[Clivey]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Of course if you look on a version per version basis there's not going to be clear winner. However if you look at the range as a whole, the Golf makes for a compelling option.

Except that's precisely the opposite of my point - I considered just about every new-ish car in the category and found that the C4 was the one I could barely find fault with.

My criteria (briefly - for a daily driver): A C-segment hatchback that manages over 40 MPG in town, is comfortable cruising along the motorway (and when I'm stuck in traffic), looks interesting and performs reasonably well when I'm on the right road for more enthusiastic driving.

The 147 - Too old in terms of design, the least safe, flaky quality.
The 1-Series - Too expensive, junior-repmobile image, don't like the front-end styling, everything's optional at extortionate cost.
The A-Class - Only just affordable, not sporty enough.
The Astra - 1.7CDTi engine outdated, missing desirable specification and lack of cubby holes in the cabin.
The C30 - Only 4 seats, expensive and hadn't been on the market long enough to find cheap enough used examples.
The Civic - Too expensive, the only diesel is too big (purchase price, insurance costs, fuel bills) and once again, hadn't been on the market long enough to find cheap enough used examples.
The Focus - Just horrible apart from the handling/engine/bootspace.
The Golf - Too bland (only top-of-the-range models have any styling details on top of the basic shape), lacking desirable features, the same "repmobile" image as the BMW and expensive.

Originally Posted by Ferrer

It has a good and refined chasis with all the latest developments. Their petrol engines are top-notch, especially the very interesting 1.4 TSI engines. Their diesel engines are lacking a bit, but when Volkswagen puts the new common rail diesels there that'll be solved. And it's also got the cutting edge dual clutch DSG gearbox.

Furthermore, it's got good quality, good image and rock solid residuals.

And yet I'd never buy it, I just can't like it. But very probably it's the benchmark for the segment.

Why is that, then (that you can't like it)? As I said - I'd consider it if I were looking for a 2.0-litre and had that sort of money to spend, but I'm glad we agree that
the 1.9-litre 105BHP diesel isn't the greatest.

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Lack of an auto? Too pricey?

Except for that it should succeed.

Hmmm, I didn't realise they'd not yet released an autobox for the 2.5 - they have for the 2.3, though. My guess is that'll be added as the range expands.

As for the price: If you honestly compare it to the domestic competition, you can't tell me it's not worth it...!