And my official reply to this thread:
I can't vote for anything.
1. Alfa Romeo Giulietta: It looks stunning. It's simply beautiful and according to a GCFer's signature, "senza cuore, saremmo solo macchine". I agree with this guy's signature, but after driving one, I was not impressed. It was nice only when set to "sport" or whatever that setting was called, but the handling was still "safe". The car wasn't that playfull, and it certainly felt heavy. That sense of safety is rare to an italian car, and is certainly welcome to the Giulietta, but I was missing a proper sporty scent. If it was more exciting to drive, it would be my choise.
2. Audi A3: I took a good look at it this morning, as there was one at the local Audi dealership (still not on display, though - I found this one in the service area). It looked elegant, I liked the details like the lights, but I didn't like the interior. It was of very good quality, just not my cup of tea. And if what EVO and the other magazines wrote about how it is to drive, is true, then this is not what I want from a hatchback.
3. BMW 1er: I got behind the wheel of one for a couple of minutes. It felt like home, yet I'd prefer the steering to be heavier. The interior was very nice, but I absolutely hate the stock front. If we were not talking about the basic trim, it would be my choise. It looks good enough for me with an M-Pack bumber, but otherwise it doesn't. I have no issues with the rear.
4. Volvo V40: Comming from a guy that does drive a Volvo, yet hates all electonic nannies (apart from the ESP): It looks too much like the Focus. Yes, the first generation S40 was based on the Focus, but it was different. The design was 100% different and so was the driving experience. But this one resembles its cousin from Ford way too much. I wouldn't pay the premium over the Focus for a V40, unless I want the safety nannies and the badge. Which I don't.
5. VW Golf: It's a Golf. I almost bought a VI one, but in the end it wasn't sensible (we have a financial crisis, I didn't want to get rid one of my cars and 3 cars for one person is an overkill). I liked the VI a lot. I guess in real life, the VII will give me the same feeling of "security". Security meaning a car that is good for everything and won't let me down when I want a comfortable cruise, or a spirited drive. It's the best of all words, and even if it is not as good to drive as an 1er, it's still the most sensible choise. Yet, comming from an old school french hatchback, I find almost all moder hatchbacks uninspiring to drive.
Bottom line: If I was to get a front M-Pack bumper, I'd get an 1er. If not, I'd try to persuade myself that I am happy with my Golf.
