Over the months that I was test driving this spring/summer, I drove '19 FiSTs, SIs, Sport Hatches, a Veloster R Spec, a GTI, and a GLI,
I really thought the SIs were best for pure driving dynamics. Sharper and edgier than the VWs, though not as much horsepower. I thought the R Spec and FiST...
I drove a couple of Sport Hatches and a few SIs before settling on the Sport Hatch -- I felt the throws were the same, but the SI felt like the shifter had a little more weight and less play.
The SI is a sharper driving experience, but in the end I preferred saving the 3 grand and having the...
After driving both over the summer and talking to a lot of mechanics, I decided to pass on the VW -- great car to lease, but maybe not to own. Dealership-only service, expensive parts.
In my sport hatch, upshifts are smooth, downshifts are clunky -- I'm finding that heel-toe 4-2 or 3-2 are easy, but 5-4 or 5-3 often needs a prudent double-clutch.
Agree with C&D -- drove both the Sport Hatch and the GT N Line (and the SI) a few times and decided on the Sport Hatch. The Hyundai had a nicer interior, but the car was all 201HP and Pilot Sports. I thought the chassis tune, steering rack, and shifts were better in the Honda.
Both good cars...
Glad to be here -- I picked up a 2019 Civic Sport Hatch this last weekend, black pearl. Loving the pedal placement, the ease of rev matching, the chassis tune and the cavernous boot. When I have a chance I'll post a pic.