Time to replace the MKVI R

[Candyman]

Hi everyone

Time is coming for us to replace our Golf R.

The plan is to upgrade in the next 18 months and taking into account possible delivery times, we need to start thinking about options now.

What are your thoughts on the following options.

I like AWD, nice interior, some get up and go but also want a 5 seater and luggage room with capability to be a good cruiser.

Would value your thoughts (my order of preference)

Audi RS3

Mercedes A45

VW Golf R (hoping the MKVII has an update as not too keen on the current model)

Ford Focus RS/ST

Honda Civic R Type

Renault Megane RS

If there are any others I've missed, we are open to suggestions.

Budget is up to $90k

[Dutch77]

I'm biased but RS3 for me; if I had the budget I would have considered it.

Probably the Merc next although by all accounts it's an unfriendly ride - Euro bias and like the option of sedan which offers a premium vibe.

[Lucas_R]

Audi S3 sedan or Focus ST/RS would be my pick. The A45 is U.G.L.Y, the type R is for 18yr olds (id be embarrassed to drive one), the Megane has a horrible interior. The Golf R is good, but like you, im not sold on its looks - the S3 looks much better IMO.

What about the new Peugeot 308GT or whatever its called? They look pretty cool.

Im considering selling my GTI and getting the updated Focus ST. With the updated exterior, and updated interior console area, its got me interested.

[gt_eye]

Providing your budget can stretch, I'd go for the RS3.
I'd buy it for the build quality, the understated look and of course the 270Kw!!!

[SilvrFoxX]

Hey CM, Good thread, I am in a similar situation.. All those choices were in the mix for me though the GLA is sort of appealing. Are hatches the only consideration, the Shooting Brake is a head turner.. I note there are no BMWs in the list, not that I blame you they don't hit my switch but the 4 series has some good points.

At the moment I admit the S3 has me thinking..

[Candyman]

Hi SF. Can't say I have any love for BMW. Off the table. Hatches (well, smaller cars) are my thing these days, something about hatches attracts me. I plan to start test drives once I can get down to a list of 3-4 cars and the replies so far have been great and really useful. As you know a C63 was the plan but that all fell apart and now that the R extended warranty is about to run out, it has prompted me to start looking. I think the MKVII R is off my list, was thinking that way and comments here and elsewhere confirm my thoughts. I don't like boy racer so the Merc and Ford really don't work but they will be test driven as I can get past the looks. I've heard some negatives about the turbo on the S3 but the RS3 doesn't seem to have the same problems and that 5 cylinder is attractive. I must admit, the Audi sedan looks pretty good but the hatch variant has my interest so far.

[SilvrFoxX]

Yes the sedan does look nice, saw one in the Sepang blue today at the Servo with the performance pack, the only issue is the boot is quite small hence the hatch would come into play. I had another thought and you have ruled out the MK7 R but the R400 will probably be out in the timeframe.. also the new Alfa will probably be in the ball park if you want to run the risk.. Also the new Jag XE will be available in September, though I recon it will be overpriced and depreciate like a stone

[Candyman]

I thought the R400 wasn't making it to production ?

I think my days of a Golf are over. I've had the GTI and now the R and the R400, if it gets here, looks to be just another Golf. I considered Alfa but wife says no way (I tend to agree with her reasons). We definitely prefer a good sized boot but will still check the S3 sedan - thanks for the info. I'll have to wait until Oct to try the RS3 though. I'm struggling going with the Ford, and the Merc but I'm not discounting them until I can get test drives. We owned a Mustang Cobra in the states but the local models are not for us.

[SilvrFoxX]

Yes the R400 is looking more and more likely.. but you have had your fill of Golfs, change is as good as a holiday..

I do really like the S3 Sedan but I just can't see me getting my son's cricket kit in there anytime soon

[Candyman]

Im hoping someone will throw me a left field option, I've had a few I'm checking out. The 5 cylinder of the RS3 has me very interested.