Test drove a FiST & GTI-S/DSG today

How's that for automotive mumbo-jumbo?

So I'm nearing the point of either spending money on the Accent or finding a replacement. I'm generally in favor of hanging on to what I have until it's time for the scrap-yard, but these 2 cars have piqued my interest so I thought it would be worth checking them out - considering they were at different locations of the same dealer network 2-blocks apart, it made sense to do it now.

First was the Fiesta ST. It was a loaded molten-orange car...not the color or options I'm interested in, but it did have the Recaros, which I was very curious about. From a performance standpoint it's hard to fault - certainly enough power and traction for daily use, but not so much that you're likely to reach "ludicrous-speed" before you realize it. The Recaros were great too, and if I were to buy one of these it will definitely have them.

I'm not much of a fan of the modern infotainment systems, but this seems ok-ish. The stereo sounded ok as well, but certainly not the best factory system ever. I was surprised that for being a 4-door there really isn't any more rear seat room, or cargo space, than my Accent. I'll definitely say that Ford nailed the hot-hatch econobox with this car though!

The GTI was an S trim-level, which has 20-more HP plus a true LSD. This one was a DSG, as I've been very curious about whether I'd like one. The GTI certainly feels more upscale than the FiST, and with a ~$5k price difference(as I would option them) I suppose it should be. The DSG performed very well in both Sport and Auto mode - realistically I'd probably just leave the car in Auto 99% of the time. The seats do not compare to the FiST's Recaros, unfortunately, which is a real shame considering that VW used to use them also. I was a bit surprised at how much larger, and particularly wider, the GTI is vs the FiST...but without a doubt it was MUCH quicker/faster in a straight line. Like, "I'd probably get arrested driving this thing" fast.

Overall, while my wife would appreciate the DSG since she refuses to drive a manual, there's no way I'd let her drive anything this fast because she'd definitely get pulled over! I personally wouldn't want to pay the ~$1k premium for the DSG, or for that matter, pay $4k more for a GTI than the FiST - though I certainly wouldn't fault anyone for choosing either of them.

The dealer also had a 6-speed Golf R, but I restrained myself from driving it...I'm sure I couldn't hand back over the keys, and I'd probably end up living in it.

I don't think you can go wrong with either of those cars. Both very nice. I can't believe I am saying this but I think I might go with the Fiesta. Time to unload the Accent.

I'm more partial to the GTI (with the DSG) as a daily driver, simply because of the extra space. When you need it, you need it, and the MPG penalty for being able to haul four full sized adults is worth it.

In reply to Brett_Murphy:

I've always been a small/no-frills car kinda guy...which is pretty much non-existent anymore. The FiST seemed like it's probably as close as one could get and still have something with sporting intentions. And I'm keeping my 1-ton van for when I need to haul stuff regardless.

Oddly enough, the other new vehicle I'd still consider going partially into debt for is the Grand Caravan, but without going crazy on options it's still a $30k vehicle...and one that will be worth 1/2 that in 4 years or less, given my ~25kmi/year driving. I think either the GTI or FiST would likely depreciate by a lower percentage - and almost certainly by a lower dollar amount - given their lower initial price. And hey, they'd both be way more fun.

I need to check out the dsg. I've been getting stuck in traffic a lot more often on my commute. It might be the only no third pedal I could tolerate.

I've got the '15 GTI manual. Didn't even test drive the FiST or DSG.... GTI manual has buttery smooth trans, and fantastic interior- nicest I've owned (modest car ownership history). I'm happy with the choice, but did buy the 7/100k extended warranty from USAA for $1k. With a roof box and careful selection of equipment, we've been able to go weekend camping with our kids several times. Wish it was more A3'ish in terms of way back space, but it's been a fantastic car so far (15000 miles).

Roll hard like me and say screw $75 into a POS and go spend a lot more....

In reply to WOW Really Paul?:

If the Abarth had a bit more room is probably follow your plan exactly!

petegossett wrote: In reply to WOW Really Paul?: If the Abarth had a bit more room is probably follow your plan exactly!

I wanted an Abarth last year....badly. I drove: Abarth(s), '13 GTI 6sp, and I went to 5 Ford dealers looking for either a FiST or FoST to no avail. If kids weren't on the horizon, I'd have the Abarth. Given that they are, GTI it is. If I got to drive either Ford or more patient, the decision would have been harder.

I don't think you could go wrong with either. DSG has higher maintenance classes, FWIW.

