Lamenting no more manual GTI? Try these

You might have read over the past few weeks that as of 2019 the option of buying a brand new manual transmission VW Golf GTI in Australia will be no more.

The reasoning for VW doing this is obvious, nobody bought the three pedal option so why bother packing them on the boat from Germany? It's business and the Germans do it rather well. However as a part time motoring journo and car enthusiast I just need a moment to lament the death of one of the purest hot hatches you can buy new. Whilst knowing full well that the reason its gone is because people like me didn't put there money where there mouth was!

For someone like me, the manual transmission adds an extra layer of character to a car. It makes you work hard for that forward momentum and turns that sometimes tedious job of getting from A to B into something that bit more exciting. Yes I am that 1% who doesn't mind a manual in traffic. Rev matching a downshift on the way to stopping at red light actually gives me some excitement and I feel that driving a car which allows you to do that is just that bit more personable even if it is an econobox.

But a manual hot hatch, they are quite possibly the most personable and characterful cars money can buy. They are workaday hero's who nip at the heels of cars 3 or 4 times their price. A three pedal hot hatch eggs you on, makes you feel like a driving god and releases your inner hooligan, in a good way of course. And the Golf GTI was arguably the original. So the thought of no longer being able to buy one new makes me very sad indeed.

So in a bid to stop myself lamenting the loss of the three pedal GTI I've hit the classifieds to see what used hot hatch hero's you can buy with a H pattern sticking out the middle. And in the process doing the very thing that probably killed the Golf in the first place; buying used instead of new!

BMW 130i M Sport

My first pick is definitely one for a specific type of enthusiast, but wow what a car. The BMW 130i M Sport. A left field hot hatch if ever there was one. With a wopping great 3 litre straight six shoehorned under the bonnet sending 195kw of power rearwards the little 1 Series was highly regarded in period as one of the finest handling hatches available. That big 6 was of course mated to a crisp 6 speed manual that allowed BMW's hatch to be a smooth cruiser or a total hooligan.

Despite its niche appeal there are a few 130i's on the market at the moment, priced from $13,000 up to $25,000 the little BM is holding its value 13 years after it first appeared, but I view this as a good thing, previous owners have most likely looked after their big engine wrapped in a little package.     

Audi S3 8P

BMW a bit too slidey for you? How about something with 4 wheel drive? The second generation S3 took VW's already excellent 2 litre turbo four, upped the boost and added Quattro to make it an unstoppable 188kw all weather back road blaster. For some it might be a little too clinical, but I urge you to consider it if you lust after a Germanic hot hatch with a manual.

Prices for an S3 are slightly more palatable than the 1 Series and if you so choose an S3 can be had in ultra niche 3 door form, for that extra slice or hot hatch originality. Anything from $9000 to $20,000 should get you into one. I'd advise going mid teens for decent one.     

Kia Pro'ceed GT

My next pick is for someone who wants a car that almost nobody else has, which is odd given that it's a Kia. I present to you the Koreans first attempt at a mildly hot hatch, the Pro'ceed GT. A somewhat random but very welcome break from the norm that Kia billed as a halo car in Australia between 2014 and 2016. Powered by a 150kw 1.6 litre turbo the 3 door manual only Kia wasn't quite a fire breather when compared to some rivals in a straight line. But it made up for it in the corners with superb handing and a set of lovely Recaro bucketsto keep you snug. Also buy one of the last ones and you'll still have a chunk of Kia's 7 year warranty left too.

Prices have dropped well below $20,000 for Pro'Ceeds with low KMs, which given that the car is still pretty modern compared to the first 2 on my list seems like a very good deal. 

Peugeot 206 GTI 180

Everything else on my list proving too pricey? How about this little French rocket, from the makers of one of the godfathers of the hot hatch game (the 205 GTI) I give you the Peugeot 206 GTI 180. The recipe here is simple, take a small hatch, add a 2 litre 16 valve naturally aspirated engine, close ratio manual box, work some suspension wizardry and every time you get out you'll be smiling. That 180 denotes the bhp of the little Pug, that's 130kw by the way, in a car that weighs a little bit more than a bag of frozen peas.

