st8six
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SECOND OPINION: The golf is simply pure joy on wheels By MARHALIM ABAS May 28:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO be honest, I was quite surprised when asked to do a shoot-out between a Golf GTI and BMW’s latest 3-Series, the E90 320i. Heck, a Golf even in the GTI guise is still a hatchback while the 3-Series is the supreme leader in the sports sedan world. The former’s actual competition with the BMW is the 1-Series, but our pricing regulations mean that the GTI is clawing on the realm of the 3-Series, Audi A4 and the Mercedes C-Class.My initial apprehension, however, was somewhat appeased when I was given the keys to the GTI, not your normal run-of-the-mill VW Golf, but Wald-tuned GTI, a firebreathing would-be 3-Series slayer courtesy of Japanese tuner, Wald.Even after driving both, I still feel it’s a miss-match. Notwithstanding the outcome, the comparison clearly shows the high regard for the 3-Series in general, even a standard 320i. Would someone ask me to compare the Wald with a factory-stock C-Class?Here’s the skinny of the shoot-out. After a day with the GTI, the 320i seemed pedestrian. That’s not to say that the 320i is a slouch. With 150 ponies in its four-cylinder engine, the car is a fast and comfortable street cruiser.But it lacks the joy factor, which is seemingly abundant in the other car’s 200bhp turbo-charged engine, DSG gearbox, 18-inch wheels, 0 to 100kmph in under seven seconds, flat bottom steering wheel... Well, the list goes on.Put the gear lever into the manual mode (it is a six-speed direct shift gearbox or DSG in VW-speak), the GTI is able to generate an unseemingly degree of power to its front wheel.F1-style gear knobs on the steering wheel also enhances the joy and there seems to be no jerkiness, which appears to be the norm with similar system fixed on other cars.Ergonomics-wise, both cars are on par but on build quality, I rate the GTI higher as it has been longer in the market, and all the production gremlins have been sorted out.I cannot fault both cars on their handling as both take corners as if they are on rails.Perhaps the thing that the 320i seems to better the GTI is in the cabin size. It seats five comfortably although I must add here the front seats on the BMW seem a bit small.In conclusion, I dare say that the GTI gives the 320i a run for its money, especially in its fun factor. But for those choosing the 320i above the GTI, I cannot find fault with them despite its relatively higher price - the BMW is a good car.But I’d always tell others that if they want a Beemer, get the biggest engine in the range. Only then they will appreciate BMW’s superb chassis and handling prowess. For the 3-Series, a 330i will do you no wrong, unless you can afford the upcoming E90 M3!
