Local Euro Hatch and small wagon opinions?

nemesis · Postby **nemesis** » August 4th, 2013, 3:19 pm

Little discussion about them on tuner thus far. Would like to hear some opinions on the models available locally 250k-350k range. Specifically : A3 1.8T(starts at 295k no idea on top end) vs 116 (285k-345k) vs Merc A200 (285k-320k). The Golf GTI has some pretty obvious advantages but is in a different price bracket. Can add any other vehicles that may be suitable.

So, if you had to buy one as a daily driver, which would you, and why?

Allergic2BunnyEars · Postby **Allergic2BunnyEars** » August 5th, 2013, 1:44 pm

If the A3 is really going to be for sale here I'd take it just cuz it sexy. Personally I find the 1 series to be too small. If I had to pic again it would be the A200. I am going solely on my two picks based on looks and a general idea of performance based on specs. Haven't driven either but would love to.

nemesis · Postby **nemesis** » August 7th, 2013, 10:42 pm

I find the A200 trunk quite small. But then they've used that space for the backseat. So i guess it's a matter of what you really need in a car.
A3 isn't bad all round. Best warranty of the group too. A little short on features compared to the A-Class though.

cqk4 · Postby **cqk4** » August 8th, 2013, 12:51 pm

Allergic2BunnyEars wrote:If the A3 is really going to be for sale here I'd take it just cuz it sexy. Personally I find the 1 series to be too small. If I had to pic again it would be the A200. I am going solely on my two picks based on looks and a general idea of performance based on specs. Haven't driven either but would love to.

Next A3 fan here..

Postby **Monk BANzai** » August 19th, 2013, 7:20 pm

co-sign on comments.... wud usher in a new time of Hot hatches....the New Ford Focus and Renaults are ohh lala as well.....

Habit7 · Postby **Habit7** » August 20th, 2013, 2:21 pm

There is also the Skoda Fabia, Fiat Punto, VW Golf Variant and Fiat Bravo. The Golf Variant and Bravo both have 1.4L turbocharged engines which offer very zippy performance. Volvo C30 and C70 could probably be special ordered though. Plus there are the range of Minis also

nemesis · Postby **nemesis** » August 20th, 2013, 3:15 pm

There are many many options if you consider what they make worldwide. Was trying to keep it within a reasonable range of what is available locally.
Skoda and Fiats not in the same league and they don't bring the Golf Variant again. Volvo way higher priced. C30 doesn't exist again, and the V40 I believe ordered with reasonable features is clear of 400k.

Habit7 · Postby **Habit7** » August 20th, 2013, 10:27 pm

MG Man · Postby **MG Man** » August 21st, 2013, 9:50 am

seriously considering buying one of these...best of both worlds: funky hatch, practical wagon

Habit7 · Postby **Habit7** » August 21st, 2013, 10:57 am

Wow, that looks expensive yet ugly and impractical. To each his own.

Allergic2BunnyEars · Postby **Allergic2BunnyEars** » August 21st, 2013, 11:00 am

What's impractical about it?

MG Man · Postby **MG Man** » August 21st, 2013, 11:20 am

hard to haul jesus in it after u nail him to a chunk of wood

MG Man · Postby **MG Man** » August 21st, 2013, 11:47 am

this would make a fun car too...........

Habit7 · Postby **Habit7** » August 21st, 2013, 11:59 am

Allergic2BunnyEars wrote:What's impractical about it?

The two rear doors add no real value over a single one. It adds more weight and makes it harder to load and unload while paralleled parked. And in the RHD version the 3rd door for the rear passengers was not reengineered for RHD. So that suicide door literally becomes a suicide door as it opens out to traffic. Enjoy transporting the kids.

But like I said, to each his own.

MG Man · Postby **MG Man** » August 21st, 2013, 12:29 pm

so on your car, you don't have doors that open into traffic when parked?
Ever see an SUV with a single side-hinged rear door? Or was it my imagination?

Habit7 · Postby **Habit7** » August 21st, 2013, 1:23 pm

Yes, but more times than not my rear passengers would also have the safer choice to use the door toward the pavement.
Yeah I know a certain CRV model had it. It had poor sales in LHD countries because it keep the RHD design of opening on the left and hinging on the right.

But no need to get emo though, like your car, my opinion was never sought before for any car you own.

Allergic2BunnyEars · Postby **Allergic2BunnyEars** » August 21st, 2013, 1:28 pm

I was wondering what you were talking about. Didn't realize the mini only had three side doors.

Habit7 · Postby **Habit7** » August 21st, 2013, 1:31 pm

MG Man · Postby **MG Man** » August 21st, 2013, 3:03 pm

Allergic2BunnyEars wrote:I was wondering what you were talking about. Didn't realize the mini only had three side doors.

yup
it's like an RX8
the silly bit is that when u open the little door, it pulls the seatbelt out as well, and u still have to tip and slide the front seat forward...it just makes it a wee bit easier to get out of than the hatchback.......not an issue for me because I don't generally put people in my car...........

nemesis · Postby **nemesis** » August 21st, 2013, 3:12 pm

That is a strange looking mini there. MG man you know the mini prices?

I wonder what was wrong with the good ole normal mini cooper that they had to make so many odd looking versions.

MG Man · Postby **MG Man** » August 21st, 2013, 3:46 pm

marketing and practicality
The standard Cooper has very little carrying space unless u fold the rear seats. And getting in and out of the rear seat is challenging. The Clubman addresses both of those issues. Similarly, the Countryman offers the look of a Mini but with the practicality of four doors, more ride height and optional all wheel drive. The coupe is for those looking for something more sporty than a hatchback
I had the Cooper but I always wanted a Clubman. The rear double doors pay homage to the original Mini Clubman panel van
Last time I checked, the Cooper S was starting around 260k

Postby **Monk BANzai** » August 22nd, 2013, 1:03 am

^^ wow..lil pricey boi....

nemesis · Postby **nemesis** » August 22nd, 2013, 6:39 am

Still, at 260k that puts it in the running. All the other models mentioned here are close to 300k. Somehow I find Mini's should have remained with just the Cooper. Being owned by BMW also they didn't need other models as one could easily find practicality elsewhere in their production.

MG Man · Postby **MG Man** » August 22nd, 2013, 7:59 am

The fact that their range sells so well even after over a decade shows there is a demand for the range

Postby **Monk BANzai** » August 22nd, 2013, 5:40 pm

MG Man wrote:The fact that their range sells so well even after over a decade shows there is a demand for the range

agreed...dem ting like dem B14 price....NOT BUDGING!

Postby **Team Loco** » August 22nd, 2013, 5:53 pm

Returning to he fold of the euro, I must say I am impressed within reason with the octavia. To me it accomplishes the best of both worlds- great fuel economy and size. The hatch or liftback feature provides a huge trunk space. The rear height is good for putting stuff into that trunk. Performance wise its 1600 is a bit uncomfortable in economy mode but I drive in sport right through and its good fun. To me octavia is a viable option

greasyspoon · Postby **greasyspoon** » August 23rd, 2013, 10:22 am

Getting back to the Focus price range $219k base - 249k "fully loaded" hatch, sedan and wagon have similar prices. Comes with a NA 1.6 and DSG. I heard word of the 1.6 Ecoboost coming to Trinidad which is something to look forward to. I also heard that the new fiesta should be coming with the 1L Ecoboost to replace the 1.6 all speculation tho. Considering that Ford is replacing the 1.6 worldwide tho there's a good chance that the 1L should be here at least.

Also pretty hard to argue with ANSA's In one package. Anyone have bad/good news as it relates to that?