A fiesta ST test drive was enough to convince me to buy a new one - and I've ALWAYS been a (well) used car buyer. It hit the perfect combination of fuel economy, fun and price. I've had it about a week and love it. I'm 5' 8", and fit in the back fine. (3 door)

I would have bought the hell out of a fiesta st 3 door over an Abarth. Just for the fact that the Ford service center is so much better than the Chrystler one here. Sadly, not a car that's sold in the US.

So is there a way to search the US FiST inventory without entering a specific zip code(or talking to a local dealer)? Ford is offering 0% financing on the leftover 2015's, so I'd be tempted to go that route vs. ordering new if I can find one with just the Recaros.

In my experience, a VW clutch is so freakin' light that driving one in traffic is not all that tiring. Granted, the extra low-end torque of my TDI does make it easier.

I am somewhat interested in this topic, though... When I get the TDI back on the road, I may decide it's finally time for a change. I just have to come to grips with getting another long-term car loan... which I'm not too keen on.

Wouldn't the FoST be a more suitable comparison to the Golf?

Just read the whole thread. sorry. I envy you at 5'8". Lots or cars that work for you that would never work for me.

The Golf interior is very nice, (my former company builds them, Faurecia) European specs do make a nice place to sit.

The funny thing to me is none of the Golf/Jetta interiors since the Mk IV (what I have) have impressed me all that much. The lack of a leather option bugs me.

In reply to Ian F:

FYI the SE trim comes with the extra 20 HP, LSD, and leather interior.

The biggest surprise to me was how much quicker the GTI felt than the FiST. I'd read up on the FiST and seen ~6.7 0-60 times listed, which is about what it felt to me. However I just found this review of an S-package GTI DSG that states a 5.8-second 0-60 time.

What's up with the VW GTI stock rims? Is their heritage in that design.. I think they are pretty ugly, otheriwse on a beautiful car.

Flight Service wrote: Wouldn't the FoST be a more suitable comparison to the Golf? Just read the whole thread. sorry. I envy you at 5'8". Lots or cars that work for you that would never work for me. The Golf interior is very nice, (my former company builds them, Faurecia) European specs do make a nice place to sit.

Fiesta is sub-compact. Golf and Focus, are compact. Big difference in room.

In reply to Coldsnap:

I agree completely about the wheels.

iceracer wrote:

Flight Service wrote: Wouldn't the FoST be a more suitable comparison to the Golf? Just read the whole thread. sorry. I envy you at 5'8". Lots or cars that work for you that would never work for me. The Golf interior is very nice, (my former company builds them, Faurecia) European specs do make a nice place to sit.

Fiesta is sub-compact. Golf and Focus, are compact. Big difference in room.

The FiST and GTI are definitely different classes and sizes. I'm generally drawn to smaller/lighter/simpler vehicles - unless I need the room for hauling or taking cross-country trips.

However I've owned ~6 VW's of various vintages, including 2 MkI GTI's, so I'm somewhat drawn to the brand...although I've also owned about that many Fords. Mainly, I wanted to check out the DSG and see if it would work as a compromise, so I could have something performance-related, yet not feel guilty about SWMBO not being able to drive it. I've reached a point/age where I no longer despise automatic transmissions, and the DSG was by far the best I've ever driven. Although if the purpose is fun I definitely would prefer a true manual. It's a moot point though, as I really don't want to pay ~$1k extra for a DSG or deal with the more frequent/expensive service. For that matter, I really don't want to pay an extra $4k for a GTI vs. the FiST, nor does the extra performance of the GTI mean that much to me at this point - I find slower cars much more fun on the streets, although there are certainly times I wish the Accent had about 50+ HP. The FiST solves that...and a bit more.

Ian F wrote: The funny thing to me is none of the Golf/Jetta interiors since the Mk IV (what I have) have impressed me all that much. The lack of a leather option bugs me.

that is just domestic, there is a leather option, and it is nice

Ok, need your input: Ford is presently offering 0% financing on the leftover 2015's, including the ST...but it ends tomorrow - sooner than I can realistically pull the trigger. Obviously the available 2015's are going to dry up, but how likely is Ford to continue offering 0% on last year's model?

Second, I tracked down a 2015 for invoice. Has anyone been buying them for less?

Lastly, I called my agent for a quote on the ST vs a used late-model Grand Caravan(we used a '14 SXT for the example) - the ST is cheaper by almost $100/year.

Say it with me F-i-S-T

$20,153 should be available in your neighborhood, the lowest recorded price is $19,778.

You should be able to get one for right at $20k right now.

92dxman wrote: Say it with me F-i-S-T

You know it rhymes with