I ve had my blue vRS combi 4 weeks now and in the 2000 miles I ve done I can offer the following opinon.

It is excellent and I am happy with my choice.

Good points

Bit faster than old vRS.

More spacious.

No more white carpets (or brown as mine were after 70k).

Once you have paid the extra for the options, it is well speced.

Gear box nicer to use than old 5 speed.

Brakes seem even sharper than old vRS.

Blue doesn't show the dirt as much as my old black one.

So much cheaper than VW and Audi versions.

Bad points

Fuel consumption poor, around 30-32mpg, old vRS 4-5 mpg better.

Dealer not setting the tire pressures at pdi, it don't handle on 45psi.

Not acceptable that climate and rear elec windows an opt.

Don't think it is as good looking as old one, looks a bit soft.

Ride height to high, they should of lowered it a bit more, 25-35mm extra.

I agree with most of the 'objective' points you raise, such as 'ride height a little too high' and 'tyre pressures not set correctly at PDI' however I am currently averaging 22.9mpg which is better than the 21.7mpg I was getting from my ex-Mk1 so would be delighted in achieving 30-32mpg!.

As for the subjective point of the looks, personally I think it looks much more modern which therefore makes the Mk1 look very dated especially when parked along side each other and I now prefer the looks and it keeps getting better each time I walk out my front door!.

But I still think what you are trying say is that it's f@%$"#g great!. :P

Thanks for the points of comparison with the Mk I - that's what we really need to hear. Honestly, chaps, is there really any point changing? I know you've spent the money, and you want to be proud of your new wheels, but was it really worth it? Let's have some straight talking on this thread!

Thanks for the points of comparison with the Mk I - that's what we really need to hear. Honestly, chaps, is there really any point changing? I know you've spent the money, and you want to be proud of your new wheels, but was it really worth it? Let's have some straight talking on this thread!

No matter what you hear the best way is to take one for a spin and make your own conclusions .