JackClark

What's the general consensus on these? I have to change my car in April and they seem quite a nice deal.

Brun

I like em. Great sound track, plenty of toys and a solid build

wide

Prefer the GTI

mg driver

i like em ,they weigh a lot but they still very rapid

Adidas

Yep, got to agree. Had ago in my friends one not so long ago. Impressed how quick it was. Not as 'raw' as the Scoob.

Can't really comment on the handling as it was a quick blat on the Motorway and wide A roads

Vrs

Yes these things do move! I was in my Octavia VRS (Standard 180bhp) & I saw what I thought was a Mk5 Golf GTI coming up fast behind me.Ah I thought, time to play with the GTI..... When the car in front moved over, I let rip in 3rd, 4th.....Right foot hard down....about to change to 5th &...Bang this "Golf GTI AKA R32" Pissed all over me! Looked down at my speedo & I was just passing an indicated 130mph! (Private Test track)

So Yes they are fast, I used to own a an 03 WRX with PPP, The R32 looked just as fast in Gear.Nice Car.

ScoobyDoo555

most of the magazines (FWIW!) seem to like it, but prefer the GTI, as it's more "fun".......

Have to admit that the prospect of a GTI with DSG is more appealing than the R32.... (and cheaper!)

Although for disclaimer purposes, this is purely based on theory - I haven't driven either yet. I could be very disappointed!)

Dan

ADP

One parked outside my house right now, it doesnt look as butch as the previous model by any means, Im sure its good but doesnt look that special!

hedgehog

I think that the fact they look quite boring is a plus point. I had a VR6 Golf with TDi (90bhp in those days i think) badges on it and the only real difference to the casual viewer was the wheels (and lots of people change wheels) and the shape of the tail pipes. This allowed me to live life in relative peace and quiet and was well worth doing.

Mog

The GTi looks better as the R32 is abit bling for me, go for a Forester STi!!!!!!!

Mog

JackClark

What a dialemma!

Mog, about how long did it take to get the Forester? What about servicing? I'll need to speak to Adams Garage as main dealer servicing is important and that place is walking distance from my house. Feel free to answer offline.

The DSG gearbox on the R32 is a draw for me, but having never driven one can't be sure if I'd get bored. Dropping a gear on the Subaru when the passenger doesn't expect it is something I'd miss.

The last year I had to change my car I'd made my choice a good month ago!

Mog

Hi Jack

It took about 2 months to get the STi, servicing is 6 month oil change and 12 month larger service, to be honest on an import main dealer servicing isn't that important as long as the servicing is carried out by a recognised garage.
You are more than welcome to come over for a drive if you want as your'e only 1/2 hour away, PM me if you want a chat.

Regards
Mog

wide

Did look good on top gear must admit

sti-04!!

And only 0.3 of a second slower on the track than an Sti

05WRX

Check out the last two issues of EVO (DEC and JAN). They had a R32 v 130i test where they dyno tested the R32 and found it to be low on power .. (it was split new though...) and then in the JAN issue under the unleaded 98 test feature, on the same Dyno found a GTi to be making more power than stated by VW.

Unless you NEED a Haldex clutch 4 wheel drive system.. If I were you I'd go for a GTI (it's lighter, it handles better, it's almost as powerful, it doesn't sound as good, but it's not altogether untuneful ...and comes with DSG...). I test drove two mk v GTIs when looking for a new car last year. One with DSG and one without... both were fantastic.

John Goldick

R32 looks wicked... Jeremy Clarkson couldnt get enough of it on Top Gear last night.