> > It's just a shame that VW Germany doesn't make a SINGLE enthusiast's >> car. Not one model handles well (Polo, Golf & notchback Golf by other >> names, Passat...); if you want a new VW which handles well you have >> to go to South Africa. VW has lost its roots, which is part of the >> reason i wouldn't buy a new German one. Gimme a new SA Microbus >> please... > >Aaaah, my friend, welcome to 2002! The anniversary GTI is here and the New >Beetle Turbo S! Both have a 6-speed transmission, 180 HP motor AND a >suspension to match. That's in US, of course. > >Chris. Ha! US-market (and Canadian, I thihk) cars have detuned suspensions. Every single one. Policy based on a market where the majority of buyers are lazy slobs who want soft rides over all else, so those who want better suffer... without even knowing it! This is one reason why American cars just can't cut it in the world market (others are poor quality and strange styling). Australia and NZ, as well as most other countries, get what Americans mistakenly call "European" suspension settings. And even these, when it comes to VWs, are not good enough. I'll wait for Australian tests of the Golf GTi and New Beetle Turbo S, but I'm not holding my breath! VW really does seem to have lost the plot... manufacturing quality over performance (handling). Toyota doesn't compromise on quality or function (no wacky flawed "retro" trendy cars here), but handling unfortunately isn't high on its list of important items. But 2 out of 3 ain't bad. -- Andrew Grebneff 165 Evans St, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand <andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz> Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut |
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