Test drove 4 cars this evening

[IAMCANADIAN]

Tonight, my friend and I went to the automall and test drove four cars. I wanted to look at compact cars and see what the competition has to offer in that segment. I’m not getting rid of my Grand Prix right now but I think I would like to get a compact car next time around. I sat in a few other cars as well. My friend wanted me to test drive the G35 (he’s an import lover BIG TIME) and forgot his license so he practically begged me to drive it.

I test drove:
-2008 Ford Focus SE Coupe
-2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe
-2008 Volkswagen GTI
-2008 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5

Ford Focus:
Pros:
-Price
-Comfort
-Equipment
-Quietness

Cons:
-Exterior styling
-Brake pedal feel
-Seating position

The Focus is new for 2008 and comes in a coupe or sedan. My tester came with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a few options. Right now Ford has their “Family Pricing” so I could’ve gotten that one for $18 grand – although if I was getting the Focus I would get the SES Coupe. I think the sedan suits the Focus’ new styling a lot better than the coupe which looks rather awkward. Power comes from a 2.0L L4 with 140 HP. Acceleration is not bad but definitely needs to be revved to get the most out of it. The 4-speed auto shifts well however I think the manual will offer better performance. I wasn’t able to throw it around the curves on my test route but it rode nicely and soaked bumps with ease. I was really disappointed with the brake pedal feel, it was soft and sloppy and the Focus didn’t feel like it would handle emergency braking that well. Steering feel is on the lighter side but it’s nicely weighted for the most part. One of my dislikes is the seating position – you feel like you sit really high in the car even though the height adjustment was on the lowest position and I’m only 5’ 10”. Overall the Focus isn’t a great car, but it isn’t a bad car. It gets the job done and does it well but it’s certainly not a standout in its class. For the price it’s a good value.

Infiniti G35:
Pros:
Acceleration
Steering/Handling
Styling

Cons:
Visibility
Interior Materials
Engine Noise

The G35 is Infiniti’s entry level luxury car. Power comes from Nissan’s highly regarded 3.5L VQ V6 and my tester came mated to a 5-speed auto. This one is used and was on sale for $28 grand CDN$. This car is definitely fun to drive no doubt about that. The VQ V6 has great performance and the 5-Speed Auto shifts smoothly and performs well in manual mode. Steering and Handling are also excellent with this car. The brakes do a good job as well. I felt that the G35 only excelled in the performance department and was really lacking in almost every other way. The interior for a luxury car is incredibly cheap and the controls are not very driver friendly. Also, it feels like a bigger car than it is which makes parking a bit of a chore if you’re not used to it. Also, the engine is incredibly noisy and unrefined. While I usually don’t mind engine noise in a sporty car because it gives it a sportier feel - the VQ V6 made a lot of noise and yet it wasn’t doing very much. In fact, at 4000 RPM it sounded like it was at redline. A few months ago I sat in the new G37 Coupe and thought it was a lot better. The interior is more comfortable, more refined and the extra power and improved dynamics makes it a far better choice over the 1st gen G35. If you want to get a vehicle like this, I would either spend less and get a 350Z or spend more and get a new G37. Still, aside from its obvious negatives, the G35 is a fun car to drive that will certainly satisfy the performance enthusiast.

Volkswagen GTI:
Pros:
Acceleration
Handling
Interior Materials
Build Quality
Fuel Economy

Cons:
Price
DSG performance

The Volkswagen GTI was one of my favorites. It is really fun to drive, comfortable and has a great feel to it. It’s a little on the pricey side, however you’re not going to be let down by it either. I was also impressed with how easy it is to park and how great the visibility is. Power comes from a 2.0L turbo 4 with 200 HP and my tester was mated to VW’s 6-Speed DSG transmission. While the DSG transmission sounds like great technology, it was incredibly disappointing. In regular mode it didn’t like to downshift that easily and shifts were rather abrupt and sluggish. In sport mode or manual mode it suffered from the same problems. Also, the brake pedal was rather dull and soft. Overall it’s a good balance between performance and practicality. If you’re looking for a sporty compact the GTI is definitely one you should add to your list.

Volkswagen Jetta:
Pros:
Interior Materials
Build Quality
Acceleration
Ride

Cons:
Brake pedal feel
Fuel economy
Price
Steering feel

The Volkswagen Jetta is a real dilemma. On one hand it has good acceleration, a comfortable ride and a nicely finished interior. On the other hand it’s incredibly overpriced when you add options, it suffers from poor brake pedal feel like the GTI and the steering was the worst of the bunch. Also, its fuel economy is nothing outstanding with the 2.5 and while the automatic transmission was better than the DSG, it was still nothing to be proud of. It’s like the Jetta wants to be like a Toyota Corolla while still offering a German feel. This is rather disappointing because people expect European cars to have solid steering and handling and be able to cruise the Autobahn whereas this Jetta feels like it can barely keep up on a US Interstate. A fully loaded Jetta 2.5 with 5-Speed Manual is around $29 grand CDN$ before taxes. That’s a fair amount of money for something that doesn’t offer a pleasing driving experience and doesn’t offer anything significant in the way of features and options. I liked the Jetta enough that I would get one, but certainly not for $29 grand. The reason why I would only consider a top model is because I want leather. For thousands less there are much better compacts out there that have more features (and leather!) than the VW Jetta.

