New petrol car ~150bhp

CIP4

Hi all,

I have decided to set up this thread just to see what alternatives there are to an A4 b9 1.4tsi 150 SE I have been looking at. Really I like the car but taking onboard what people said I am worried my mindset is a bit closed and I haven't looked at any alternatives. From looking the closest to my criteria I could find is a Leon Fr 125bhp 1.4tsi and a focus titanium 1.0T 125bhp surely I must be missing cars though.

My requirements are:
-ideally saloon but would consider hatchbacks
-petrol engine around 150bhp
-demo 161 or newer with less than 20k km
-decent spec the A4 has nav, leather, xenon lights, virtual cockpit all that kind of stuff
-budget A4's in demo guise are around 33k so that or less

Kind of strict enough on them requirement in other words I don't want a 12 reg golf gti. I am not a reg plate snob quite the opposite but I am done with older secondhand cars for a while I can't deal with them. My own is going well at the moment so I will be keeping that before buying something older than the 1yr mark.

Not sure when I am going to buy something probably next year at this stage but I would be interested to hear what is out there in petrols.

bazz26

VW are launching a 1.5 TSi in the facelifted Golf from next February, it's replacing the existing 1.4 TSi also found in the A4. Not sure if the 1.5 TSi will be available from launch though but it will come in 130bhp and 150bhp and is supposed to be more fuel efficient than the 1.4 that it will replace. I'd imagine 33k would get you a decent spec Golf petrol.

mythical123

Look at bringing in from the UK, at 1y old you'll have most of the manufacturer's warranty left.

High spec Mazda 6 and Focus Titanium (1.5 turbo engine in UK) should be well within your budget.

If you went for a 152 rather than a 161/162 you'd save a lot on the VRT that way.

bod71

You can get a new focus 1.5 ecoboost, with 182hp as a special order.

CIP4

bazz26 wrote: »

VW are launching a 1.5 TSi in the facelifted Golf from next February, it's replacing the existing 1.4 TSi also found in the A4. Not sure if the 1.5 TSi will be available from launch though but it will come in 130bhp and 150bhp and is supposed to be more fuel efficient than the 1.4 that it will replace. I'd imagine 33k would get you a decent spec Golf petrol.

Only thing is I have never been mad about the mk7. I never realised there was a 1.5tsi coming out. The only thing is would you be better of buying a 1.4tsi that been out years and fine tuned in terms of reliability. Plus the A4 has a nicer interior, is a bigger saloon and seems like better value for money.

CIP4

mythical123 wrote: »

Look at bringing in from the UK, at 1y old you'll have most of the manufacturer's warranty left.

High spec Mazda 6 and Focus Titanium (1.5 turbo engine in UK) should be well within your budget.

If you went for a 152 rather than a 161/162 you'd save a lot on the VRT that way.

bod71 wrote: »

You can get a new focus 1.5 ecoboost, with 182hp as a special order.

I must look into the focus 1.5 182 I never realised there was one.

The only thing is England isnt really an option for me as I am going to trade my own car and want to buy from an Irish dealer. Pity there is no demo ones in Irish dealers

GustavoFring

You're young, go a little mad. How about a Fiesta ST or Ibiza Cupra? You'd shave the bones of 10k off the spend and it would be a bit of craic. You'd get a nicely specced GTI for around your full budget too. If insurance ruled them out there's the GTE too - not as sporty but it's got the 1.4tsi and some extra poke from the batteries.

mythical123

It's your prerogative to want to buy Irish, however this means you miss out on a lot of the "wolf in sheep's clothing" versions. Focus 1.0 125, Leon/Golf 1.4TSI, Mazda 3 2.0, etc which if they're available here tend to be as part of a tarted up "sports" model. Actually very few petrol cars on the market here at all.

I'd definitely suggest sitting into a Mazda 6, very classy feel almost 5-series like. Although if you really want the virtual cockpit I think that means the A4 ?

Mister Jingles

Another suggestion for the ST Fiesta while also saving a few quid as well. Or how about even holding out for the 5 door model next year ?

ShadowHearth

Seat leon cupra? A bit of an odd ball with 290hp, but very damn good value.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/seat-leon-2-0tsi-280-bhp-cupra/13382112

CIP4

As for the fiesta/ Ibiza cupra I know they are great cars but they are just too small for me even though I know they are not that small in reality but just I couldn't go below Leon/golf/focus size.

The car doesn't have to have virtual cockpit as that would seriously narrow it down just my point is the A4 SE with tech pack has a serious amount of extras.

That Leon Cupra is a serious car pure animal. 2 issues with it for me is getting insure on it as I am young and then I have never been a massive fan of the interior on them would be a big step down compared with the B9.

