I don’t think the VRS is all that chavvy or too shouty.
Just been for a test drive in the Skoda and am really impressed. The engine wasn’t too diesely, pulled well and even revved OK. I thought the ride was ok, but our other car is a 330 M Sport on run flats. So e the interior plastics were a bit crappy, but the A3 and 1 series have a few too, they’re just better hidden. I was amazed at how big it was inside because it didn’t feel like a big car to drive.
I went to have a quick look at then ST and I’m not sure. It’s no doubt a better car to drive but I just wonder if it is a bit in your face. I’ve also had a Ford for the last four years and fancy something else, even nothing else to get away from the local dealers who are awful.
My original first choice was a 118d M Sport, which having had one for a morning was a good car. The trouble is that I can only have it without options which means no cruise, auto dimming mirror of privacy glass which are all deal breakers for me.
Nothing else on my list really grabs me. The Golf’s are mega one which again means no options although the R Line and GT are pretty well specc’d, the Passat, is well a Passat, Q3 is nasty, X1 a monstrosity, A3’s are all poorly specc’d with not enough room for options and I didn’t even bother looking at the Renaults or Toyota’s.