I though I'd drive the new GTI that I saw parked out front of a local dealership. Not to worry guys, hang on to the 8..

I felt like I was driving a 3050 lb minivan. Not just the view out the front. The clutch, steering, and shifter were so light it was alarming. The seats, while having great lateral support, were too tight across the back. That steering also turns in too quick, possibly a result of the variable ratio. Car was a 6 spd and had PZero Nero all seasons. It rode too well, and I felt as though I was just skimming over the road surface. Brakes were strong, but also non-linear. Best thing about the car? The turbo motor. Lag seemed worse than the outgoing car, but plenty of punch once the boost kicked in. But its too quiet. Dash quality was worse than the 8.

Getting back into the RX8, all the control efforts returned and my car felt almost lowered by comparison. All in all, I was glad to get out of this mexican minivan..

Oh, and you can't have the 2 door till fall or even December. Summer tires are a no-cost option.

 

It doesnt surprise me, when test driving cars for my son, he was wanting a Jetta. So we went to a few dealers and drove a few used Jetta's, then I spotted a Mazda 6 (2 generations ago) and drove that. The difference was almost shocking. The 6 drove like a sports car and made the Jetta's (much newer mind you) feel like driving a marshmellow.

 

I thing the GTi would be a great commuters car, but as a performance car? Well... djgiron is right better off with the Mazda 6.