Since the cars debuted in 2003 prices have plummeted as per most French cars Down Under. But although that might be bad for previous owners it means that hot hatch connoisseurs longing for back to basics thrills need only part with $5000 to get a good one. Happy hunting. 

The manual Golf GTI is going away, but please don't despair, the used market is a treasure trove of hot hatchery with 3 pedals. I hope that showcasing 4 here has helped ease some sadness. The cars mentioned are really just the tip of the iceberg if you lust after a proper hot hatch with great driving dynamics, I could go on and on and on reeling of alternatives, but I wont subject you to that.     

Car of The Week: Volkswagen Bora 4Motion

Car guys like myself love an oddball, particularly one from a manufacturer we adore. For me one such car is the 2.8 litre V6 4Motion Mk4 Volkswagen Golf (hears parents sigh). That's right, the 4Motion, not the full phat R32, rather its understated sibling tickles my fancy. Unfortunately though with VW never officially importing any I was disappointed by the lack of such oddballs in Australia. However a little bit of scouting around reveals the Golfs booted cousin the Bora made it down under and guess what, you could get it with that glorious 2.8 up front. Making it a perfect candidate for the long awaited return of car of the week.

All about the engine

It is all about that 2.8 litre V6; the sound, the power, the effortlessness of how it can devour kilometres. On paper the 4Motion seems like an unnecessary vehicle, but I for one am delighted it exists. Sold from 2001 to 2005 the 150kw V6 Bora could crack 100km/h in 7.6secs and surge onto a 240km/h top speed, 270Nm of torque and a lovely 6 speed manual also means the Bora makes light work of overtaking too. Then of course there is the sound, a gentle rumble at idle that turns to a operatic high note when you rev it out, there is not a better sound than a naturally aspirated engine doing its work. Yes it could be argued that a small sedan with 4 wheel drive and a stonking great V6 under the bonnet seems excessive, especially when a 4 cylinder Bora has the same quality fit and finish. But honestly the engine makes the car, it's the equivalent of taking a lovely Bratwurst roll and adding hot mustard, it turns every drive into an occasion.

What's it like inside

Mk4 Golfs and cars that share their platform are very well screwed together, sound deadening is good, materials high quality and the thunk of the doors is second to none. I know this from having owned a number of them and been passenger in many more. However I can tell you that its the little things that set the booted Bora apart from normal Golfs. Quality features like illuminated air vent controls, chrome rings around the dials, wood trim (albeit a bit tacky) and wonderfully supportive sports seats in the 4Motion give the Bora an air of luxury to go with the performance.

How does it drive

Historically Mk4 Golf based cars have been criticised in the driving department, roly poly handling and a lack of steering feel have been some of the things said of the them. I however would have to disagree, while not quite the playful puppy dog of earlier 1980's Golf's/ Golf based cars, Mk4's are never the less fun to drive, you just have to adjust your driving style. The chassis is good with the car never feeling unsettled at speed, such stability inspires confidence and with smooth steering inputs instead of jerky jabs at the wheel a Mk4 Golf/Bora can make good progress. The 4 Motions Haldex all wheel drive system adds to that stability. Not only does it provide a feeling of security when the weather turns nasty but a feeling of sure footedness when your really giving it some on a good stretch of road. The only downside of the V6 is the weight of the engine itself over the front wheels, under steer is easily induced if you go into a corner too hot, best to read the road ahead and adjust the throttle appropriately before turn in to settle the car. Here's Matt Farrah driving one to give you an idea of what I'm going on about.

Volkswagens Bora V6 4Motion; a wonderfully made, soulful sounding car that's better to drive than you might think. It's an oddball that's so much more interesting not to mention that bit rarer than its opposition and it turns every drive, no matter how mundane the destination, into an occasion.

