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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: king monkey on 02 December 2018, 14:08

Title: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 02 December 2018, 14:08
Hi everyone,

So, I’ve just driven a gti and R back to back. I can honestly say that I was surprised. The gti for me felt far more alive and exciting. Coming from the S3 I thought it would feel a little down on power. Not all at. It just made me smile. Great to drive a gti again. If there’s no tcr, I think I might have found my next car!

Also I’m normally a manual person but the dsg was great. Only downside was that it could have been louder.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 02 December 2018, 17:26
Go out in a Clubsport, you'll be blown away!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: rwleigh on 02 December 2018, 17:35
Go out in a Clubsport, you'll be blown away!

Then try one with a stage 1 remap...  :cool:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 02 December 2018, 17:52
That’s the thing. I’ve tried a clubsport and wasn’t blown away. I just expected more. Looked amazing but not as quick as I’d hoped. I’d probably still get one though!  :laugh:

Think I might go down the dtuk route if I go ahead. Going to wait until January and have another look I think. Just really surprised how much I preferred the R. It felt so heavy after the gti.

On the plus side I was offered a white, dsg, 90% tints with Brescia for December delivery. They had a fair few in stock so bypassing the crazy lead times.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 02 December 2018, 21:07
Just really surprised how much I preferred the R. It felt so heavy after the gti.


This!!! I drove all 3 back to back - I set out with the intention of getting a Golf R but like you I thought it felt heavy in comparison to a GTi. Would've gone with a Clubsport but it was more than I was willing to spend at the time. Managed to find an incredibly well specced 3dr GTi PP. I planned to get it to stage 1 to get it to the same power as a Golf R but I'm enjoying it as it comes at the moment.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: runningman35 on 02 December 2018, 23:09
@King monkey

Good choice the GTI as best all rounder, imo and very tuneable of course.  I tried all minus the Clubsport as no longer available to order new. Really looking forward to delivery sometime in Jan, and still waiting due to WLTP related delays....

Honestly, if I did not love driving Golf’s so much, I would of moved on to BMW or another brand by now, but anyway hope you enjoy all the testing and spec choices....all part of the fun of being a petrolhead I suppose!

Cheers
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 03 December 2018, 06:21
Thanks for the replies guys. Interesting to hear that others felt how much lighter the gti seems on the road. Obviously it should feel lighter but surprised by how much. I drove the gti as I thought I should and was expecting to think it was fun but not for me this time. Don’t get me wrong, the R was fantastic and a great choice. Just lacks a traditional hot hatch feel to me. More like an exceptionally quick cruiser.

Completely get what you mean about loving golfs. I’ve tried so many other manufacturers this time only to come to the conclusion that gti number 5 is the way to go. My wife just laughed when I told her. So predictable!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Finglonga on 03 December 2018, 11:16
Same here, went to buy the R and test drove it and then thought the GTI looks better and had a test drive in on as well. The GTI was much more fun to drive a proper hot hatch feeling. The R was too much like the car I was trading in as I got bored with it. The GTI still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it 4 years on.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: rwleigh on 03 December 2018, 11:52
I actually went in to my local VW dealer to order a new R about two years ago. At the time the order books were closed for the mk7 as the mk7.5 was coming soon. Then I saw this in the showroom and the rest is history as they say...  :smiley:

(https://i.postimg.cc/qMrJDkyt/GTI.jpg)
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Philb280 on 03 December 2018, 12:56
That looks very nice   

I test drove an R and a GTi - same as most responses, thought the R felt heavy and looked bland (inside and out) the GTi just looks better (imho) and the tartan seat make the interior special.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: rwleigh on 03 December 2018, 13:18
The Clubsport interior is pretty nice too...  :cool:

(http://ddclassics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_9793.jpg)
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Philb280 on 03 December 2018, 13:53
Aye, not bad  :cool:

Like that a lot
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Deano07 on 03 December 2018, 14:57
Like that a lot. I ordered mine with the Art Velours. Looks great in the brochure. Can.t wait to see it in the flesh
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Shandy77 on 03 December 2018, 16:47
I echo the comments - I test drove the R recently - not with the intention of buying but just so I could have an informed decision when I get told either of these two things

1. You should have bought the Golf R
2. The Golf R is "faster"

The R may well be faster off the line but a sorted GTi (PP) with decent tyres won't be far behind and on the run it's lighter weight does tell. My stage 1 PP has left many an R driver wondering why they are carrying around a heavy 4WD system, paying much more insurance and undoubtedly a little more per month on the PCP.

