Like Fluffmeister I haven't had a Mk1. Again my natural inclination would be to go for a Mk5 Golf to replace my Mk4 GTi. However, the birth of my son caused me to do some re evaluation. Suddenly praticality has come into the mix.

When I drove the Mk2 it reminded me of a Golf (well it would!) but a much better one than the Mk4. Perhaps this suggests an improvement from Mk1 vRS to Mk2. However, I am sure the Mk1 vRS has the edge on the turbo'd Golf.

Practicality and cost make this a better buy than an Audi. It is very hard not to want to buy a Mk2 after you drive one and think about what is on offer. It would seem to me that if you hanker after 'newness' there is every reason to smoothly move from Mk1 to Mk2. (with or without the thing that fills up the gap between the front seats) The Mk2 looks nice too, which helps.

Personally, I am counting the days...I can't wait to get my Mk2. Then I just need to run it in before I can reallly utilise all that lovely boot space!

M

I think theres a world of difference between "better" and "prefer" cos theres no doubt that the mk2s better in loads of areas than the mk1, but I really liked the mk1.

I've got two similar bikes. One is state of the art alloy framed, upside down forks, refined, quicker, prettier etc etc but i still prefer my ratty old 350 Yam.

Well said Rushy. Spend your money while your here and enjoy it. I was in real turmoil as whether to buy mk2 my octy rs now or wait for next year. But then a good deal came a long and I thought to hell with it, get it now. So i did. And I love everything about it.

I have a mk1 vrs and love it to bits, best car ever.Which is why iam on this forum every night. The mk2 looks nice but not to sure about the front lights/grille its a bit round for me.

Each to their own though and at least the mk2 seats arn't white!

Just look at the torque curve of the MKII compared to the MKI

regarding fuel economy after 3500miles we're reading around 27-28mpg average (lots of town) with the odd long blast getting as high as 36+mpg and thats driving at a decent pace...

car hasn't needed a sip of oil yet and is still well in on the the dipstick which is pretty good considering that's included its run in when they usually drink the most.

One test drive was enough to convince me of the total superiority of the Mk II. Three months on I am delighted with the new car, and have absolutely no regrets. Certainly, it is a bit heavier on fuel, but the performance is much better. Others have mentioned the improved road holding, and I agree. Lots of extra mod cons too. Go for it!!!