Thanks Tom/Admin for the Poll.
I wanted something not-too-small, yet fun and nippy to drive for a Daily Commute, and possibly some weekend fun drives with some car buddies, along with some side consideration of maintenance and resale value (not cheapo, just wanted to be financially viable). Family isn't really much of an issue, as this is a 2nd car, as I've already have a FD2 Civic to do the job.
Anyway, I managed to test drive the Fiesta and CR-Z yest, and checked out a Polo GTI, while NASIM has stopped taking orders for 308 Turbo as a facelift replacement is expected soon.
Here's my findings (no pun intended):
CR-Z
I love the looks and the fact that it is 6 speed stick shift. This was the 1st car I tested. Sporty outlook especially in white, while the interior is rather spacious and comfortable up front with plenty of leg room, while the rear, there's isn't really much of a person that you can fit in there (unless they have no head or legs :P). But honestly, i did consider if I could fit my baby carrier or possibly a child seat in the back later on due to the availability of ISOFIX.
The drive, clutch is pretty light, and the engine is smooth. Insulation is pretty good, with some hint of exhaust noise from the back. Suspension is surprisingly comfortable, even for the back (yup, claustrophobically squeeze myself in horizontally to try). On Eco mode, the power quite dampened, while on 'Sport', response seems much better, however there's isn't much off a kick, even when I tried dragging it on a higher rpm which I had expected it to have.
Fiesta
The car was impressive, in the showrooms, especially with the hoo-haa features like voice command and phone call etc. It has a dual clutch transmission, so I admit I had quite some expectations before driving it. But as soon as I drove it, I was really disappointed with how it drives and felt. Gear changes were fast, too fast for my liking, and in situations of overtaking, it seems to be deciding which gear to downshift too which is quite annoying. Suspension could be too stiff or the 16" wheels weren't right for the light body weight.
But in the end, surprisingly, I think I've decided on something that wasn't on the list.
The Polo GTI.
Went to couple of the vw showrooms, with the thought to check out a Polo TSI for test drive, and was surprise to know there's a major shortage supply of Polo TSI and GTI, as demand was overwhelming, even the display and test drive units were sold and VW Malaysia has temporarily halt order taking for them. Fortunately, one of them had a Polo GTI and TSI in stock, which they were kind enough to let us have a look. We = My Wife and I, were in LOVE.
Now the challenge is getting a test drive for it before slipping in a booking. :D