Go get yourself one

I don't know about you but I've convinced myself I need one and luckily there are a few to choose from in every state ranging from $2500 for a broken one to $8000 for decent one. Here is my pick from carsales.com.au. This 2003 car has by all accounts led a very sedate, loving life with it's second owner. Reading this offsets any worries I'd have regarding the 223,000kms and the bad points mentioned seem like very easy fixes. For $4000 this car is an absolute bargain.

2003 Volkswagen Bora V6 4Motion, $4000
      

My Significant Addiction: The Volkswagen Golf

My names Bruce Jamieson and I'm an addict, but its not drugs, alcohol or women that consume my life, no it's cars and in particular one that's a jack of all trades but master of none, The Volkswagen Golf. Today I'm going to use my blog for something a little different, I'm going to use it as a means of venting my frustrations over the aforementioned German hatchback.

I was innocent once upon a time

Firstly a little background to my addiction, I was an innocent 11 year old when I walked into the newsagent armed with £4 for a magazine. My mind was not yet made up as I scanned the shelves, BMW, Peugeot, Mini, Ford and Japanese specialist car magazines stared back at me, enticing me with 205 GTI's, Escort RS Turbo's, E36 M3's and EK Civic Type R's, but then just next to Cosmo sat a magazine called Golf + with a silver Mk4 GTI on the cover, that was it I was smitten. Six years and hundreds of copies later I passed my driving test and it doesn't take a genius to guess what I bought as my first car, a red 1.4 litre Mk4 Golf that was barely powerful enough to lug its lardy ass around, but I adored it and as it turns out this was the only decent Golf I ever bought.

My Golfs, a history

Two more Mk4's followed, a highly tuned blue diesel with a penchant for pissing it's coolant out and my holy grail, a maroon GTI which seemed allergic to its own turbo. A bunch of slightly more reliable Golf derivatives from Seat and Audi also ensued but I always harked back to wanting another Golf even though from experience they had been more hassle than their worth, I just always wanted to give them a second chance.

Golfing downunder

Moving down under I thought my addiction might have passed and a few weeks ago I thought I'd take on a small project for winter, something I could sell on in summer for a little profit. Looking on Gumtree though the unexplained urge for some Golf returned and unfortunately a Mk3 Cabrio has been the result. It needed some work, namely a new hood, some interior tidying up and a good polish but otherwise it was sound. Now I say unfortunately as yesterday without warning the clutch gave up, BANG, stall, stranded, shit.

I'd done all the things I advocate on this very blog when buying a used car; found an enthusiastic seller who had spared no expense mechanically fixing the car and who had a genuine reason to sell it, it even had low km's. I test drove it 3 times for goodness sake and everything felt dandy, but alas it clearly wasn't.

Lesson learned

I'll always advocate that Golfs are very good cars, for other people, just not when I own them. Maybe the phrase "never meet your idols" rings true here. I've lied, borrowed and disappointed people too many times and ultimately too many of Germany's finest have broken down on me. The Cabrio will be finished though as I can't let this addiction get the better of me but once it's gone I think I'll be buying something else from now on.                      

BMW builds it's 2 millionth 1 Series

It has been almost 11 years since BMW gave the world the 1 Series. The companies first proper hatchback designed to liven up the compact segment with sublime RWD driving dynamics and superior quality. BMW's Golf rival was a brave move a decade ago but one that now in it's second generation appears to have paid off with the announcement that a lucky buyer in Japan is to receive the 2 millionth 1 Series.

First generation 1 Series came in for a lot of stick when it came out, with awkward styling a harsh ride and limited rear space many thought the 1 could never be a serious hatchback heavyweight. However, the power of the badge prevailed, a much improved second generation was released, a formidable M135i was launched and now the 1 is going from strength to strength.

