Vs Which to choose? Golf GTD vs. A3 1.9 e TDI vs. 118d

[Germaniac]

Mum's buying a new car.

Requirements:
- Golf-sized (which rules Mini D out, unfortunately);
- Diesel;
- 5 door; and
- New.

Opinions on the three mentioned? Any other suggestions fitting the above requirements?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DaSilva]

I want to say A3 but that's and very very very very old outgoing model.
So I'd have to say GTD

But if she can wait. wait for the new A3

 

[Zafiro]

Golf is a better allrounder but I would pick 118d. I drive a 120i and my mum drive a 118i and we are both satisfied with our ownership.

 

[VroomVroom]

GTD of course!!!

Golf Gti style, Golf Gti performance, Golf Gti practically with without Golf Gti fuel comsumption?

Know what i'd choose

 

[Germaniac]

But if she can wait. wait for the new A3

Purchase will most likely be made within the year...when's the new A3 (5-door) due?

Golf is a better allrounder but I would pick 118d. I drive a 120i and my
mum drive a 118i and we are both satisfied with our ownership.

Cool...for what reasons would you pick the BMW?

Golf Gti style, Golf Gti performance, Golf Gti practically with without Golf Gti fuel comsumption?

Yes I think it's definitely the rational choice, though dad's attracted to the badges of the others...


Thanks guys, keep it coming!

 

[MikeJ]

Both the A3 and the 1-series are quite old now, so unless you can get a really good deal on one, the Golf is the rational choice. Of course, since she want the five-door I suppose that rear space plays a role which would work against the 1er.

 

[Deleted member 25]

Golf, cause it's a golf and then you know that you will have a very good all rounder, it's still fresh and it looks better than the other two, only minus is that this generation life cycle is said to be very short so replacement may come much sooner than expected.

 

[Zafiro]

Cool...for what reasons would you pick the BMW?

Personally I pick a 1-series because of design and how it drives. Also there are Golf's everywhere, everyone have them.
Regarding 118d its a very fuel efficient engine and its also a popular version here in Sweden.

 

[Giannis]

The good thing about the Golf, is that it's design will age very well! Just look at any mark IV Golf. It looks like only a couple of years old. The Golf VI has a very clean and nice design, and it a perfect all-arounder, and very practical, too! It's not as involving to drive as the 1er, though!

 

[cawimmer430]

I'm assuming your mom wants something comfortable too, right?

That automatically rules out the 1-Series. It's a great car and I love it to death but unless you get the expensive sport seats the standard seats are back-killers.

I don't know too much about the A3 but the Golf probably seems the most reasonable choice amongst the three choices in my opinion. Practical, comfortable and spacious. Does your mom want a GTD or are you recommending one for her?

 

[Bilal]

The new Golf is overall a good car and has been highly praised but the build quality is slightly over-rated. Our 1.4 TSI has done about 3000 miles from new and has developed a few exceptionally annoying creaks and rattles from the cabin. In addition, the DSG gearbox is quite jerky in every day usage; on the move it's fine, but from 1st to 2nd gear and vice versa, it's very jerky. I realise you are considering the GTD model, but you must take into account that these gripes are common on all MK6 cars; the GTD doesn't come with some 'special build quality' over the regular cars. Oh, and BTW the car is as dull as watching paint dry to drive; blame the numb steering!

Lastly, many have lauded the car for being very refined and more 'junior-exec' (C-Class/3-Series/A4) than hatchback. While it is quite refined, there is quite a bit of road and tyre noise that intrudes the cabin; wind noise is also reasonably prevalent.

I would definitely wait for the new Audi A3 whenever it's due to arrive. Although some say it's just a tarted up Golf, but that Audi badge does do something to the build quality

As for the 1-series, great driver's car, but sooo impractical (have you seen rear legroom and boot space?) and the looks will divide opinion.

One final thought, it is your mum's car so that will automatically rule out certain desirable qualities such as being 'fun to drive' and 'sporty'. Trust me, women do not care about such things! What say you my fellow men? Ultimately what you will want is something comfortable, well-built and easy to drive;(some will shoot me for saying this), but I wouldn't rule out the A or B-Class Mercs

 

[Zafiro]

As for the 1-series, great driver's car, but sooo impractical (have you seen rear legroom and boot space?) and the looks will divide opinion.

However , I have some words I want to add
I have transported three adults in the backseat on regular basis, the person in middle do not sit comfortable, the knee's touch the armrest and you have to fold your feet in two. Of course don't make a Eurotrip with your babybimmer. Two adults sits more comfortable in the backseat unless you aren't Shaquille O'Neal Teenagers and small children fits too.
Conclusion: Two normal sized adults do fit in the backseat, if not move the two front seats forward.
But there is another 'problem', I own a 3-door and my Mum's is 5-door. I think the backdoors are too small on my mum's car, I have long legs so I have a little problem getting out.

Anyway, Germaniac need to do some research if the backseat is big enough but if the car is only for his mum then backseat size isn't a problem


Like Cawimmer said, get the sportseats you sit more comfortable in those and there are more adjustments to make on the seat. My mum have the standard seats and she haven't complained so this is another thing you need to find out if they are good enough.

