently drive. Hmmm, having said that is this maybe the teenager??

 

[deci]

And we still don't know what he (or is it his parents) currently drive. Hmmm, having said that is this maybe the teenager??

If that's the case then he might be in a better position to say the interior is 'kiddie' I'm 32...

 

[bobwilson]

I think this is for his parents. Not sure Bob drives

Hi noidea, I never would have thought of posing as someone who in fact doesn't drive- apparently it's something you do?

Yes, myself and my wife are buying a £30k car for my parents..

I'm sorry noidea, it sounds like you have noidea.

 

[bobwilson]

Oh, and I pitty the poor salesman lol

I pitty those who are trying to silence people who don't agree with them.

 

[bobwilson]

And we still don't know what he (or is it his parents) currently drive. Hmmm, having said that is this maybe the teenager??

That's correct, you don't know what I currently drive, what my parents drive, or if they are even still around.

I wish I was a teenager

 

[bobwilson]

If that's the case then he might be in a better position to say the interior is 'kiddie' I'm 32...

wish I was 32

What do you drive?

 

[Ruthus_1]

All this money talk is getting pathetic lets hope the rulers don't come out lol!

 

[Pganders]

That's correct, you don't know what I currently drive, what my parents drive, or if they are even still around.

On the basis that you state you are buying the car for your parents the assumption is that they are still around.

And also you are quick enought to ask others personal questions but refuse to say what car you are currently driving.

 

[quattrojames]

I can't see this recovering now.

Maybe the OP would have more luck if he tried again, and please let's try and stick to the relevant topic next time around.

Thank you.