Well, in the interests of balance, (newbie here), I have a MK7 Golf GTD. I did consider an Octavia III when I ordered last year (April 2013), but they were not available at the time and when they were not with the engine / transmission spec that I wanted (184PS / DSG). Took over 6 months to deliver and I actually took ownership on the 14th September last year (so 4 months ago).

 

Yes the Golf is more expensive, and TBH not even I can fully justify the difference, however it is very well loaded with goodies as standard - so not sure it the VRS come with the same or more kit. I went for the Golf as in the end, I didn't need a huge car (as there's only the wife and myself and a small dog !), and coming from a Scirocco, it was very similar in overall size. I think if I had a family, it would have been a no brainer and I would have waited for the Skoda.

 

Having now owned 5 VAG's on the trot, I can honestly say the MK7 Golf is the best I've ever owned (not saying it's better than the Skoda, but as I don't own one for comparison, it's difficult to tell). The build quality, choice of materials, equipment levels, refinement etc, are all a huge step up from my outgoing Scirocco (which itself was a brilliant car).

 

I think the only 2 things the Golf's are getting knocked for over in the VW forums are 1) price - well you know what the price is before you order, so can't see how you can criticize it for that and fuel consumption. On the latter, VW were advertising something silly like 65mpg for the GTD in their figures, but I for one never believed I would get anywhere near that. Over 3000 miles, I'm actually averaging 46.7 mpg, and when you consider most of that is my city commute to work, that's pretty good in my book. On a recent 300 mile round trip down to Cardiff and back in the Golf, with 4 adults and a full boot, I averaged 58.9mpg overall, and that was cruising at about 75 on the motorway using the adaptive cruise control.

 

I think it's great that all 4 marque's where once miles apart on quality / technology etc. and now bunching up, and to be honest there's not really much to choose between any of the 4 (Octavia III, Golf 7, Audi A3 and Seat Leon), other than body style, size, equipment levels and of course price.

Edited 15 January, 201412 yr by Sootchucker

good summing up there mate ... excellent post

Let's be honest though - the Golf 7 is the ugly child that even a mother couldn't stand to love..... 

1) price - well you know what the price is before you order, so can't see how you can criticize it for that

 

Does not stop complete muptards on Ebay leaving negative or neutral feedback saying- "Item received quickly but was expensive!"

 

Beyond and Belief are the words that spring to mind or perhaps "If you dont like the price well don't flipping well buy it!"

 

Yes I am speaking from personal experience having received said feedback!

 

 

Edited 15 January, 201412 yr by tamkyo101

Let's be honest though - the Golf 7 is the ugly child that even a mother couldn't stand to love..... 

 

Ooh....harsh  I happen to think it's really very good looking and very well proportioned (well I would wouldn't I). Honestly, I think all the VAG brands at the moment have some very exciting and handsome cars available.

 

If you want ugly (in my book anyway), it would have to be the current Focus. I had a MK I and MK II and loved them but the current model, just looks like a generic Japanese or Korean blob.

Ooh....harsh  I happen to think it's really very good looking and very well proportioned (well I would wouldn't I). Honestly, I think all the VAG brands at the moment have some very exciting and handsome cars available.

 

If you want ugly (in my book anyway), it would have to be the current Focus. I had a MK I and MK II and loved them but the current model, just looks like a generic Japanese or Korean blob.

Or even worse a hideous MiTo :-) A Punto in a poncy dress, and a face like a buckled manhole cover.

The case for prosecution. Kill it with fire heavy implements!!

 

Well, in the interests of balance, (newbie here), I have a MK7 Golf GTD. I did consider an Octavia III when I ordered last year (April 2013), but they were not available at the time and when they were not with the engine / transmission spec that I wanted (184PS / DSG). Took over 6 months to deliver and I actually took ownership on the 14th September last year (so 4 months ago).

Yes the Golf is more expensive, and TBH not even I can fully justify the difference, however it is very well loaded with goodies as standard - so not sure it the VRS come with the same or more kit. I went for the Golf as in the end, I didn't need a huge car (as there's only the wife and myself and a small dog !), and coming from a Scirocco, it was very similar in overall size. I think if I had a family, it would have been a no brainer and I would have waited for the Skoda.

