[Closed] Company car time - Golf vs A3 vs V40

The V60 Ocean Race Edition is lovely. (But I'm slightly biased.)

I'd have the Audi over the Golf as it's a nicer place to sit. Volvo would be interesting but I'd probably go for the Audi. Saying that, we have a 1 Series and that's ace to drive.

If the Audi is the "Technik" then it's actually a pretty basic spec. Volvo or Golf for me..

J

I would take the Volvo out of those any time. But then I am biased being as I am on my 4th Ovlov...

Though if I had the choice of an R Design V60 instead that would be my choice.

Ive got the mk7 Golf GTI and I would say it is as nice as a place to be than the audi's and comes with a pretty nice spec and interior.

No experience on what the GTD I like to drive but surely it is more engaging than the others? GTI is pretty damn fun

GTD for me - as long as you like the tartan seats! Love the MK7 golfs, good fun, quiet, fast, economic and understated. Good on the company car tax as well!

The GTD's are pretty nice to drive, however if you don't really want to 'make progress' then why not go for the GT and spec the beejusus out of it? All the toys possible for less than the GTD.

Golf. I took delivery of my GTD last week and painful as it is to admit it's nicer than my Audi was. The GTD really is very impressive.

Golf GTD, its a much nicer spec then the Audi Technik

Seat Leon ST

I know it wasn't on your list but I'd assume if you can have VW or Audi you can have a Seat. Basically the same car but more for your money. If your not after something sporty then the ecomotive is the one to go for. Same engine as a golf Bluemotion but much better spec.

Having gone from an Audi A3 to a Golf I wouldn't go back, the Golf IMO is the nicer car.

Volvo V60 R-Design D5 here. Only a few weeks in but it's very nice and very quick (although the D5 isn't available new any more). £30 VED for 215bhp which is incredible and 42mpg on our city/motorway runs with roof bars.

The Golf GTD - Can you get the Golf GTE?? Great perfromance & low tax

Decent boot size and room in the back is fairly important but wife's car is a good size so not a deal breaker.

I looked at A3's and thought the boot was tiny. Well and pretty much all the car.

I ended up getting a BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics. Very tax efficient so may work out cheaper than you think. Much better to drive than VAG or Volvo

Fuel economy is bonkers good. Drive sensibly and you get 80mpg. Avg about 65mpg at 80mph on the motorway and drivng like a wolly never below 38mpg

My brother has had a Golf for his last couple of company cars, but last time swapped it for a V40. I think his is an R-Design with a fairly small diesel engine - 1.6, perhaps?

He was mentioning only at the weekend, that he prefers it massively over the Golf's that he's had although the boot seems a little smaller.

I'm sure at the end of the day, any of them would be a decent car to own it's just a case of finding one that suits you.
As mentioned above though - have you looked at the Leon? FR is a great looking car.

Is it worth having a company car for those miles?

I have the GTD as a company car. Cant comment on the others as never sat in them, however I'm immensely impressed with the GTD.

Had it 5 months and done 12k. Very comfy despite the sports suspension, quick and handles just brilliantly. Get 2 bikes in the back with the seats down easily. The only thing I would say against it is the quoted fuel consumption figures are way off. I can get about 58 on a run driving at 70, but average out at 45.

For 16000 miles a year, without the hassle of depreciation, servicing or insurance, it's definitely worth it for me. The alternative cash allowance is pretty stingy so won't go as far as taking the car.

Looks like the Audi is out (is this definitely still STW?). I'll take a test drive of the other 2. Although there's still a part of me that wants to take the opportunity to get a big estate just because I can.

I had the V40, as my last company car.
Loved it.
If I could have another, I would..

Golf no question (the Mk7 is better than the A3) but if you so many motorway miles make sure you get the SE edition with adaptive cuise control

The estate version of the Golf is great and the same size as the previous Passat model

The GTD comes with Adaptive Cruise Control as standard.

Result then. Best piece of modern motoring tech for me.

Yup GTD has adaptive cruise control too.

I would be going for the Golf, purely because of the adaptive cruise. If you can get the auto then do that too, mine has been excellent.

The Passat is a nice option but the new one is a bigger beasty so if you don't need the room then stick to the golf or its estate version.

Good to know, ACC would be pretty nice to have. That and a DAB radio are about all I need, I'm pretty easily pleased.

Volvo with Driver Support Pack.

