Revolver

I'd say these options have something to do with it - 18" Double Spoke 208 Alloys,Sunroof,Radio Navigation,Hi Fi System,Metallic Paint, Velour Mats.

As you know - BMW option lists can add mucho to the final figure.

I previously acknowledged that price is a downside to this thing however, in standard trim, it still does a lot that the 8 does.

Scotty

Actually there is going to be a 4x4 version of the Alfa Romeo - from Car Point -
Brera - The long-awaited sexy 2+2 two-door coupe finally goes on sale locally about mid 2006. Two models will be on offer with an entry level $80K 140kW front drive model and top-spec $100K AWD version powered by a Holden built 195kW 3.2-litre V6. Transmissions will be six-speed manual or auto.
Yes its a little bit Exxy. :-)

ILIV48

What about this car then

2006 Supercharged Mugen Civic

I like a lot!

astro

Seriously, if it tickles your fancy with the 130i or any other car then so be it. Your money, your choice! You don't need anyone's opinion on what you consider is the next car for you. If the test did impress you go forth and talk to the dealer. You only live once, life is a gamble and whatever the next choice might be hopefully it is something that can generate years of passion behind the wheel.

I'm 3.5 years away before I make another decision. Till then, I'll sit back and enjoy my days owning my RX8. All I know is that I'll stick to jap engineering. I have never had any engine/ transmission failure with the jap cars I've had. A well maintained jap car will give lots of reliable years of motoring. I also like to abuse my cars in a "spirited" way and jap parts are cheaper to repair in the incident of component failure(s).

Revolver

astro, this is, like, a forum. That means from time to time we, like, discuss things. And frankly, I respect the opinions of some of the regulars here and was keen to see what they a) thought of the 130i as a competitor for the 8 and b) what else they had in mind for their next car.

I'm not about to trade up or in for a while but a bit of fat chewing can be interesting once in a while.

However, we are agreed on japanese reliability.

Revolver

Agreed - if I'm going to spend the ton or over it I'd just go straight to the M3.

I do like the way the Brera looks though.

Gomez

The M3 is the only looker in the current BMW range. The rest have been hit with the ugly stick, IMO....

ILIV48

Your right there mate, but I would say it goes past just a whack. I would say some of them have had an absolute belting!

takahashi

Revolver,

BitTorrent this episode of top gear... it compares the NEW R32 to the 130i

takahashi

Sorry this link

http://www.mininova.org/tor/186179

Revolver

Thanks Kall, I knew you'd understand.

Revolver

Unfortunately, I tend to agree . That Bangle guy should be hung up by his post-modern thumbs.

What a shame, since the mechanicals under the skin are generally world class.

Guess it proves, once again, that the primary factor in most people's minds when selecting a new car is what it looks like (rather than what it does).

I reckon the value of the current M3 will go UP once they start building them in the new 3-series shape.

Revolver

Sorry Taka, I haven't been bothered with the whole BitTorrent thing. Apart from the fact that it seems to me to be theft, pure and simple, I just couldn't be stuffed setting it up.

I'll take your word for it that the NEW R32 beats the pants off the 130i and agree the Golf shape is MUCH better looking. Do you know whether they're going to sell the new one here and if so, what's it gonna cost?

takahashi

I have no idea on the new release but it is 4 seconds quicker than the current R32. Don't know what they have done to it either.

It is still a V6 and doing a lap time 1 second faster than RX-8 in the track, similar time to the EVOs. Looking at the vid the car is very easy to control, although there is some understeer displayed by the Stig and it will be a seriously fast NA car.

I am excited.

I try to cut the section and paste it on my website tonight. I forgot to bring the CD to work and do it here.

EDIT: BTW Clarkson has pointed out a very good point in the show.

The 1 series has very little leg room at the back. He himself cannot get into the back seat. And there is a very little boot space either. So it is essentially a 2 seater or with a dog seat. He suggested for the same money, you can buy a Z4 3.0i which has similar power figure, better looking/styling and better drive! I think he is a very very wise man!

labrat

I have to agree, and the Jap/Euro argument in our household will gather apace as the time comes to look for a replacement to our 8. Don't get me wrong: my wife loves our car, but her chief gripe is the tendency of some owners of Japanese sports machinery to play dress-ups with their cars; bolting on bits and pieces of plastic until they all look the same and an 8 ends up looking like a Lancer/Honda/Nissan/Whatever. You don't see that to anywhere the same extent with Euro car buyers.

Me, I'm in no hurry to change over. Mazda has put out an interesting rotary/electric hybrid concept with (to me) quite elegant if radical styling. Lexus is getting better and better - the IS 250 may not be a 3-series killer yet, but who knows what tomorrow will bring?

I haven't seen anything around (for the price) which makes me even consider forsaking our 8, but I suspect that the next 3-4 years wil bring some very serious competition

Scotty

It seems I am not the only one that looks longely at M3's as they pass by on the street. (even that funny brown/green paint job version)
I can't think of any other "realistically priced" car that I do that to - except the RX8 - I guess thats why we all own them.

Revolver

Sure sounds like a good thing (i.e. the R32). The only problem is that we seem to pay an exorbitant price locally for these low volume models. What's the bet they want $80,000 for it IF they sell it here. Hot hatches also seem to have appalling resale value.

Re: the 130i's back seat - you gotta remember Clarkson is a bloody giant! I jumped in the back seat and although I agree an adult of average size wouldn't want to spend a long time back there, it is more than adequate for small children.

Regrettably, I also find the Z4 a bit of a dog looks-wise.

I repeat, I'm not about to buy one of these things (i.e. the 130i) but I found the comparison useful to see what we get when we buy a car like the 8. It remains outstanding value for money - little wonder dealers aren't keen on doing discounts.

Revolver

Scotty, it goes without saying that we've all got excellent taste!

Still, its healthy to check out the rest of the market from time to time. Surprises can be had and it's always fun to flog a demo car.

Revolver

Some might say that Lexus HAD to get better labrat - let's face it, they've made some barking ugly cars over the years.

I think the new IS isn't bad in a conservative (indeed derivative) kind of way but I notice they will not be bringing the bigger engined version over and it is still a LOT of money for a small sedan. For instance, do you think the IS250 Sports Luxury @ $78,500(!!) is nearly twice the car a Honda Accord Euro Luxury @ $42,500 is? Not in my view it's not. The pricing is a gouge, pure and simple, along the marketing lines of "if we charge a lot for it people will assume it's very exclusive". Remember when everyone thought the first Lexus (the first LS) was a bargain? Those days are long gone.

EZZY

Dave,
seems like you are interetsed in the new VW or prossibly be called R36..

looks like the price will be very similar to the current R32 (ie. mid $60's), but not limited numbers

i'd prefer this than the mkV R32...



more info --> http://www.cartype.com/page.cfm?id=1...ph=ALL&dec=ALL

that giant looks cramped everwhere he goes...... he should be last person used for measuring normal/sports vehicle interior spaces

ILIV48

The R32 is expected to go on sale around mid year at approx $62-65K

Revolver

Agreed the RS3 looks a wicked bit of kit. 260kw - woohoo! However, quelle damage?? They always seem to charge more than M3 prices for the RS models and I query whether they are that much better in real world conditions.

Let's face it, we're all going to have to S/C our 8's.

RIX 8

Yup, if i didn't get another 8 i would get a Porsche Cayman s or perhaps a Nissan 450Z (4.5 litre V8 - see 01/2006 Wheels Mag). But i would still prefer to get a white 8 if they ever release it

Revolver

Bugger all that - I now want, nay NEED, a Bugatti Veyron.

Aiiiiiiiieeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!