Having now owned 5 VAG's on the trot, I can honestly say the MK7 Golf is the best I've ever owned (not saying it's better than the Skoda, but as I don't own one for comparison, it's difficult to tell). The build quality, choice of materials, equipment levels, refinement etc, are all a huge step up from my outgoing Scirocco (which itself was a brilliant car).

I think the only 2 things the Golf's are getting knocked for over in the VW forums are 1) price - well you know what the price is before you order, so can't see how you can criticize it for that and fuel consumption. On the latter, VW were advertising something silly like 65mpg for the GTD in their figures, but I for one never believed I would get anywhere near that. Over 3000 miles, I'm actually averaging 46.7 mpg, and when you consider most of that is my city commute to work, that's pretty good in my book. On a recent 300 mile round trip down to Cardiff and back in the Golf, with 4 adults and a full boot, I averaged 58.9mpg overall, and that was cruising at about 75 on the motorway using the adaptive cruise control.

I think it's great that all 4 marque's where once miles apart on quality / technology etc. and now bunching up, and to be honest there's not really much to choose between any of the 4 (Octavia III, Golf 7, Audi A3 and Seat Leon), other than body style, size, equipment levels and of course price.

Superbly balanced post, well said.

I keep seeing a black MK7 GTD 5 door around the business park I work at and have to say it looks the absolute dogs; if I didnt need a bigger car be doing my best to get one of these either on PCP or through work.

In a way I prefer the way it looks to the equivalent GTi, not usually one for chrome on cars but the chrome accents suit the car better than the red accents IMO, also the standard and upgrade wheels are more attractive. The grey Jaccara cloth also is a little more reserved and perhaps more tasteful too.

Let's be honest though - the Golf 7 is the ugly child that even a mother couldn't stand to love..... 

Cripes, that's a mighty statement.  Is the Octavia 'beautiful' by comparison?

 

The case for prosecution. Kill it with fire heavy implements!!

 

 

 

Stunning car!!  It's like a mini Ferrari!  Although a bit bug-eyed I admit....  I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

I don't think any of the current VAG range is particularly asthetic (Eos anyone)!?  Except the Phaeton...

Let's be honest though - the Golf 7 is the ugly child that even a mother couldn't stand to love..... 

I do think the standard Golf's look better than the GTD/GTI's. That front bumper design is a bit of a dogs dinner in my opinion.

Bit of a thread resurrection here,but I'm on the verge of buying a nearly new Golf GTD estate (2019, 5,600 miles) 

 

I could go for the 'in your face' Focus ST diesel estate in orange fury (2020, 1960 miles), which is equally loaded with goodies, possibly even more so, for an extra £2k

 

By comparison with either of them, the spec levels on most nearly new Octavia vRSs, at a similar price, are quite low. Very few have the digital dash, even fewer have adaptive cruise and lane assist and rear camera, which aren't absolutely necessary but are very nice to have

 

If it boiled down to colour it would be the orange Focus every time, but the head is telling me to stay with VAG

 

(Awaits being pilloried for the audacity) 

Edited 6 November, 20205 yr by Brimma

I’ve an orange ST five houses away from me. It’s a cracking colour 😎

 

Having gone from a vRS to a Golf (albeit a GTI) last year, I did notice a difference, but they are nice to have’s rather than decision makers. I liked the vRS seats, but the heated seats in the GTI are quite a step up.

 

 I do miss having a brightly coloured car 

 

Stick with the marque.

 

Gaz

2 hours ago, Gaz_ said:

I’ve an orange ST five houses away from me. It’s a cracking colour 😎

 

Having gone from a vRS to a Golf (albeit a GTI) last year, I did notice a difference, but they are nice to have’s rather than decision makers. I liked the vRS seats, but the heated seats in the GTI are quite a step up.

 

The orange just looks too fast for the diesel, every boy racer and his dog would want to take you on wherever you go

 

The Golf on the other hand looks very understated, especially in white, but I'm relishing the thought of going back to the adapative cruise, DSG and lane assist which I had on a Superb L&K. The car will amost drive itself if you feel that way inclined. Plus the check seat material looks a lot more hard-wearing than the alcantara

Edited 6 November, 20205 yr by Brimma

I honestly think the Focus looks great both hatchback and estate. To me, the petrol automatic ST estate is a very appealing car. It's just too expensive. 

 

You need to drive them both! 

Edited 6 November, 20205 yr by Swirly182