The mk7 golf GTE I don't think you would get one for 33k not sure if there are many demos. As I said about the mk7 golf I like them but have never loved them.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

colm_mcm

A3 saloon?

CIP4

colm_mcm wrote: »

A3 saloon?

They are actually fcuk all cheaper than the A4 as at 33k they are heavily reduced over 10k of the new price as they have metallic paint and 2.5k tech packs. Plus I don't like the a3 the interior is not as nice and it doesn't look as nice on the outside.

mickdw

Can a decent spec A4 be had for 33k from main dealer 161 plate?

Two years old, but putting it out here

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/alfa-romeo/giulietta/used-2014-142-alfa-romeo-giulietta-1-dublin-fpa-5512119640401204121

€18,000

CIP4

mickdw wrote: »

Can a decent spec A4 be had for 33k from main dealer 161 plate?

I drove this one it was 36k a month ago. It has every toy I could want anyway nice big touchscreen with nav plus too, leather, xenon light, wireless charging box Apple CarPlay, parking sensor, cruise control, climate control etc etc.

http://audi-waterford.used.audi.ie/vehicle/2155353

colm_mcm

Just buy another A4 already!

CIP4

colm_mcm wrote: »

Just buy another A4 already!

Haha I am just trying to see if there is anything else but I don't think there is. Me not wanting a small car does knock out a lot of the options. That and the terrible selection of newish petrols in Ireland

Mister Jingles

What about a new Passat ?

grogi

bod71 wrote: »

You can get a new focus 1.5 ecoboost, with 182hp as a special order.

Or new megane gt, with 205...

Astra 1.4t delivers 150bhp too

Check superb too, it might come with a decent 1.4 or even 1.8

CIP4

Mister Jingles wrote: »

What about a new Passat ?

http://m.carzone.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Passat-Comfortline-Business-Edition-1.4TSI/8354950321080145462

This is actually a great deal but only 125bhp in a Passat it would be a bit down on power compared with my current A4 2.0tdi 143.

CIP4

grogi wrote: »

Or new megane gt, with 205...

Astra 1.4t delivers 150bhp too

Check superb too, it might come with a decent 1.4 or even 1.8

Superb would be too big for me really they are massive.

Astra 1.4T no demos new price 26k for SRI and 27k for an elite lovely car but you wouldn't want to ever try sell it.

The 205 Megane is auto only which is a no no for me.

GustavoFring

CIP4 wrote: »

Haha I am just trying to see if there is anything else but I don't think there is. Me not wanting a small car does knock out a lot of the options. That and the terrible selection of newish petrols in Ireland

Have you test driven anything bar an A4 to date?

CIP4

GustavoFring wrote: »

Have you test driven anything bar an A4 to date?

But the point is there are no petrols to drive most are special order. Even looking at this thread it's sad how little choice there is in petrols. I am sure the fiesta and Ibiza Cupra are lovely to drive but I honestly wouldn't want something that small. I suppose I could go drive that Leon Cupra but I would be worried that it's just got the sh!t driven out of it for a year no one buys a Cupra not to drive it on. Plus I would be buying it purely for it being 280bhp as I don't particularly like the Leon.

Mister Jingles

The a4 would probably be whats best then.

Theres a fair few of them up on Carzone so you'll definitely have your pick.


I still think you should look more into hot hatchs. Even test drive a couple and you never know you may have a change of heart.

CIP4

Mister Jingles wrote: »

The a4 would probably be whats best then.

Theres a fair few of them up on Carzone so you'll definitely have your pick.


I still think you should look more into hot hatchs. Even test drive a couple and you never know you may have a change of heart.

Look in many ways a 5dr mk7 golf gti would be a great mix between practicality and power put there are so few demos around and you are into too high of money for me to buy one new.

TBH for all the talk of power I have never got into my current A4 and thought god I wish this was a little quicker it's plenty quick for me and a 150bhp b9 is quicker on paper and over 100kg lighter you are never going to get into it and think fcuk me that's quick but that can't be everything and it's not for me. In many ways I would prefer to have a few extra toys.

Ah I will get out and test drive a few more and see what I think. But the used car Audi PCP at 2.9% this month is damn attractive plus they can't sell them so there would definitely be a good deal to be got.

mythical123

CIP4 wrote: »

...

Astra 1.4T no demos new price 26k for SRI and 27k for an elite lovely car but you wouldn't want to ever try sell it.

...

There are demo's of the Astra, at least there were recently, in Dublin 18

How about a BMW 118/120, pig ugly from behind in my opinion, pricey, but lovely cabin.

CIP4

mythical123 wrote: »

There are demo's of the Astra, at least there were recently, in Dublin 18

How about a BMW 118/120, pig ugly from behind in my opinion, pricey, but lovely cabin.

