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Post by Martin on Jan 15, 2018 19:07:54 GMT
We had a spare few hours on Saturday, so decided to have a look at some new car options with the aim of narrowing them down to a reasonable shortlist and arranging test drives after we get back from holiday.
One of the possibilities on the long list is the i30 N (there is supposed to be a space....I've flicked through the 'Selling an I30 N interaction manual....it's very funny) and the local dealer had a demonstrator in the signature blue, which I don't like, but other colours are available. Neither of us was massively keen on the way the front looks and the interior seems to be well put together, but some of the materials aren't great, but how it drives is more important in this type of car I suppose. The specification is really good, it has pretty much everything you'd want, including memory seats which are my 'spare wheel' essential option. Their N specialist was a really nice, enthusiastic guy who was really keen for us to try one. I didn't have my wallet with me, so only Lindsay had her driving licence and was able to have a go.
I'll share some better impressions when I have a go in one in a few weeks, but we were pretty impressed. It goes pretty well, apart from in 5th and 6th which did frustrate Lindsay and was surprising as she's used to a NA engine that doesn't really get fully into its stride until 4,000rpm. The ride was very good in comfort mode and acceptable even in full on N mode, contrary to what I've read and whist there are probably too many parameters you can choose from in the individual mode, we liked the way it could either be quiet and comfortable or firm and fairly loud. It does sound pretty good, very purposeful without lots of silly pops and bangs, I understand that the exhaust doesn't have any trickery (other than baffles that open up), but it does have a sound generator. Back to the individual configuration, I think there are 8 things you can change, each with 3 settings!!
Lindsay got used to it pretty quickly and didn't exactly hang around, the first roundabout on the route was attacked very nicely and it hussled along a B road very well, even with the suspension firmed up.
Practicality. It's spacious enough inside and the boot was a decent size, but slightly restricted due to the strut bar running across it. It's pretty good value and has 5 year warranty and a very cheap service plan, which would offset any concerns about residuals
Overall, we liked it, but have some reservations about the way it looks and the interior and more importantly, we haven't tried anything comparable. That's the plan when we get back from holiday early March.
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Post by johnc on Jan 16, 2018 7:58:40 GMT
I watched this the other day and it looks impressive:
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jan 16, 2018 8:48:00 GMT
This car has passed under my radar but it looks pretty good. Performance and price are very competitive. Mind you my initial thought when I saw it was that there was a hint of Nissan Almera GTi about it.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2018 10:01:09 GMT
Not my cuppa at all, but that video is pretty impressive. That Porsche driver eventually worked out that he needed to get out of the way! Is there a configurator on the website? I couldn't find one if it was there. Just wanted to see it in some other colour...
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Post by Martin on Jan 16, 2018 10:30:09 GMT
Not sure, but I think all the colours are on the website, if not there are pictures of them all in the price list. There is a dark silver and grey, both of which would look a lot better than the blue.
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Post by johnc on Jan 16, 2018 10:34:41 GMT
You need to try an RS3 as well!
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Post by PetrolEd on Jan 16, 2018 11:02:27 GMT
As nice as the Hyundai is, I think I'd struggle to look past the Golf R in this class for the proven residuals etc.
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Post by Martin on Jan 16, 2018 11:19:33 GMT
As nice as the Hyundai is, I think I'd struggle to look past the Golf R in this class for the proven residuals etc. So will we, but I’m staying open minded and will try both properly, along with a a couple of other possibilities. John - RS3 is a lot more money, which would impact the budget for the other car and we looked at the S3 Hatch and weren’t that impressed. |
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Post by johnc on Jan 16, 2018 11:28:18 GMT
Think I'd be more inclined to go down the M140i route than the Golf R just because I think it's that bit more special.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2018 11:37:53 GMT
Sounds quite fruity, decent. The tyres seemed a bit past their best and the Porker sounded like I expected it to when close enough. Not too much tourist presence either but the Mini finally caught the Porker driver out so he had to sidestep a bit.
