Just test drove the 2013 VW GTI
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 252
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From: NOVA
c300 4matic
Just test drove the 2013 VW GTI
Well guys, as the title says, I just test drove the new 2013 VW GTI.
First impressions on exterior and interior
The one I test drove was a dark blue 2 door coupe with every option available: black leather seats, navigation, sunroof etc. Upon entering the car, I really like the flat bottom steering wheel. It felt much better than my C300's wheel. I also liked the very supportive seats compared to my C300's flat, non supportive ones. All the interior materials felt very nice to the touch and were very solid. VW did a great job with the interior on this car.
The transmission, brakes and steering feel
After pulling out of the dealer, I immediately liked the quick and precise shifts from the gearbox. The clutch was a bit loose but still felt nice. The steering was a little too light, but response was great and it handled very nicely around tight corners. Perhaps the most impressive parts of this car was its brakes. They were very firm and extremely responsive after several quick stops and felt much better than my C300's without a doubt.
The Power
Having driven both the C250 and my own C300, I can tell you that the power in the GTI is really nothing impressive. There is noticeable turbo lag from the engine and the car runs out of steam quickly. Even the C250 felt faster when I had it as a loaner car. Now I know there are tunes out there that get these cars to make some serious power, but for a stock GTI, I was just unimpressed with the power delivery. After I finished the test drive and made my way back home in my car, I released how much more my C300's V6 pulled. Granted the C300 not a very fast car but still felt quicker than the GTI for sure.
Overal Review
Overall, in my opinion, it is just not worth the $30,000 price tag. For that kind of money, you can get much better performing cars. However, as an overall car, I enjoyed the feel of the six speed and steering. Its interior materials, seats, steering wheel and brakes where all fantastic. I also liked the exterior styling which was not too agressive, but still stood out. I do respect this car because I think it has come a long way in terms of interior materials and build quality from the older models and it would be a great daily driver. But at the end of the day im happy getting back into my benz.
First impressions on exterior and interior
The one I test drove was a dark blue 2 door coupe with every option available: black leather seats, navigation, sunroof etc. Upon entering the car, I really like the flat bottom steering wheel. It felt much better than my C300's wheel. I also liked the very supportive seats compared to my C300's flat, non supportive ones. All the interior materials felt very nice to the touch and were very solid. VW did a great job with the interior on this car.
The transmission, brakes and steering feel
After pulling out of the dealer, I immediately liked the quick and precise shifts from the gearbox. The clutch was a bit loose but still felt nice. The steering was a little too light, but response was great and it handled very nicely around tight corners. Perhaps the most impressive parts of this car was its brakes. They were very firm and extremely responsive after several quick stops and felt much better than my C300's without a doubt.
The Power
Having driven both the C250 and my own C300, I can tell you that the power in the GTI is really nothing impressive. There is noticeable turbo lag from the engine and the car runs out of steam quickly. Even the C250 felt faster when I had it as a loaner car. Now I know there are tunes out there that get these cars to make some serious power, but for a stock GTI, I was just unimpressed with the power delivery. After I finished the test drive and made my way back home in my car, I released how much more my C300's V6 pulled. Granted the C300 not a very fast car but still felt quicker than the GTI for sure.
Overal Review
Overall, in my opinion, it is just not worth the $30,000 price tag. For that kind of money, you can get much better performing cars. However, as an overall car, I enjoyed the feel of the six speed and steering. Its interior materials, seats, steering wheel and brakes where all fantastic. I also liked the exterior styling which was not too agressive, but still stood out. I do respect this car because I think it has come a long way in terms of interior materials and build quality from the older models and it would be a great daily driver. But at the end of the day im happy getting back into my benz.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 277
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From: Cali
01' c320 (sold) / 03' Ford Focus(sold) :( / 98' C230 / 00' SL500 / 11' C300 Sport RWD w204
my dad picked up a vw beetle about a month ago. I initially thought the car has some turbo lag as well but after speaking with him it turns out its that stupid new DSG. I guess he was unhappy with it after I pointed out the awkward shifting that was occurring so he took it in and after they did some work with it (have no clue on specifics, a reset and new firmware I think?) it runs AMAZING. took it this morning to go to the gym since it was blocking my C from getting out of the garage and boy was I surprised.
decided to step it half way up a hill and it kicked stronger than my c300 ever did. Granted its not amazing but I was thoroughly surprised. To my understanding the new vw turbos carry the same engine as the GTI
decided to step it half way up a hill and it kicked stronger than my c300 ever did. Granted its not amazing but I was thoroughly surprised. To my understanding the new vw turbos carry the same engine as the GTI
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
From: D/FW, TX
2013 C250 Sport and 2015 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech
I traded in my 2010 GTI 3 weeks ago to get my new C250. My GTI had the Stage 1 tune (254 hp and 297 lb torque) and larger rear sway bar and DSG. Very quick car if I could keep the tires from spinning. I wanted more comfort and pride of ownership than the VW offered. I test drove the Audi A4 w/quattro, the BMW 328i,
the MB C250 and C350 and the Cadillac ATS.
I had no expectations that the MB C250 would be so damn good! The performance from the turbo 4 really surprised me. I've owned 3 BMWs and 2 Audis in the past and expected they would best the MB- but I was wrong. Glad to be driving a Mercedes again- my last one was a new 230 purchased in 1968 for $4850 off the show room.
the MB C250 and C350 and the Cadillac ATS.
I had no expectations that the MB C250 would be so damn good! The performance from the turbo 4 really surprised me. I've owned 3 BMWs and 2 Audis in the past and expected they would best the MB- but I was wrong. Glad to be driving a Mercedes again- my last one was a new 230 purchased in 1968 for $4850 off the show room.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
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2011 MB c class 4matic
Bought a 2012 GTI for my wife a few months ago in "arrest-me-red",four door,DSG.Great little car and a hoot to drive.The DSG is excellent.You can tell where VW cut corners but overall a very good package.Wish the gearbox was as good on my C300 4matic.It's so much fun we're going to sell our old 911 Cab..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,331
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From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
I test drove a VW I4 with turbo and DSG about 5 years ago. I thought it had a rough/noisy idle. With sales-kid's permission, I really pushed the DSG like I was doing and autox through some blind curves .... kid was flopping around in the back seat. In manual mode it was fantastic, but in auto mode very crude. I thought it was fine except auto mode. Hopefully the DSG has been improved.
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