* Unless the Golf comes with Traffic Jam Assist a la Passat which includes steering, the adaptive cruise in the Volvo will be better. It's ultra smooth compared to versions even a year or two ago.

* The active headlights on the Volvo have to be seen to be believed. Not quite as good as the LED matrix lights in some Audis, but jaw dropping nonetheless.

* Seats are probably more comfortable in the Volvo.

I suspect the DSG gearbox makes the Golf / Audi more fuel efficient (my V60 averages only 51mpg). Don't discount the V60, it's not as big as you'd think. Also bear in mind that the R-design is set up for 20 inch wheels and so has a reduced steering lock compared to other cars.

Golf's are always slightly better to drive than the equivalent Audis, plus a bit more space too. I'd have a Golf over an A3 everyone.

I had to pick my comp car a few months back and on paper the D4 Volvo looked great, however the engine was totally unrefined IMO. Dumped all the power really quickly and was much rougher than I expected from a Volvo. Went for a Passat in the end.

You're in luck it has DAB with touch screen to boost.

Ok, first off I am talking petrol versions here, not Diesel, but I guess some of the comment below could be applicable to both fuel version.

We have just ordered the new 2015, Audi A3 sportsback over the Golf.

The main reason was the quality and layout of the interior in our opinion is far better than the Golf.

Audi Negs - We did not like the new Audi auto handbrake, our youngest daughter has special needs and it worried my Wife slightly, that my daughter could activate the handbrake while on the move!

Golf Negs -inteior styling still feels slightly bland even with the GTi version when compared to to other brands.

Also, we preferred the slightly sportier handling of the Audi over the Golf, even though its not as nice to drive as our old BMW 1 series.

The Audi dealer was keener on price, so much so, with the pex, the deal on paper worked out cheaper than the Golf!

That's all coming from a life long BMW fan too 😉

OP if space in the back is a priority you are ruling out the A3. It's fairly snug for adults in the back (much more so than the Golf). You can get a bike or two in the boot lying down with seats folded. As per others for the budget/spec you have the Golf is the better car, I've test driven the new Golf and it's very nice and comfortable for an adult in the rear seats.

The V40 is quite small (Audi like), the V60 or XC60 are more spacious.

FYI I like the Audi Quattros and would take a Quattro over a Golf but that's not your choice and also the Audi would most likely cost more.

I would be tempted to look around at different models, when I bought an A6 Quattro it was actually only very slightly more for a better spec than the equivalent A4. For your mileage why Diesel ? Compare with petrol models (from what I understand Diesel serving is usually more expensive so you may see that reflected in the car lease costs)

Happy shopping

EDIT: just seen @skis post which I would agree with

All the cars on the company list are diesel and other than fords or vauxhalls (or a Lexus I don't want) there aren't any alternatives, so Seat/Skoda aren't an option but VW/Audi are. Also has to be the exact model on the list. From the sounds of things it'll come down to a lifestyle choice - Golf GTD for me or Passat/Volvo estate for the family. Mrs U. has already stated her preference for a large Volvo so this is probably all academic anyway.

Volvo. Easily the coolest.

Golfs are ten a penny.

Despite looking nice Audis are a bit ......

Golfs are ten a penny.

For a good reason.

Volvo. Easily the coolest.

How a car built by a Chinese owned company and based on Ford platform can be called cool is beyond me.

* The active headlights on the Volvo have to be seen to be believed. Not quite as good as the LED matrix lights in some Audis, but jaw dropping nonetheless.

The GTD has active Xenon's as standard.

Audi Negs - We did not like the new Audi auto handbrake, our youngest daughter has special needs and it worried my Wife slightly, that my daughter could activate the handbrake while on the move!

It won't after a certain speed iirc.

It won't after a certain speed iirc.

Typical VW. VW cars won't even allow you to do left foot braking. 🙁

VW cars won't even allow you to do left foot braking.

Realistically that's not a major problem and probably saves a lot of people trashing clutches by getting things wrong.

Volvo because it isn't a vw or audi...easy decision. golf's are completely uninspiring to look at and genuinely don't encourage me to go drive. They seem fine to be in but they are dull...even the R isn't inspiring (until the foot goes down but even that noise is synthesised!)...Audi even worse as they cost more than the vw...so you are telling folk you have shed loads of cash but have no imagination.
Volvo...it may be a Ford platform but it works, has space and isn't one of the other choices.