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Post by Martin on Jan 16, 2018 11:54:44 GMT
Think I'd be more inclined to go down the M140i route than the Golf R just because I think it's that bit more special. It’s on the shortlist. I’ve not driven one yet, but had a look at a demonstrator. We did try an M135i 4 years ago and liked it, but (engine aside) it was a bit lacking in fun, will be interesting to see how it compares to similar cars. |
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Post by johnc on Jan 16, 2018 13:46:04 GMT
Think I'd be more inclined to go down the M140i route than the Golf R just because I think it's that bit more special. It’s on the shortlist. I’ve not driven one yet, but had a look at a demonstrator. We did try an M135i 4 years ago and liked it, but (engine aside) it was a bit lacking in fun, will be interesting to see how it compares to similar cars. I have a couple of clients with Golf R's. They are blindingly quick with fantastic traction, have enormous grip and will embarrass much more exotic machinery. Like most cars these days they provide a slightly anodyne driving experience. They are a seriously capable weapon. However the M140i is RWD.
You will only know by trying them.
Where are you holidaying?
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Post by Martin on Jan 16, 2018 14:29:58 GMT
I’m looking forward to trying one.
We’re off to Malaysia on the 24th Feb, Dubai / Kuala Lumpur / Langkawi / Singapore, I know that’s 5 weeks away but we don’t have any free weekends between now and then.
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Post by johnc on Jan 16, 2018 14:32:57 GMT
Very nice and I'm very jealous!
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Post by racingteatray on Jan 16, 2018 18:31:24 GMT
Would you go for a manual or automatic M140i?
I know I had a manual and it was fun and probably more involving when you are "on it", but I am not convinced I'd have a manual if buying a second one unless I did regularly drive on some epic B-roads. The 8spd ZF auto and engine in my GC are just so peachily-matched, whereas the 6spd manual is a bit notchy, especially when new, and never much cared for dribbling along in traffic in low gears at low revs.
I think what I am suggesting is "try both an auto and a manual".
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Post by Martin on Jan 16, 2018 19:36:17 GMT
Would you go for a manual or automatic M140i? I know I had a manual and it was fun and probably more involving when you are "on it", but I am not convinced I'd have a manual if buying a second one unless I did regularly drive on some epic B-roads. The 8spd ZF auto and engine in my GC are just so peachily-matched, whereas the 6spd manual is a bit notchy, especially when new, and never much cared for dribbling along in traffic in low gears at low revs. I think what I am suggesting is "try both an auto and a manual". Good insight, thank you. My preference is for an Auto, Lindsay prefers manuals so we’ll see what happens! I suspect we’ve been really spoilt by the gearbox in the Boxster, which is fantastic, so that might help me out. |
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Post by ChrisM on Jan 17, 2018 8:37:31 GMT
I saw a programme about Hyundai and the N "brand" on the plane, on my USA trip last year; they're deadly serious about producing performance cars, setting up a new division with new staff to do so, including a dedicated facility at the Nurburgring. Not surprised that the i30 N is turning out to be a bit of a cracker
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Post by michael on Jan 17, 2018 12:08:47 GMT
I didn't know about this car,is is often the way these days. I admire you thoroughly investigating a left-field choice.
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Post by Alex on Jan 17, 2018 13:10:26 GMT
The M140 has the benefit of being the last time you’ll be able to get a hatch with 6 cylinders, so maybe worth getting one whilst you still come. But then you start thinking the same if the 340/440 and so you start on a slippery slope that gets progressively more expensive!
I like the idea of the i30 N but found the dashboard of the cooking version I drove a while back a little below the standard I enjoy in the Golf to the extent it could annoy. A Golf R seems the better choice in the market even though it’s not cheap.
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Post by racingteatray on Jan 17, 2018 13:21:27 GMT
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Post by PG on Jan 18, 2018 20:40:26 GMT
Although he liked it, I suspect that this is the reality -
Hyundai — which has never made a hot hatchback before — has bought a book called How to Copy a Golf GTI and stuck rigidly to the recipe. It’s taken its ordinary five-door hatchback — the sort of car that’s bought by people who wear hats — lowered it, given it a 2-litre turbocharged engine and added some red styling details and hey presto. One hot hatch . . . that no one wants because they’d rather have a VW Golf, thanks very much,
And from the comments below the article, PCP rates look high compared to rivals. I think they need to price it more keenly and therefore attract people with a value proposition as well as how it drives. I can never quite understand what goes on in the pricing minds of manufacturers. OK, they probably need to sell a car for "x" to make a profit, but in the short term, to build loyalty, they may well have to accept that their marketing money needs to go on supporting it as a good PCP financial proposition for buyers rather than other more glamorous things.