Any of the astras I see on carzone now are 1.0T 105bhp which would be about underpowered for me. If I was going the BMW route I would go 3 series but they really don't do it for me good suggestion though.

GustavoFring

CIP4 wrote: »

But the point is there are no petrols to drive most are special order. Even looking at this thread it's sad how little choice there is in petrols. I am sure the fiesta and Ibiza Cupra are lovely to drive but I honestly wouldn't want something that small. I suppose I could go drive that Leon Cupra but I would be worried that it's just got the sh!t driven out of it for a year no one buys a Cupra not to drive it on. Plus I would be buying it purely for it being 280bhp as I don't particularly like the Leon.

There are petrol cars to drive, just because they're not on carzone doesn't mean they're not there. It's possible with a lot of dealers to get some of them in if someone is keen. I'm only asking to try and find out if there was anything else you liked or hated after driving them. Would be useful info when you're asking for opinions as it could guide people.

CIP4

GustavoFring wrote: »

There are petrol cars to drive, just because they're not on carzone doesn't mean they're not there. It's possible with a lot of dealers to get some of them in if someone is keen. I'm only asking to try and find out if there was anything else you liked or hated after driving them. Would be useful info when you're asking for opinions as it could guide people.

In the last few weeks I have only test driven a b9 2.0tdi and then a 1.4tsi. In general I have driven the new model Astra, mk7 golf but both were diesels. I haven't driven many petrol cars really. Two things I enjoyed a lot about the b9 was the servotronic (I think that what it's called) steering which is unbelievably light at low speed for parking and manovering and then firms up at speed.

Then the refinement and quietness I have been in a lot of cars in my time and honestly the b9 tsi was the quietest car I have ever been in. Like the mk7 golf is known for being exceptionally quiet but this was a whole other level.

Mister Jingles

The mondeo 1.5 ecoboost could be got from Ford i reckon.

https://youtu.be/EU5fiZkGrLw

Bob flavin review.

CIP4

Mister Jingles wrote: »

The mondeo 1.5 ecoboost could be got from Ford i reckon.

Just looked on the website you can get one alright 1.5 ecoboost 160ps 31.5k in titanium spec. I don't see the option on the focus but going by the price list ordering it in it would be around 28k.

TBH if there was a 1.5 ecoboost focus demo going around Ireland with 3-4K knocked off the price I would be very interested in it. But ordering one in and paying full whack for it doesn't appeal to me as I don't need a 171 plate I would be quite happy with the 161 knowing I saved a few k and still have essentially a new car with a warranty that will give me no bother.

GustavoFring

CIP4 wrote: »

In the last few weeks I have only test driven a b9 2.0tdi and then a 1.4tsi. In general I have driven the new model Astra, mk7 golf but both were diesels. I haven't driven many petrol cars really. Two things I enjoyed a lot about the b9 was the servotronic (I think that what it's called) steering which is unbelievably light at low speed for parking and manovering and then firms up at speed.

Then the refinement and quietness I have been in a lot of cars in my time and honestly the b9 tsi was the quietest car I have ever been in. Like the mk7 golf is known for being exceptionally quiet but this was a whole other level.

The steering change is available in a lot of cars these days. Sounds like you want a cruiser as opposed an entertaining drive?

GustavoFring

CIP4 wrote: »

Just looked on the website you can get one alright 1.5 ecoboost 160ps 31.5k in titanium spec. I don't see the option on the focus but going by the price list ordering it in it would be around 28k.

TBH if there was a 1.5 ecoboost focus demo going around Ireland with 3-4K knocked off the price I would be very interested in it. But ordering one in and paying full whack for it doesn't appeal to me as I don't need a 171 plate I would be quite happy with the 161 knowing I saved a few k and still have essentially a new car with a warranty that will give me no bother.

Ford are doing big discounts off 171 reg cars, 3-4k across the range. Makes sense to buy new in a situation like that.

CIP4

GustavoFring wrote: »

The steering change is available in a lot of cars these days. Sounds like you want a cruiser as opposed an entertaining drive?

Basically but I want it to be powerful enough for overtaking and general use which a 150bhp petrol is nippy enough. I don't think think I could go back and buy a 100bhp car. I know based in my history this sounds a bit mad but I would be hoping to buy something to keep for 4 or 5 years that will be a nice easy to live with daily that once I mind from the start shouldn't be too troublesome.

As with almost every car I have had, my reasons for changing them were generally because they were troublesome or I could see big issues coming down the line.

For once I don't want someone else's problem and I want a clean slate or close to one in the case of a demo. Long term once I have bought a house with space and a garage I plan on buying a few more interesting weekend cars or fixer uppers but at the moment I have nowhere to accommodate cars so I just need a good all round daily.