Another positive thing with 1er, the cabin is well-built and keeps annoying wind noise away. Regarding 118d there are plenty of torque so city driving wont be a problem.

Although I prefer 1-series over a Golf I do think Golf is a better allrounder, it simple must be because 1-series have existed since year 2004 and the Golf is brand new model.

 

[coolraoul]

I'f take the Gold. The A3 is old, the Beemer too impractical and uncomfortable.
So unless your Mom wants the special driving experience, which would mean that she's somehow knowledgeable about cars, the Golf is the easy choice here.

It's no use to speak about driving pleasure if she's no car nut as she won't really notice the difference.
Thing is, your mom's car should be chosen from her perspective, no our's. Therefore the Golf is THE choice. Comfortable, classical, practical.

 

[mayham85]

i suggest seat leon fr tdi. it will be cheaper and it looks so good.

note:sory i saw late. it wont be available there. in this conditions i will think between golf and 118d.

 

[ree]

Definitely the Golf GTD!! Fantastic looking car, stunning perfomance, great fuel consumption. Much more space then in the 1-series as well and in my opinion better build quality. Would be great to go for the DSG…

 

[Germaniac]

Thanks everyone for your very helpful opinions, especially in regards to the A3's age, 1-series' seats (and rear seat room) and Golf's overall practicality. I think those who have mentioned the GTD is the car best suited to Mum out of the three are correct - she currently drives a Mk V Comfortline petrol and it suits her needs fine. Dad's very attracted to the engine and overall driver appeal of the 1 series, but I think he will reach similar conclusions to most of you here - that the GTD is the most sensible choice.

I wouldn't rule out the A or B-Class Mercs

Interesting additions...I think the A is just too much of a shopping cart, but can you tell me more about the B? I see the 200CDI driving around quite a lot, but don't really understand where the B fits in the model line - what does it offer in comparison with the A, and why are the two lines offered simultaneously?

Would be great to go for the DSG…

Excuse my laziness and for not researching myself, but can you explain more about this gearbox? How does it compare (as far as smoothness and efficiency) to a traditional auto? Mum would very rarely use it out of auto mode, so in that case would a traditional auto be a better choice? Does the GTD even come in a straight auto?

Many thanks again!

Oh also - when's the new A3 due?

 

[ree]

Interesting additions...I think the A is just too much of a shopping cart, but can you tell me more about the B? I see the 200CDI driving around quite a lot, but don't really understand where the B fits in the model line - what does it offer in comparison with the A, and why are the two lines offered simultaneously?

In my opinion, there is one big problem with the B-Class - and that's the price tag. With some options you can easily hit 35.000 € or more. Well, it's a car with good practically but would choose a Mini van like the Renault Scenic then.

Excuse my laziness and for not researching myself, but can you explain more about this gearbox? How does it compare (as far as smoothness and efficiency) to a traditional auto? Mum would very rarely use it out of auto mode, so in that case would a traditional auto be a better choice? Does the GTD even come in a straight auto?

Many thanks again!

Oh also - when's the new A3 due?

Drove two different cars with the DSG box. First was a Mk.V Golf GTI. Was impressed of how smooth this gear box changes the gears. Very fast and without any cogging. It always find the right gear and when you want to go a bit faster and sportier you can choose the paddels behind the wheel - but they are actually unnecessary.
Second car was a Superb 2.0 TDI (140 hp version) - http://www.germancarforum.com/membe...first-impressions-testdrive-skoda-superb.html . I don't know what happened here, maybe it was wrong adjusted or sth like that. Very unsmooth gear changes and the whole car runs uneasy with the DSG transmission.
Well, regarding to some tests the DSG of the GTD is fabulous - more like the one in the GTI and not in the 140hp Superb diesel version I drove.

---
Found this of a Motortrend review:

"We sampled the GTD with manual and DSG transmissions. Both provide six speeds, and the manual has sweetly progressive lever and pedal actions that boost the interactive joy of controlling the powertrain. But the twin-clutch DSG, operated by little paddles that turn with the steering wheel, meant we were always in exactly the right ratio when negotiating a dizzying mountain pass. It also gave some useful hurry-up to downshift-and-accelerate passing maneuvers."
---

Don't know about the new A3 though. Will be a great car, more exclusive then the Golf (well, GTD version should be more exclusive), but also more expensive.

 

[Kowalski]

Definitely the Golf.

Both the A3 and the 118d will probably end up more expensive and the 118d is not very practical.

 

[klier]

But if she can wait. wait for the new A3

LOL And if she can wait even longer, wait for the new 1er (comes after the new A3)
Seriously, I'd go for the 118d from this list. Best choice, most fun to drive, RWD and a Bimmer (most important )

 

[Bilal]

The biggest drawback for the A/B-Class cars is of course the price, but if smoothness is your priority, I would suggest a B180 CDI with the CVT gearbox. The DSG is a Dual Clutch Transmission that provides instantanteous gearsifts at the expense of a little smoothness. It is a very direct gearbox, there is no 'slushing' like a regular auto gearbox, and on the move the shifts are seamless.

If however, your dad is interested in the car then I'm afraid the B180 will not suit him, in that case, it has to be the GTD, which is probably the best all-rounder but with certain niggles as aforementioned.