A summation of my feelings thus far:
The voting distrobution seems to be a bit predictable. Thus far it is looking as though it will come down to the following:
- Civic CRX/Si/Type-R
- Renaultsport Clio 192
- Focus SVT/RS/ST
- GTI
- 3 MPS
Given that many Americans don't have the Clio, it is a tough vote to make for many of us, and depending on our tastes, votes will get split up pretty evenly between the "world" cars here.
I think those of us who are a bit more sophisticated and look for the "feel" or history of a car are more likely to go for the GTI, while hot-heads looking for balls-to-the-wall performance may be more apt to look for the 3 MPS or Clio 182. The rest? Well, we all know how I feel about Honda sometimes...
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Me? I'm still pushing for GTI power. I just can't think of many cars that have the same ability to be two completely different cars all at once. Okay, the 3-series sits on that list too, but there still aren't many that can do the same things.
keef
EDIT: Okay, I've read my post, and I've made my decision. As I was writing I realized I couldn't come up with much that I truly loved about the GTI. I've never driven one, but I can imagine--electronic throttle, electronic steering, light cable shifter, high seating position. I threw that choice out.
You may be surprised by how wrong you are there. The throttle response is like any other car out there, as many more automakers are going electronic these days, so that isn't a problem. The steering is weighted nicely, and remains very direct, not vague in any sense at all. The shifter is a prime example of German craftsmanship, certainly not as "sharp" as the Aisin unit found in a S2000 or nearly as "direct" as what you would find in a 3-series, but more than enough for any "Hot-Hatch." As for the seating, it is completely customizable. Volkswagen is very proud of their adjustable seats, as they can be adjusted from nearly any direction. I often move mine down low (I'm a little over 6 foot), mid-way back, tighten up the sides and back, and hold-on tight.
...Just because the MKV is a big-boy, it really doesn't mean anything. It can still teach a Honda Civic Si a thing or two about how a cheap sports model should be done, and the GTI leaves plenty of room for performance options as well. Okay, the aftermarket hasn't jumped on-board the 2.0T as quickly as what I had anticipated, but it is getting bigger by the day.
But you cannot deny the legendary MKI and MKII GTI models, as they are as close to driving perfection that I have ever been. Even the "disappointing" MKIII models are worth note, particularly with the VR6, as the "balance" is they key. For me, the MKIV GTI was the model that turned me onto VW-power as a kid. I was watching some older videos from Europe online about the MKIV GTI VR6 with 4MOTION, a predecessor to the R32, and immediately fell in love.
I haven't driven the MKV, but I've had time with the older GTI models. They are great, far-beyond that of any of the Japanese "Hot Hatch" models we get in the US. IMO, the only car that has ever come close to it was the SVT Focus, but all hope was lost when they canceled that. If I keep my hopes up, maybe GM will get in the game with the Astra-turned-Ion in the near-future as well...
GTI POWA!
