tough choice but both are good cars.

 

I think for me, the only thing that might swing it in the Golf's favour would be the DDC, but that's purely for the fact I could have a "softer" set up when I have passengers and "harder" when I'm on my own......but then if I have passengers that then swings it back in favour of the Octavia!

 

I guess it's the old head vs heart choice.

Hmmm....thats a real shame.....in the UK the GTI comes with the following as standard

Drive mode selection

Bi-xenons

Front and Rear sensors

LED rear lights

tinted windows

folding mirrors

Discover Nav with 3 year Carnet

Keyless entry

Winter Pack

So here a base GTI would be a fair bit better stocked than a vRS.

I suppose given what youve said...I think go for whatever car pushes your buttons the most regardless of spec. I'm personally of the mind that as nice as the vRS is, practicality aside the GTI is the better car even with less kit....but if the lack of kit is going to bother you then you are probably best going with the vRS. Its there or thereabouts 90% the car the Golf is and sounds as though its a fair smidge cheaper in your market.

I don't think any badge will impress neighbours, nobody cares anymore, cars are all fairly good these days and the only real difference between many mass production cars is marketing budget.

 

I've always found it curious that families will push themselves into the red so Mr Jones will think "wow, they're successful". But really, the Smiths are buckling under payments they're struggling to make

 

You'd be surprised that it still happens. You'd be amazed at the amount of people on "benefits" that drive Mercs...........of course I didn't say that!

Just wondering, is the driving modes feature that controls sound, steering and throttle on the VRS, I was told that on the GTI it only comes as part of the DCC (adaptive dampers package). Is that true? Can you not get driving modes on the GTI with out active dampers? 

 

Anyway, 80% of my driving is normal commuting and errands where the added toys on the VRS would come into play. The other 20% would be twisty mountain roads where the GTi would probably be better.

 

In order to get the GTI, I'm essentially giving up on front and rear parking sensors, tinted windows, adaptive dampers (that don't come on the VRS anyway) and unfortunately it seems that it also won't have driving modes or Apple Play/ smart link. Even after cancelling all these options the GTi is still more expensive than the VRS. Getting a fully loaded GTI is so expensive that it would bring me into Gold R  territory and that's more than I am willing to pay on this car. The question is, does the quality and the added driving edge on the GTI justify giving up a few toys that come on the VRS? 

Drive mode selection comes standard on UK GTI's and the GTI doesnt come with DCC as standard.

It alters all other perameters other than suspension. That said in your market you might have to have DCC to get DMS, maybe bundled in and not an option in its own right?

My 2 cents....the GTI is a better car IHMO and money not being such an object would be what i'd choose......for me its that bit cooler somehow and that bit better built and to drive (to UK spec and price at least) to justify the premium.....that said if a base (and by the sound of it fairly ill equipped) GTI is still more expensive than a loaded vRS I wouls suggest the GTI isnt that much more superior to justify that kind of premium so would choose the vRS on that basis.

I always used to think I would prefer the Golf over the Octy in this case, but I followed a Blue VRs for several miles toady and thought it was quite a handsome beast. When I had my Octy, I thought the back end was it's weakest angle, but now it has that solid sort of look that characterises Audis. Very nice indeed :)

I agree, I definitely think the VRS has a better looking exterior. The GTI does have the upper hand though when it comes to the interior. 

I haven't had a vRS mk3 have had a test drive etc but had a vRS MK2 and now have a MK7 Golf R.

The Octavia was excellent all-round and the boot was awesome.

TBH the only reason I didn't get another Octavia was:

1. Didn't need all the space

2. Wanted a slightly smaller (externally) car

3. Skoda had nothing that had anything close to the R's standard performance (biggest reason for me)

Other than that I could have been swayed, especially as my local Skoda dealership has given me exemplary service over the ownership of my Octavia and swmbo's Citigo (still got).

There is not too much in the build quality stakes as I thought my MK2 was well screwed together and stayed that way for its 34k miles.

The GTI is a nice motor and will hold its value better than the Skoda but depends on your car needs.

Edited 2 September, 201510 yr by Defenderben

Again only IMHO, what is a bit of a shame is the GTI's general look and feel in standard form isnt as cohesive as the GTD. I dont personally care much for the red detailing, trim, tailpipe arrangement or standard Austin alloys. The grey detailing, trim, twin tailpipes and nogaro wheels work alot better....in certain respects I think it looks better than the R. With the vRS it looks the same regardless of engine choice which is a positive for sure as the vRS is a good looking motor.

   The Auto Express 230Vrs Octy review    This might muddy the water  

 

Golf style performance pack on the VRs and it's still £1,000 cheaper than the basic GTi

 

This one is from the Sunday Times

Edited 3 September, 201510 yr by Lady Elanore

I previously had 3 Octy vRS's because I needed the practical family car and I've since had two Golf Rs.  If you don't need the space and can afford it, get the GTI every time.  I loved my vRS's (well except maybe the diesel one) and now have a Scout as the family wagon.