Most importantly - I've never wanted an R - the GTi was on the car bucket list - box ticked.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 03 December 2018, 19:27
Amazing looking Clubsport there! That was really lucky to find one sat in the dealers.

As for the R, it’s undoubtedly a great car. It’s the car I thought I’d like more despite my gti history. It’s the car I’ve come so close to buying so many times but just not been taken by it as much as I though I would have been. For me, especially currently having an S3, I thought it would be the natural choice. It’s not like I didn’t like the R, just a sucker for a gti I suppose!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: monkeyhanger on 03 December 2018, 20:40
I echo the comments - I test drove the R recently - not with the intention of buying but just so I could have an informed decision when I get told either of these two things

1. You should have bought the Golf R
2. The Golf R is "faster"

The R may well be faster off the line but a sorted GTi (PP) with decent tyres won't be far behind and on the run it's lighter weight does tell. My stage 1 PP has left many an R driver wondering why they are carrying around a heavy 4WD system, paying much more insurance and undoubtedly a little more per month on the PCP.

Most importantly - I've never wanted an R - the GTi was on the car bucket list - box ticked.

Much more insurance? My R costs less to insure than my old GTD and only £12 more than our Polo GTI+, and I've been maxed out on no claims for 12 years,  and haven't passed any significant age milestones to reduce my risk recently. I'd imagine a declared remap on a GTI will cost more to insure than a stock R. Of course you can remap an R and open the performance gap right up again.

The R costs very little more on PCP due to higher cost being offset with markedly better residuals. The R used to be significantly cheaper than a GTI on PCP when it had the sky high GFV. Back then in late 2014, between the £18500/3 year GFV and the dirt cheap leases, no one was buying a GTI.

So with those 2 factors out of the way, it's a matter of preference.

The current Polo GTI drives very much like a Golf GTI  it's only about 40Kg lighter, but feels very sharp in handling like the Golf, when compared to the R. Completely different character to the R - which is like an unflappable tank with a lot more at the top end than either of the GTIs, and that obvious 4WD standing start traction.

With all that though, by the time you've wound either GTI up to the red line in 3rd  you'll be under the scrutiny of the speed cameras even on the motorway.

I've had my R far longer than any other VW bought from new (I'm on my 9th). The biggest spoiler for me is the absolutely sh!te tractor/JCB grade manual gearbox.

It's definitely more fun to drive if you have the opportunity to wind it right up, it's quick enough to not feel a bit dead due to linear power delivery that all post 2012 VW models seem to suffer from. I suppose the remap does the same thing.

I find the Polo GTI+ as fun to drive, but in a different way - agility vs the R's raw power delivered in a  hugely composed way.

Truth be told, by the time you get over the fact you've lost about 0.8s to the 4WD, there's not much difference to the rest of it for the Golf or Polo GTI. 30-100mph will be significant. All that power and only legally being able to use a fraction of it every day.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 03 December 2018, 22:15
It does get annoying when people say "Why didn't you buy the Golf R", not gonna lie.

But at the same time if they're saying that they probably don't know about the Clubsport otherwise they wouldn't ask that question in the first place.

I'm quite happy in my sh!tty GTi thank you very much  :wink:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Brenbo on 04 December 2018, 08:36
I have also owned both a GTI PP MK7 and Golf R MK7, and after the nightmare year I have had am glad to still be able to drive and not carting myself around in a wheel chair.  From my personal point of view on everyday A and B roads (not track) there is not a lot of difference in the GTI PP and Golf R apart from standing start traction on the Golf R (No more front wheel tramping on the days with wet/cold roads like my GTI PP did) and of course the extra bit of power and speed when driving the R.  I have to say Both cars put a smile on my face and I was extremely happy to own both.  However for my personal preference the Golf R is my favorite of the two cars as since day one of ownership it has been so effortless to drive and to this very day nothing has phased it. 

The car you like out of the GTI or R will be a personal preference thing. Some will say they like the R better than the GTI and vice versa.  I have had both and liked both but on the MK7 I personally have to say the Golf R has won my heart.  If I did track days the answer may be the same or different, who knows but for the driving i do day to day the Golf R ticks every box for me, yet the GTI PP comes a very close second and will always have a place in my heart.