Almost by coincidence the 2 millionth 1 Series also coincides with the second generation car getting a little mid life nip and tuck. The fresh faced 1 Series is due for full public debut on the 28th March but a few details of what customers can expect have been shared. For the first time there will be an option box for full LED headlights, radar based cruise control with stop and go and updated ConnectedDrive so you can sync your latest smartphone to the car and if you so wish browse the internet all from the comfort of the drivers seat. Engine choice will remain the same, with customers being offered everything from the super frugal 116d offering claimed economy figures of 3.4l/100km to the tarmac torturing twin turbo straight 6 M135i. There's also an option to add xDrive all wheel drive to 118d and 120d models.

It appears that despite early critics BMW's baby has done the business globally and I can't see demand waning any time soon. Despite some flaws the 1 series has opened up the joys of rear wheel drive motoring to an audience that otherwise might have never considered that driving could be pleasurable as well as a necessity and for this reason I'm pleased BMW took the risk 11 years ago.
       

Bruce's Car of the Week: Skoda Octavia RS

How much do you think a Mk5 Golf GTI would set you set you back? 15, maybe 20k? Well this weeks car gives you all the GTI's performance in a more practical package for under $10,000. Lets move the stigma aside and welcome on in the Skoda Octavia RS.

It's just another bloody Golf

Released onto the Australian market in 2007 the 1Z generation Octavia, essentially a Mk5 Golf with a bigger seden esque hatchback body on it failed to set sales charts alight. And this is a real shame as the Octavia RS is a very capable car with some lovely Volkswagen underpinnings. I feel it's only right I explain those underpinnings in more detail. The Mk5 Golf platform was released in 2004 and replaced the squidgy, lackluster Mk4 setup. Not since the late 80's had we seen a Golf with a capable chassis underneath it, so the world waited with baited breath for a GTI that could actually live up to the name. Thankfully Volkswagen delivered, slotting a sweet 2 litre turbo motor into that very capable chassis, with 147kw of torquey turbo power the GTI was reborn.

Styling

The Octavia RS utilities exactly the same setup, the only difference is that by dressing it in a Czech suit people won't pay as much, making the RS an incredibly good value modern hot hatch. Visually the RS is understated in that typically European way. It's not overly designed and definitely not ugly but just different enough to make people in the know look up and take notice, personally I love it.

 

The practicalities

From a practicality point of the view the RS has smaller hot hatch rivals licked. Available as a big hatch or wagon reviewers at the time concluded the Octavia to be the ultimate Jekylle and Hyde car. It could be sensible family transport during the week and a back road barnstormer at the weekend. The turbo engine managing to deliver respectable economy when driven gently and blistering performance when wound up to its red line. The icing on the cake for the RS is that being a top of the range model it wasn't short of standard equipment either, heated front sport seats, duel zone climate control, tyre pressure monitoring, 18 inch alloys and sports suspension were just some of the things which came as standard.

 

A good value, practical, economical but fast car that can carry the family with ease? Come on Australia get over your preconceived ideas about Czech cars, Skoda's are good and the RS Octavia is great.

My pick from the web this week, a 2007 car advertised by a dealer. High km's on this car might explain the asking price, but this should not put people off. These engines are strong and with regular servicing will just keep on going. I think this cars an absolute bargain.
2007 Skoda Octavia RS, $9990

Updated Volkswagen Jetta proves that European quality need not be expensive

It's almost as if Volkswagen have set out to help me prove the point that European motors need not be expensive down under. Since moving to Australia all the German mega brand seem to have done is advertise how affordable their cars are, mostly through the means of clever advertising. And now for 2015 they have refreshed the Jetta and until March the 30th you can drive one away for a ridiculously cheap $21,990. It's a lot of very good car for very little money, let me explain.

MQB

Many quite similar bits, that's what I heard Volkswagen's MQB platform referred to as recently and I think it explains almost perfectly the ethos behind the anagram. VW group is aiming for all it's cars from the Polo and Audi TT all the way up to bigger crossover like the Tiguan to share basic chassis dimensions, mounting points and parts in the near future. This ingeniously simple idea means that engines can slot into multiple cars easily, suspension components, hubs, electrical systems and almost every other component essential when building a car can be swapped between models easily. The benefits of this are many, tooling costs are reduced, quality is improved and ultimately final sale prices can be lowered.