GustavoFring wrote: »

Ford are doing big discounts off 171 reg cars, 3-4k across the range. Makes sense to buy new in a situation like that.

I might tip over to my local Ford dealer tomorrow if I get a chance and see what the story is on them.

mycro2013

Have you considered a Lexus is300. Demo models can be got for within your budget. Its something different from an a4.

Autosport

Head into The Hub in the city as the motor show is on this weekend, I was in there tonight and a nice selection of cars. Audi Waterford have a massive sale on aswell this weekend.

CIP4

Autosport wrote: »

Head into The Hub in the city as the motor show is on this weekend, I was in there tonight and a nice selection of cars. Audi Waterford have a massive sale on aswell this weekend.

Oh that's on this weekend actually. Oh I am well aware about Audi waterfords sale the salesman has been onto me to say they are keen to sell that 1.4tsi they have is an understatement kind of seems like they are getting no interest in it other than me.

CIP4

mycro2013 wrote: »

Have you considered a Lexus is300. Demo models can be got for within your budget. Its something different from an a4.

Nice car and certainly something different but they wouldn't be my cup of tea tbh.

Foxhole Norman

Just buy a damn A4 and be done with it, you're shooting down every other option mentioned.

Autosport

CIP4 wrote: »

Oh that's on this weekend actually. Oh I am well aware about Audi waterfords sale the salesman has been onto me to say they are keen to sell that 1.4tsi they have is an understatement kind of seems like they are getting no interest in it other than me.

I'll phone Audi and pretend I'm interested in the petrol and they might knock off a bit more off the price for you

mycro2013

Mercedes a class amg.
Volvo s60 r design
Passat cc
Audi a4.

CIP4

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

Just buy a damn A4 and be done with it, you're shooting down every other option mentioned.

Shooting them down because there is valid reason though not just for the sake of it. I appreciate everyone help and effort in making suggestions. But the point of these threads is to say whether or not you like x car or whether it suits your needs.

But looking at my requirements it seems to match my criteria the best and not because it is an Audi. It's not my fault I don't like small hatchbacks which knocked out a good few choices to be fair.

CIP4

Autosport wrote: »

I'll phone Audi and pretend I'm interested in the petrol and they might knock off a bit more off the price for you

How will that help the lack of interest is what's benefiting me

The way I see it Audi sligo have 2 SE with tech pack 161 and Audi waterford one all 32,950 not a hope they will sell all 3 of them before Christmas so they will drop another bit in price it's just a waiting game :pac:

GustavoFring

It's there any other car that interests you bar the a4? Anything at all that your noticed? This whole thread is very one sided so it's best to give your thoughts.

The new Giulia with the upgrade offer might be worth looking at if your looking for a petrol. More powerful if that's what you're into. It's a little more dosh too but there's bound to be demos.

CIP4

GustavoFring wrote: »

It's there any other car that interests you bar the a4? Anything at all that your noticed? This whole thread is very one sided so it's best to give your thoughts.

The new Giulia with the upgrade offer might be worth looking at if your looking for a petrol. More powerful if that's what you're into. It's a little more dosh too but there's bound to be demos.

Oh I say the Giulia will be a lovely car alright and it is getting a 200bhp
2.0l petrol the lads in the chat thread were saying.

I think the A4 B9 is just a really impressive car to me anyway particularly on the inside. It is a massive step up from the b8 and feels like a completely different car. Even in their highest spec I don't think a focus or Astra will feel as nice inside a golf in a high enough spec would probably come damn close to be fair. I always found the Leon a bit too plain on the inside.

Passat and mondeo are abit too rep car for me even though I know the A4 is bought by reps too. Passat cc and superb are too big and I would feel too young for them. Toyota, Kia and Hyundai meh they just don't do it for me.

I will try to get into that motoring show tomorrow they have pretty much all the brands.

bazz26

Merc CLA or C Class do anything for you?

Mister Jingles

CIP4 wrote: »

I would feel too young for them

Surely the A4 would fall into the same category as well ?


What is it about smaller car you dont like ? Is it that you do a lot of ferrying around of people or you just prefere the whole big car presence on the road type of thing ?

I love big cars too but for my own personal practicality a smaller car would thick a lot more boxes as apposed to the Mondeo i drive.

GustavoFring

Something completely different?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Subaru/BRZ/201014405371313920/advert?channel=CARS

Autosport

GustavoFring wrote: »

Something completely different?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Subaru/BRZ/201014405371313920/advert?channel=CARS

I'd buy that myself Gorgeous car!

quadrifoglio verde

If it didn't have to be new, I'd be all over a 2015 Megane rs from the UK and then bang the a4 into an auction
You'd have a very special car, that looks savage, that us ridiculously quick and not driven by every Tom dick and Harry.