As for those who buckle or get wound up by peer pressure when people say such things as 'you should have got a Golf R'.  Just ignore it and get the car which suits your needs and puts the biggest smile on your face, after all the car is for your pleasure not theres, and to be honest they are probably jealous whether you bought a GTI or Golf R. 
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 04 December 2018, 19:49
Some great points here. Both brilliant cars and tbh we are spoilt for choice. I agree that it is a completely personal choice and you should buy a car because you want it if you can. I couldn’t care less what others think about my choice really. I get lots of admiring looks with the S3, which has been great, but I know I’d rather have a golf. Most members of joe public would think that’s crazy.

I’m waiting until January, if there’s no tcr I will add a pan roof to my order and be back in a gti after a 3 year absence.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Brenbo on 04 December 2018, 20:13
When you eventually buy your Golf, whethers it's a Golf GTI, GTI TCR or R, I hope you enjoy it mate.  Since getting my first Golf which was GTI PP in 2013 I personally I will not be looking at other makes for a long time as the Golf has it all for me.   :wink:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: runningman35 on 04 December 2018, 20:55
Reflecting on others commenting on R ownership, I totally get how you could enjoy ownership of the R overall. I took out a lightly modified R estate in September to compare against my family car replacement choice. (Was looking to get out of a dreadful ownership experience with Land Rover at the time, - broke down 3 times within a year with major problems) I liked the Jeckle and Hyde way the car could behave depending on if in Race mode or not and fuel consumption was better than I expected with mixed A and B road drives locally.

I then compared it to a new bmw 335d msport touring shadow edition and ended up going for that giving huge discounts on them at moment as run out model. Not regretted it, but similar in a way with a smooth driving technique can get good economy mid thirties to early 40ish. When mood takes you then torque wave is immense and similar to R but with the 6 cylinder it feels more linear and turbine like.

I still feel the GTI PP is the better everyday choice and it’s the one I would put the miles on and enjoy more as more chuckable and enjoyable in the corners especially.  I am lucky to enjoy the majority of northern Scottish roads, so this is something that swings it for me. Hope my thoughts help in some way to your choice.... :smiley:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 05 December 2018, 06:31
The only issue at the moment is with the pp GTi being less exclusive than before. It was a reasonably rare sight to see a GTi with the PP whereas now every man and his dog will be driving them.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: JB GTI on 05 December 2018, 07:26
The only issue at the moment is with the pp GTi being less exclusive than before. It was a reasonably rare sight to see a GTi with the PP whereas now every man and his dog will be driving them.

On here maybe there is a lot of talk but In reality I still see very few GTi’s out on the road compared to GTD’s  :undecided:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: ar899 on 05 December 2018, 07:29
This is a bit like comparing a Rolex Submariner to a GMT. Everyone has their preference and some even have both. But at the end of the day, not much in it. Both do slightly different things, both are great products and much better than anything the opposition has in a similar price bracket.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: CHB100 on 05 December 2018, 11:47
 :wink: Have kept out of this debate as my views on the R can be found in archives I guess?
 Apart from looks which is in the eyes of the beholder. I think the R F/L is superior on every level over the excellent GTI. Ok not on economy but hey we're talking hot hatches here. And 'It ain't heavy it's my brother' :wink:
To add I love the sound of mine, the RS3 sounds as good as the Honda Type R looks :sick: (as in horrible) IMO folks!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kalimon on 05 December 2018, 14:44
I agree that the face lift R is an improvement over the pre FL.
I'm seeing a fair few more GTI's round my area than I previously did but hardly any PP models.
GTD's are plentiful but then they are a great looking car so what's not to like  :smiley:
Saw my first up! GTI this week and I loved it!
Can't believe @Exonian hasn't already sprung for one  :grin:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 05 December 2018, 16:31
:wink: Have kept out of this debate as my views on the R can be found in archives I guess?
 Apart from looks which is in the eyes of the beholder. I think the R F/L is superior on every level over the excellent GTI. Ok not on economy but hey we're talking hot hatches here. And 'It ain't heavy it's my brother' :wink:
To add I love the sound of mine, the RS3 sounds as good as the Honda Type R looks :sick: (as in horrible) IMO folks!

You are of course completely wrong. The noise of the RS3 is possibly the best sounding engine in any car sub £50k new car. They toned down the FL version but a 65 plate with Audi sports exhaust is border line obscene for the noise it makes!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 05 December 2018, 16:33
This is a bit like comparing a Rolex Submariner to a GMT. Everyone has their preference and some even have both. But at the end of the day, not much in it. Both do slightly different things, both are great products and much better than anything the opposition has in a similar price bracket.