     

It's just a big Golf

So with MQB explained you'll be pleased to hear that the new Jetta, which is essentially a MkVII Golf with a boot, already sits on an MQB platform. The Golf has won numerous awards since its release, most recently Wheels magazines Car of The Year in 2013 and is regarded as the benchmark car to beat in the hatchback category, it's built well, drives well is utterly dependable, it also manages to cross social divides, anyone can drive a Golf. With the Jetta you simply get all that with a bigger boot thrown in for good measure.  

Features

The Jetta comes in diesel or petrol flavour, auto or manual and is available as a basic get the job done automobile or fully loaded surprisingly quick little saloon. Everything you could possible want is available however if you just want to keep it a strictly budget VW best opt for the 118TSI Trendline manual for $21,990 until the 30th March. Trendline Jetta's may be the base model but they do still offer some impressive standard features. Extended electronic differential lock comes as standard, reducing nasty understeer and a driver fatigue detection system also comes as standard. The 1.4 litre TSI is also good if you don't like spending lots of time at the petrol station. With 118kw it isn't the fastest Jetta but the 6 speed manual manages 6.5l/100km (DSG auto does 6.2). The 103TDI will better that figure though, managing to sip just 5.5l/100km although at $36,990 the TDI Highline is a little bit pricier.

If you do pay more for one of the Jetta Highlines though, the level of standard kit is long. Vienna leather sports seats, sat nav, rear view camera, parking sensors, duel zone climate control, auto headlights, keyless entry and much more. However, personally I'd stick with the basic Trendline, I cant think of another new European saloon car in Australia that offers such value for money.

Jetta Trendline above represents the best value

      

Bruce's Car of the Week: Audi TT Mk1

Hairdressers car, posers car, just a Golf in a fancy frock. It's fair to say that the Mk1 Audi TT has taken a lot of flack over the years. However, have you ever taken the time to look past the preconceived ideas and see the car for what it actually is? Turns out its a bit of a design icon and despite its dynamic flaws I for one absolutely love it. And guess what, you can pick one up in Aus for less than a tenth of its original value.

When the TT was launched in 1999 I was just a kid, not even into double figures yet, but I knew there was something special the moment I saw it. The TT is without doubt a beautiful car, maybe not in a traditional Italian sense but certainly in a modernistic sense. Sharp clean lines meant it was immediately recognisable as an Audi while also pulling of the trick of not looking like anything else in their range at the time. Even now some 16 years after its release the Mk1 TT looks like it just rolled off the drawing board and as a result it's a vehicle likely to appreciate in value given a few more years. And that's just the outside, the interior is a separate masterpiece all by itself. It was minimalist before minimalist became a thing, at the time car interiors were sea's of nasty plastic, dull upholstery and far too many buttons. The TT introduced us to the world of aluminium tirm, soft touch materials and minimal clutter. It showed the public that car interiors could be both beautiful and functional in a mass produced car.

Unfortunately for the TT though the outwardly sports car image wasn't backed up by the cars actual driving experience. The media at the time was right, the Mk1 TT was essentially a Mk4 Volkswagen Golf under the fancy skin, probably VW's least sporting Golf ever. It meant the TT had a MacPherson strut front strut setup and a torsion beam rear end. Blasting down a twisting country road was not the TT's strong suit. Power in the base 1.8 turbo TT wasn't phenomenal either, mustering only 132kw it could get to 100km/h in a little under 8 seconds. A Lotus Elise rival the TT was not. However Audi did address performance concerns with the TT Quattro. Featuring a Haldex AWD system the rear torsion beam was replaced with a multi-link rear end and the 20 valve turbo motor was upped to 165kw a 6 speed gearbox installed and 2 seconds were shaved from the 0-100km/h time. The TT was now definitely sportier but still lacked the poise and precision of its predominantly RWD rivals.

The use of familiar VW parts means however, that despite pricey appearances a Mk1 TT is a relatively easy and cheap car to maintain. And with regular servicing the turbo engines just go on and on.