Also, I was unimpressed with the VW salesman’s sales techniques. He tried to make every other car out there pale in comparison to the VW. While there’s nothing wrong with saying the VW is a good car, I find it really lame when he has to make every other car look bad in order to make the VW look good – it makes me wonder whether there’s really anything good about the car or whether they’re just trying to sell on hype. None of the other car salesmen were like this and they were actually a pleasure to deal with. I’m not letting a salesman affect my view of VW of course. Still, while VW’s are nice cars overall and generally pleasing to drive, they’re really overpriced and that puts them in an unfavorable position versus the competition.

Afterwards we went over to the Mazda dealer and I sat in the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 fully loaded is only a bit cheaper than the VW Jetta; however it’s a MUCH better car in my opinion. While it has a few more hard plastics than the VW, it has a nicer look and feel to it. The car feels more solid and the seats surprisingly feel more European than the Jetta. While it’s only slightly cheaper than the Jetta it offers way more features and gets better fuel economy. For example the 3 has automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, Bose audio system and automatic climate control. While a lot of people don’t care about those features, when you’re spending almost $30 grand for a compact car, you expect it to deliver and considering the high amount of praise that the 3 gets from journalists, the 3 is worth that price. The Jetta in my opinion isn’t. Anyway, I was quite impressed with what the Mazda 3 offers and while I didn’t have time tonight to test drive it, I’ll try and take it out for a spin next time.

[eurohazard]

The G35 is definitely better with the 6MT. The noises it makes seem acceptable seeing how it's more sport than luxury....but I hear you, a Honda V6 is just as powerful and way more smooth and quiet. Yet somehow everyone is one Nissan's sack about the VQ engines.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by eurohazard

The G35 is definitely better with the 6MT. The noises it makes seem acceptable seeing how it's more sport than luxury....but I hear you, a Honda V6 is just as powerful and way more smooth and quiet. Yet somehow everyone is one Nissan's sack about the VQ engines.

I would've loved to test drive it with stick if they had one. I'm going to learn how to drive one soon as I think it's good to know how to drive both stick and auto. I have driven a stick before in a parking lot and around my house but it was a while ago so I'll have to get back at it and get more practice. The VQ engine is a nice engine and has awesome power and torque, it's just unfortunate that it's not as refined as a lot of its competitor's V6 engines. The G35 is definitely a car that you can't drive around town or during rush hour - it just doesn't understand the meaning of driving slow. That's great when you want the power but it makes it difficult in day-to-day driving. Still, it was a blast to drive and will certainly leave a grin on the face of anyone who drives it.

[eurohazard]

Nice write up....I forgot to mention that in my 1st post. Have you looked at Cobalt sedans, particularly upper end ones?

[Uzzy]

You should check out an Astra and see how it compares to the VWs.

[supraracer]

Originally Posted by eurohazard

The G35 is definitely better with the 6MT. The noises it makes seem acceptable seeing how it's more sport than luxury....but I hear you, a Honda V6 is just as powerful and way more smooth and quiet. Yet somehow everyone is one Nissan's sack about the VQ engines.

The Infinity is slanted more towards sport than the Accord. The driving dynamics just don't compare (rwd vs. fwd).

[pontiacjs]

What was the purpose of looking at and driving those four cars if you are not in the market for a new car? Was it just to post a review on line or is your friend going to buy a new car and needed someone to help him make a desicion?

Do you or he have any intention of paying the price of admision for a g35 or you looking for cheaper transportation like the focus?

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by supraracer

The Infinity is slanted more towards sport than the Accord. The driving dynamics just don't compare (rwd vs. fwd).

I know bro! I agree with you about dynamics/fwd/rwd etc. I am talking about the smoothness of the engine solely. I have driven Accord V6, Camry V6, Altima V6, Maxima, Murano, Pilot, and MDX cars, and I am sticking by my comments. The VQ is overrated IMHO (particularly by Ward's).

[mbukukanyau]

If find the sound from Nissan V6 in its coupes to be childish. A funny haul that makes the drive seem silly. especially compared to the silent muble of a corvette

[eurohazard]

A V8 Corvette sounds better than any engine made in Japan, Germany, or the USA. The only thing that compares is a Ferrari.....and it's a lot different.