I have a Golf GT 2.0TDI - not the GTD - and I love it.
The GTD will be better specced and pretty nippy I would imagine - 184bhp IIRC.
Yes there are plenty about but so what? They're great cars. I guess ultimately it's what you're comparing it with ie previous cars etc. I've not been lucky enough to try lots of 'better'/faster/more expensive cars - my car is plenty good enough for what I need and contemplated the GTD when I got mine - just those bloody seats put me right off!
Sat in newer A3 and didn't like it at all.
If a Golf is 'dull' the Volvo is hardly a masterpiece in aesthetics is it 🙄

The Volvo is streets ahead in design and aesthetics. Easily the classiest looking, I mean even Volvo trucks look nice.

Audis are getting a bit nouveau riche. And they ruined the Golf after the last square-ish one.

This is of course just my opinion. I would rather get a van and spend the rest on something important like carbon rims and a Fray Bentos Steak & Kidney pie.

dragon - Member
How a car built by a Chinese owned company and based on Ford platform can be called cool is beyond me.

Yeah in comparison that mqb platform is achingly cool. 8)

I literally cannot wait to see what they do with it next.

I guess the Golf GTE isn't on your list of options? I've got one of those on order as a company car, and it's going to work out loads cheaper than the GTD on tax and fuel - although my usage profile is different than yours. It was also loads cheaper to lease and much better specced than the equivalent Audi - as well as having a much more neutral image. The Volvo wasn't an option for me as I wanted a plug-in, and theirs is stoopidly expensive. I think they're stylish, but not as refined in my previous experience.

The Volvo is a Ford (IIRC) and the other two are VAG.

So the Volvo will drive better, be more refined, more reliable and less of an image problem. It may use a little more fuel.

You chose.

Most of the Golfs/Octavias/Leons have a rather budget torsion beam rear suspension which has been damned by faint praise by reviewers.

Every Ford Focus since launch has had a multi point rear suspension.

So the Volvo will drive better, be more refined, more reliable and less of an image problem. It may use a little more fuel.

Haha!

Most of the Golfs/Octavias/Leons have a rather budget torsion beam rear suspension which has been damned by faint praise by reviewers.
Every Ford Focus since launch has had a multi point rear suspension.

But surely no idiot would choose a focus over a Golf...

Isn't it only the entry level Golf S that has the torsion beam rear suspension anyway?

GTD has Multi Link rear suspension and strut front. Also a clever diff which independently brakes any wheel to pull it into a corner.

Isn't it only the entry level Golf S that has the torsion beam rear suspension anyway?

Certainly that was the case on the Mark VI.

dragon - Member

How a car built by a Chinese owned company and based on Ford platform can be called cool is beyond me.

I'd imagine that a good portion of the Indian owned JLR still has a good proportion of Ford in it's genome. Still cool cars.

Most of the Golfs/Octavias/Leons have a rather budget torsion beam rear suspension which has been damned by faint praise by reviewers.

In the MK7 it is the lower power output ones that have the old rear axle. Everything above 120 BHP has multilink on the rear.

I have a Mk 7 golf GT 1.4 tsi, I have the say it's one of the best cars I have ever owned.
All the toys on it, and not the eye watering insurance of the GTi.
I like body styling over the MK6 which VW only ran for a few years.
A petrol engine easily which gives over 50+ mpg, I only do around 7000 mile a year in it so diesel not worth it.

Lol at those suggesting a car based on a ford platform is a problem. They have produced the best chassis across the mainstream cars for over 15 years.

Also lol at all the fawning over the golf. Mid range cars that they try to charge premium prices for now simply because of threads like this. They are very competent in all areas but very little else.

Do people not think the dash on the Focus is a vulgar thing to look at though? It's the one thing stopping me from having one. Just seems too low in the car and has those huge vents.

Can't say it really bothered me on my old one. At least it looks like someone has tried to design something a bit different, unlike the dull golf.

We tested the golf when my fiancée changed her mini but she ruled it out quickly simply because it was so dull.

@chest VW can change a certain price because like many of the posters here customers know it's a superior product. That's why it's such a strong seller.

Superior to what?

VW cars won't even allow you to do left foot braking.

Glad I'm not the only one that gets annoyed by this, luckily it's not quick enough to react to heel/toe.

Surely the Golf and Audi are that similar that you can simply pick whichever you like the look of more... just don't get a white one.

Audi is the premium VW and IMO it shows in fit and finish. VW very good, Audi better.