 
To conclude, the TT managed to be daring and different in a very restrained Audi manner, it wasn't until the R8 that Audi managed to pull this trick off again. It might be a bit of a wet blanket to drive but who cares when you could look so darn cool behind the wheel. There's a reason all the posers bought one in the first place you know! I urge you to consider a TT, have a look at the few I've picked out.

Only a months rego left but a new clutch has been fitted, low km's for its age and it's a quicker Quattro car, this TT appears to come from a very loving owner. I don't know about the red leather making it more sporty, as the seller suggests, but it does certainly make it stand out. A very tempting car in classic Audi silver.

2001 Audi TT Quattro, $12900
   





Another Quattro, this time in blue with black leather. Detailed advert, almost like a review, tells me this owner is very fond of their TT. Should mean it's been well cared for, also has the optional Bose sound system installed. Long rego and low km's make this an equally temping TT!

2000 Audi TT Quattro, $10900






Higher km's and only a FWD car means this TT is an absolute bargain. Just been serviced and re rego'd which is a bonus and comes with a natty set of Porsche twist style 18 inch alloys. All in, not to bad a car for the money.

1999 Audi TT, $8500 

Bruce's Car of the Week: Volkswagen Golf VR6 Mk3

It is Monday, which means it's time for my exciting new feature, car of the week! An excuse for me to look at cars on the interweb. As this is my first ever car of the week I am going to do more than just post up a link to Carsales.com.au and be done with it. No, instead I'm going to elaborate a little, which only seems right given that this weeks car is one of my all time favorites, the Volkswagen Golf, the Mk3 variant to be precise.

For a long time the Mk3 Golf has been regarded as the runt of the Golf family. It never really lived up to the brilliance of the Mk2 and was outclassed in 1998 when the Mk4 replaced it, moving the Golf image upmarket in the process. In the grand scale of Golfs it represents the difficult chubby teenage years, lacking in quality and character compared to its father the Mk2 and posh younger brother the Mk4.

Choices, choices 

The Mk3 GTI never made it to Aus

However as time has passed these thorns in the Mk3's side have withered and here in Australia where Mk2 Golfs are rarer than Unicorn tears and Mk4's still command quite high dollar, even for lowly 1.6 litre auto's, the Mk3 starts to look like pretty good value. There is a lot of Mk3 choice out there from 3 or 5 door hatchback to convertible and the absolute pinnacle of the Golf range in the 90's made it's way down under too, the VR6. Arguably one of the best sounding hatch backs of all time. It is unfortunate that Australia never officially got a Mk3 GTi, but getting the VR6 definitely makes up for that as they now represent not only a wondrous engine note but a potential investment opportunity. If other classic performance Golfs are anything to go by the VR6 is in line for a payday given a few more years to mature.

Maybe a bit too low?!

Now I'm aware it is very much a personal thing but since its launch in 1992 I think the Mk3 has grown into its chubby dimensions and got better with age. It's also reassuring, I feel, knowing you have a VW badge on your car, it may sound ridiculous but honestly having owned a fair few you feel ever so slightly smug.

The image

Volkswagen's also have a unshakably cool image surrounding them, probably the years of Beetles and Kombi buses being driven by hippies helped this come about. The guys over at Mighty Car Mods certainly thought so too when they did their budget street cred film with a Mk3. Admittedly I wouldn't pour beer all over my car to give it street cred, but where I live in Byron Bay, if you lowered a Mk3 enough, put some nice wheels on it and strapped a surfboard to the roof you'd probably get a few admiring glances. A rightful air to the Beetle's "cool dude" image I think.  

Strap a surf board to this and your onto a winner

This exact car

Car of the Week!

Ok I feel I've sung the Mk3's praises enough, so here without further ado is my car of the week, a totally standard 1994 Golf VR6, $6000

The noise 

Oh and in case you want to hear what that glorious engine sounds like watch the video below, its mainly a bunch of European men fannying around but the noises are awesome, especially the opening double drive by.

photo credits