[supraracer]

Originally Posted by eurohazard

I know bro! I agree with you about dynamics/fwd/rwd etc. I am talking about the smoothness of the engine solely. I have driven Accord V6, Camry V6, Altima V6, Maxima, Murano, Pilot, and MDX cars, and I am sticking by my comments. The VQ is overrated IMHO (particularly by Ward's).

I'll give you that about smoothness. I have a Murano so I know the strong and weak point about that engine. My cousin has an Accord V6 and the engine is very refined.

[supraracer]

Originally Posted by eurohazard

A V8 Corvette sounds better than any engine made in Japan, Germany, or the USA. The only thing that compares is a Ferrari.....and it's a lot different.

My Dad has an '07 Vette and there's nothing like an LS V8 at WOT inside a tunnel

http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1p2...bI34a9rYtVrsdr

[JerryL]

The GTI and the Jetta have extremely good financing and rebates available ...at least in SoFla. This is why I leased a Jetta with the 2.0T[Wolfsberg Edition], all the extras are on this version and it was only $23000 list....nowhere near $30,000. I somewhat agree with you on the DSG trans. but I found it much better, and faster, than the Audi CVT, in the A4. I had a 2004 G35 too,and it was high quality and had superior dealer service but it got worse mileage than my @002 SS Camaro. Plus I had 2 sets of headlights stolen from it. It's a Miami thing.....they want the HD box. That was why I sold the G35.
Anyway, I ended up with the Jetta over the GTI because it was an unbeatable lease deal.

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by JerryL

I had a 2004 G35 too,and it was high quality and had superior dealer service but it got worse mileage than my 2002 SS Camaro.

One of my former coworkers had a 2004 G45 with the 6MT. He drove it pretty hard and averaged 16 mpg. His girlfriend took it easy, but still only managed 19.

I really liked the car. But even considering how powerful the engine is, that's disappointing mileage. I know several guys with GM and Dodge V8 half-tons who get similar or better mileage.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by pontiacjs

What was the purpose of looking at and driving those four cars if you are not in the market for a new car? Was it just to post a review on line or is your friend going to buy a new car and needed someone to help him make a desicion?

Do you or he have any intention of paying the price of admision for a g35 or you looking for cheaper transportation like the focus?

I'm not in the market for a new car right now. However with the price of gas and the fact that I don't drive a lot of passengers I would consider getting a smaller and more efficient car. If I was getting a car it wouldn't be right now but it would be perhaps in a year - maybe a little sooner, maybe a little later, it depends on what happens. My friend is purchasing a car soon - he likes the 350Z but wanted to see what the G35 is like as well. Mainly we went because we like looking at cars aren't weren't expecting to test drive a whole bunch, however doing so made it a lot more fun.

Originally Posted by eurohazard

Nice write up....I forgot to mention that in my 1st post. Have you looked at Cobalt sedans, particularly upper end ones?

Thanks I'd like to test drive the G5 coupe actually. I've sat in one and I like it so far. For what it offers and for the price, it would be my #1 choice so far - however I figure it's worth it to check out the competition and see what they offer.

Originally Posted by Uzzy

You should check out an Astra and see how it compares to the VWs

I haven't driven an Astra, however I've sat in one and there are things that the VW is better at and there are things that the Astra is better at. Both of them have nice interiors with nice finishings. The Astra IMO has much better seats than the VW's. Also, the Astra is more affordable and gets better fuel economy. However, the VW kicks the Astra's butt in the engine department. If the Astra came with diesel and turbo options and a more powerful base engine, it would stand a much better chance against the VW.

Originally Posted by JerryL

The GTI and the Jetta have extremely good financing and rebates available ...at least in SoFla. This is why I leased a Jetta with the 2.0T[Wolfsberg Edition], all the extras are on this version and it was only $23000 list....nowhere near $30,000. I somewhat agree with you on the DSG trans. but I found it much better, and faster, than the Audi CVT, in the A4. I had a 2004 G35 too,and it was high quality and had superior dealer service but it got worse mileage than my 2002 SS Camaro. Plus I had 2 sets of headlights stolen from it. It's a Miami thing.....they want the HD box. That was why I sold the G35.
Anyway, I ended up with the Jetta over the GTI because it was an unbeatable lease deal.

In Canada the 2.0T fully loaded would be at least $31 grand. While they're nice cars, they're really overpriced and a lot of their competitors do the same, if not better for less. That's why in Canada, the best selling VWs are the City Golf and City Jetta. For those who don't know what they are, they're basically the 1999-2005 Jetta and Golf offered for thousands less than what they originally went for. They were freshened for 2008 and sell quite well because they get you into a VW for under $20 grand. They're only offered with the 2.0L SOHC L4 with 115 HP - however for 2008 they're available with a new 6-Speed Auto with Tiptronic which along with the 5-Spd Manual help get the most out of the engine.

Here's more info on the City Models:
http://www.vw.ca/vwcms_publish/vwcms...dels/city.html