Spec me...

[-VK-]

Hey folks,

Coming to the end of my PCH on a Giulia Veloce which has been a hoot to drive the last couple of years despite a couple of electrical issues (alarm sensors, start / stop system.)

On paper a Golf R seems to tick every box, except the theft risk - It's not an option (same for BMW M1XX / RS3 / S3).

That's put me to thinking about a Golf GTI PP with a remap, a little more low-key than the R and a lower theft risk, but ticks all the other boxes.

Other thoughts I've had (and will be driving over the next few days)
M235/M240
MK3 TTS
435 / 440

Ideally looking for: 5 years old max, automatic and quick-ish. Fuel economy doesn't matter as I do <6000 a year. Don't really want to spend over £20k if I can help it, and being able to pop the dog in (labrador) on the odd occasion (really, 2-5 times a year for a couple miles) would be a nice to have.

 

[-VK-]

Thanks guys - Octavia is a good shout too, driving one of those later this afternoon too!

 

[-VK-]

Not staying in a garage unfortunately, parked on a drive in front of the house.

Liked the Octavia, but felt it might be too big for needs.
M235i was awesome (what an engine), but compromises the space a bit too much.
GTI....was great. Not particularly special, but did everything well. Pretty settled it's going to be a GTI.

Only managed to drive the DSG which seem to be 3-4k more than a manual of similar spec (7 not 7.5) so getting into a manual on Thursday. Been a while, but all the research I've done suggests that the GTI really suits the manual box!

 

[-VK-]

Good feedback mjt, thanks! I'll likely want to go to Stage 1 at some point so I depending on how the manual test drive goes, the DSG is still very much on the cards.