Odd as I find Focus dashboards very dull they do a good hot hatch with RS and ST but other than that they're a bit boring. Nicer to look at then they use to be on the outside but still built by Fisher Price on the inside.

Having had A3s, A4s and Mondeos in our house (currently S-Maxed) the only place where Audi are ahead of Ford (never mind Volvo) was fuel consumption.

The Mondeo was just a nicer place to be than the Audis, drove better and broke down less (2 Mondeos against 4 Audis). Admittedly the Volvo in question is a Focus.

I just wouldn't touch VAG cars that are living off a reputation from 30 years ago that just isn't borne out today.

However I'm sure that many people will deny my experience.

Edit: the S-Max is a nice but small van

I will. The MIL has a Focus its really not a nice car to drive and has had numerous faults. To be fair fixed under warranty which is good but compared to the VAGs I've owned where the only fault was a fuel sensor of around 8 cars now I can't complain. Oh and the MIL focus before her current one has faults too.

In reality though it's all ultimately down to preference.

Well in 6 VAG cars (TT, A4, Passat, Golf, A6, Golf), I can say I've had one wheel bearing, one suspension spring (TT, pothole) and one LED brakelight. Thats in 300k of driving, and not easy either. Losts of B roads and towing. Other consumables have been tyres, brakes and the odd bulb.
I reckon that's OK, next car will be a GTD, I expect more of the same.

VAG cars are no more or less reliable than the majority of others.

Before I decide whichbis best for you. What colour are they?

Golf, would say v40 but find them tiny inside as quite tall

VAG cars are no more or less reliable than the majority of others.

I'd probably say that's fair.

yep. Cars are certainly better than they were!

Totally unscientific comments ahead.

A3's seem to be driven by a certain type of err, driver......
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I recently had a (new) Passat estate for a week / 1200 miles and liked it's unassuming nature and build quality. That said, our car is a 10 year old Mazda so read into that what you will.

I'd look at the Volvo first purely because it's not a VAG.

🙄

To be fair, I liked the Mk1 Golf but not since then.

Audi faults in about 6 years included a new engine management system, a new casting that fitted on the drivetrain somewhere, an engine that cut out every time you idled in the first five minutes after startup (all related I think), new wheel bearings (before one would except), replacement air con parts (compressor and control system I think), boot seal and a thirst for oil that meant Audi actually gave you a spare bottle and carrier to keep it in.

Mondeo faults in 4.5 years - none.

Currently we have a 3-series BMW (4 fault free years), an S-Max (indicator stalk issue that I sorted by wobbling the stalk to and fro in the right turn position 2 years) and a fourteen year old MX-5 that did need a piece of roof seal replacing user warranty (it was a little creased and at a service the dealer reckoned it was causing wind noise - I hadn't noticed as I rarely drove with roof up). To be fair the MX-5 has developed an unhealthy taste for batteries as it spends too much time in the garage and even with a trickle charger...

We tend to put a premium on a test drive down back roads when choosing a car - I think I'll be returning from the S-Max to a Mondeo in the not too distant future - the S-Max is good for a people carrier, but...

VAGs are ok round town, and the Leon and Octavias aren't too bad out of town, but they just don't touch the Mondeo, 3-series or MX-5 out of town.

Or the Mini Cooper I had - now that was a silly grin car out of town.

On motorways, choose the car with the least wind / tyre noise.

SMax indicator issue - take switch apart and clean, they have loads of grease that smears all over and causes a problem. A rub clean and small bit of grease = no wiggling when turning right...

Indeed - however having given it a really good wiggle the problem is sorted and hasn't come back.

Actually get what you want.

Just not a Scirocco where they forgot to leave room for the boot hinges and had to put a couple of dents in the bodywork to fit them.

Actually get what you want.

Just not a Scirocco where they forgot to leave room for the boot hinges and had to put a couple of dents in the bodywork to fit them.

And yet, I've been able to somehow overlook this during my last 3 years of trouble free motoring. 🙄

I admit, the back end of the Scirocco has never been it's best angle. But they're nice cars to drive, can do fun and comfort equally well. DSG box is great fun on B roads in sport mode. It's making choosing a replacement for it pretty difficult TBH.

Now if only they did the Scirocco R in 4-motion.......

Exactly!

Vorlich - not a looks thing. Lack of proper planning and attention to detail is more what I dislike about those hinges. It is one of the nicer looking VAGs in all honesty.

Maybe I've just spent to long behind them waiting for a gap to overtake. 😉