For there are only two real ways to usurp a well dug in incumbent like the Golf GTi. Be nearly as good buy way cheaper. on PCP. Or be so achingly beautiful and good that people are prepared to give you a go. I suspect that in 99% of buyers' minds, Hyundai fall into the fromer camp.
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Post by Alex on Jan 18, 2018 21:53:38 GMT
And from the comments below the article, PCP rates look high compared to rivals. I think they need to price it more keenly and therefore attract people with a value proposition as well as how it drives. I can never quite understand what goes on in the pricing minds of manufacturers. OK, they probably need to sell a car for "x" to make a profit, but in the short term, to build loyalty, they may well have to accept that their marketing money needs to go on supporting it as a good PCP financial proposition for buyers rather than other more glamorous things. For there are only two real ways to usurp a well dug in incumbent like the Golf GTi. Be nearly as good buy way cheaper. on PCP. Or be so achingly beautiful and good that people are prepared to give you a go. I suspect that in 99% of buyers' minds, Hyundai fall into the fromer camp. That’s what Skoda did to build the vRS brand. The mk2 Octavia vRS diesel was similarly priced to a cooking Golf TDI but bigger and quicker. Made it quite a popular company car. PCP deals are based on depreciation which is why seemingly more expensive metal can be had for the monthly cost of ‘lesser’ cars. |
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Post by Martin on Jan 19, 2018 8:35:06 GMT
Interestingly, you could get one for just under £25k through the online brokers back in December but Broadspeed aren’t offering any discount and it’s not on the Coast2Coast list anymore. Maybe they’re selling enough?
There are a lot of variables in PCPs, from interest rates to optimistic or pessimistic residuals. I understand that the monthly headline figure can make a big difference to a purchasing decision, but if that was the case every time, VW wouldn’t sell any Golf R as everyone would save £100 a month and get an M140i.
You really need to look at the whole life cost as Jon and Racing have shared recently, plus other financing options.
Finance examples.... Putting £10,000 deposit down and getting a loan for the balance, total cost over 4 years:
Golf - £36,600
I30 - £27,500
Golf PCP (£5k deposit/15k miles/4 years)
Total cost - £29,000 + £11,500 GFV
I’ve roughly equalised the spec, going for a more basic R would narrow the gap and a GTI Performance would be about £2,000 less than the R.
Assuming the Golf is worth about £13,000, then as long as the i30 is worth £4,000 you’ve saved money (based on the loan example). Maybe the Golf or M140i is worth the extra, I’ll find out and let you know!
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Post by Martin on Jan 19, 2018 20:17:20 GMT
Hot hatch group test in this months Evo. Summarising the i30.....
”it’s a brilliant hot hatch, but it also feels like a proper mature performance car - a car that has the aura of being very throughly developed”. It’s heavier than it should be and they’d like it to be a bit quicker, but “it’s a remarkable effort”.
Still have doubts over the interior, but looking forward to driving it and the rest of the shortlist.
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Post by Martin on Jan 22, 2018 21:23:55 GMT
Evo have just put one on their Fast Fleet, will be interesting to read and it looks a lot better when it isn’t in the light blue. The latest Harry’s garage video is the Golf R, will watch that shortly.   |
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Post by michael on Jan 22, 2018 21:47:17 GMT
That looks quite purposeful.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2018 22:32:52 GMT
The latest Harry’s garage video is the Golf R, will watch that shortly. Well, wasn't that predictable. "If you don't need 4WD get the GTI". |
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Post by Martin on Jan 22, 2018 22:36:43 GMT
The latest Harry’s garage video is the Golf R, will watch that shortly. Well, wasn't that predictable. "If you don't need 4WD get the GTI". Genius! |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2018 7:11:44 GMT
I meant it was predictable because that's exactly what every other car journo says. I must say, though, the R is a very tempting proposition. Just the small problem of an impending redundancy is putting the kibosh on that idea!  |
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Post by Martin on Jan 23, 2018 7:56:52 GMT
I meant it was predictable because that's exactly what every other car journo says. I must say, though, the R is a very tempting proposition. Just the small problem of an impending redundancy is putting the kibosh on that idea! My comment was aimed at Harry, same reason you made the comment. It is very tempting. |
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