[AstulzerRZD]

Originally Posted by Simplex123

I'd like something that:
- has room to haul stuff (either hatchback/fastback with hatch)
- fun around town but still relatively comfortable
- preferably 6spd
- not too ridiculous on gas
- Android Auto
- would prefer a shorter lease - under 40 months preferably

The GTI/Civic HB (and of course Golf R/CTR) comes to mind immediately but I am open to others. How would you guys compare them for my use case?

Some thoughts here:
Have driven Golf 1.4T/1.8T/R.
Have driven Civic Touring Hatch.

• Highway Driving/Longer Trips: how often do you do these? I find the Civic really loud as far as road and wind noise goes. I've done 8 hours in a Golf with no complaints.
• Comfort: IMO the Golf's ride is shockingly good - it drives like a much bigger car as far as ride comfort goes. Felt door seals make for good noise comfort.
• Cargo Space: how much do you need of this? The Golf has more small item storage (phone cubby under the infotainment, much larger compartment on the left of the steering wheel) but the Civic has much more outright storage (12 big rubbermaid totes vs. 9 in the Golf). For me, my road bike literally JUST fits in the Golf, so if I were taller or had a larger bike, I'd need the Civic.
• Driver Assist: Both don't have full speed auto steer but the Golf gets marks docked for not having a true stop and go radar cruise on the GTI (requires you to brake from 2kmh down to 0. The Golf R has a electronic parking brake and full stop and go). The one feature that's bumped me up to the 800/month lease range is the full speed auto steer because I don't add value when steering in Lions Gate/Massey/Oak traffic jams and I'm often dead af after long days dancing or training for triathlon.
• Transmission: I hear the Civic transmission ain't great but haven't driven it yet. I hear the GTI/R clutch is pretty weak - like slipping after a couple hard launches. Not sure if you have an S/O or friends who might drive it on a road trip, but the DSG might be a nice option to have.
• Fun: The Golf R was fun because it's just so capable but it's not super engaging. I hear the GTI is more engaging in general. I think the Civic Type R is the one to go for if you wanted something real fun... but since this is your more 'practical' car, not sure how much that matters.

Have you considered the Mercedes C class wagon?