I had thought I would buy a new Gti when it came out. Not being a fan of the mkV - I think it looks like a pug 307 and the interior really makes it look cheap! But I drove a 1.6fsi for 5 days when my R was in for a new fuel tank I totally changed my mind about the car, interior still pants and the looks of a 307, but it was REALLY nice to drive.
I just assumed it would become a grower over time. I then went to look at the Audi A3 and was totally won over, nice looks, brilliant interior, better residuals, now squeaks or rattles etc.
So I ordered an A3, when I went to look at the new Gti last week I was a bit worried that I might have made the wrong choice and would still hanker after a Gti... Fortunately the demo Gti was in red and looked really boy racerish, Claires comment was it looked very Chav. I dare say I will end up buyinig one in 18 months time mind...
So I would say the new mkV golf is a nice car but I think the A3 is better package although pricier initially I think the residuals are better and the options better value.
Obvioulsy this is just my opinion...
J.
P.S. Ask me the same question in 6 months when I start to see lots of Gti's on the road [

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