BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Yes Golf R is the best of both world, refinement of the GTi and performance of the ST.

It is also $10k more, 40% higher then the OP's budget

pbm317

Drove a Focus ST this weekend. I came away very impressed. I thought I put the power down well for a high output FWD platform. Dynamics seemed very buttoned down, and the shifter had a great feel to it with very positive engagement. VW shifters can feel a little loose/sloppy in my opinion.

They're offering some pretty aggressive discounts on the 2014 Focus ST's. Fully loaded, leather recaro's, navi, HID, sunroof etc. MSRP is ~$29,000, but can be had easily for close to $25,000 right now from my understanding.

GTI would definitely have some nicer overall materials. But the Focus ST definitely was a pleasant surprise.

Was originally planning on a BRZ (good discounts available as well) for a fun little runabout car, but now the ST may be a contender.

mmarshall

And just what do you consider "feminine" ? If anything in the VW line could be considered feminine, it's probably a last-generation, pastel-colored Beetle convertible with a flower-stalk. Even the Eos and the latest Beetle have shed that old stereotype.

bagwell

I'd say just about ANY VW beetle is feminine



altho this one was pretty cool.... http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/19/n...-more-flowers/

Blackraven

It's also important to ask if the owner wants an automatic or a stickshift manual

I'm not sure about the Golf GTI but I do know that the Focus ST only comes in stickshift.

mmarshall

Check out the new 2013/2014 Beetle, and I don't think you will buy into that stereotype any longer (or at least not quite as much).

tex2670

Road and Track disagrees--added weight of the R takes away from the GTI's performance, even with the added HP.

bagwell

damn this is REALLY tempting....!!!

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

^ theres a similar one that parks at my gym. I always find myself starring

bagwell

Hoovey - just curious - if you're in cali - why do want an AWD version? do you track your car a lot or?

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Rarely. I just prefer the feeling of RWD or AWD vs FWD even though they've made strides. RX FWD for example has very noticeable torque steer

geko29

By takes away, you mean the R is "a half second quicker from 0-60, the same speed from 5-60". But there's also more potential in the R's motor than there is in the GTIs, as just a stage 1 ECU tune brings it to 365hp (+75) and 354lbft (+80), with a supercar-class 3.7 second 0-60 time.

The reason the R appeals to me (aside from the big power bump) is that I just can't stomach a wrong-wheel-drive car, even if it is arguably the best handling FWD out there. AWD cures the aversion I would otherwise have for the Golf.

bagwell

unfortunately all indications point to the next R being $40K+, which prices itself out of the market for many buyers, myself included.

tex2670

Are you talking about the '15 Golf R? The R&T article I saw was a long term test of the '13:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/boot/lon...?click=main_sr

The '15 looks pretty hot...

geko29

Yes, I was talking about the '15 that's coming to the US in the spring, which got somewhat similar comments:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-revi...-european-spec

Seriously considering it as my next ride. I actually came this close || to buying a '13 when I wound up with my 335d.

Everything I've seen has said $36k base, $38-40k fully loaded. Across the board about $5k more than a similarly optioned GTI.