GMT and GTI for me  :smiley:

But I haven't driven an R and definitely would like to. Been in a Mk7 one and it felt so much quicker than mine.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Watts on 05 December 2018, 17:18
:wink: Have kept out of this debate as my views on the R can be found in archives I guess?
 Apart from looks which is in the eyes of the beholder. I think the R F/L is superior on every level over the excellent GTI. Ok not on economy but hey we're talking hot hatches here. And 'It ain't heavy it's my brother' :wink:
To add I love the sound of mine, the RS3 sounds as good as the Honda Type R looks :sick: (as in horrible) IMO folks!

You are of course completely wrong. The noise of the RS3 is possibly the best sounding engine in any car sub £50k new car. They toned down the FL version but a 65 plate with Audi sports exhaust is border line obscene for the noise it makes!

Engine noise can be a strange one, I've no idea what an RS3 in particular sounds like but when I hear a really good sounding engine it can be quite a thrill but I wouldn't want something like that myself as I'd feel a bit of a tit driving it... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Deano07 on 05 December 2018, 18:45
I had a Jaguar F Type BDE. Best sound out there at the moment in my opinion
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 05 December 2018, 20:00
In terms of the weight of the R I wonder if it would have felt different if I’d taken it out first rather than the gti? I wouldn’t have thought the R is heavier than the S3, not so you could notice even if it was. My car didn’t feel heavy in comparison when I drove back.

Incidentally, the route back from the dealers was awesome. Proper B road stuff.  :grin:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: monkeyhanger on 05 December 2018, 23:12
In terms of the weight of the R I wonder if it would have felt different if I’d taken it out first rather than the gti? I wouldn’t have thought the R is heavier than the S3, not so you could notice even if it was. My car didn’t feel heavy in comparison when I drove back.

Incidentally, the route back from the dealers was awesome. Proper B road stuff.  :grin:

The S3 is about 50Kg lighter due to the all Aluminium doors (at least they were pre-facelift, and felt more solid - a thick aluminium door is lighter than a thin steel door, but feels sturdier) and part of the chassis being Aluminium.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: monkeyhanger on 05 December 2018, 23:25
The only issue at the moment is with the pp GTi being less exclusive than before. It was a reasonably rare sight to see a GTi with the PP whereas now every man and his dog will be driving them.

I think you're confusing unpopular with exclusive Chris. Back when GTD residuals were great (pre-dieselgate), you could run a GTD for around £100 a month less than a GTI on average mileage, making them very popular as a private buy (you and I bought one). It was also an attractive proposition as a company car. People were still buying GTIs, but GTDs were outselling them 5:1. Then the R turned up with sky high GFV and cheap lease deals, no one (relatively speaking) was buying a GTI back then when they could have an R on lower monthlies.

The tables have since turned as the GTI is now cheaper to own/run than an R, and everyone is put off by diesels, so the GTI is now selling in reasonable numbers, although there are plenty of new GTDs being bought as company cars but not so many private buyers. The R or equivalent such as VR6, V6 4Motion was always a niche car until the MK7, never harming the GTIs sales. They were always considerably more expensive when they had a V6 shoehorned in, so for most, the GTI was a very popular choice.

Now the PP has become the standard GTI available, there's bound to be more coming onto the roads.

Not sure why VW led with such a weak GFV for the GTI from the start of the MK7's lifecycle.

It will be interesting to see if VW makes the MK8 R accessible to so many, eroding GTI sales in the process.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: clarky92 on 06 December 2018, 22:05
Here goes ....

I have owned a MK 7.5 GTI and currently a MK 7.5 GTI PP

I took a 7.5 R out for a test drive today. I experienced it on wet dual carriageways and twisty roads. I then drove the same roads in the same conditions on the way home from the dealership in my GTI PP.

Wow  :grin:

What a difference. Obviously the traction is in a different league. I could plant the throttle in 1st in the rain and off it went, no slipping no wheelspin. My GTI PP on the same road on the way home just refused to let me use any power.

I immediately noticed the difference in weight. The GTI is definitely lighter on its feet. There is more 'roll' in the body of the GTI when taking a corner in a spirited manner. The R didn't have the body roll, it just felt planted. Almost cornered flat. The R didnt feel like it was throwing more weight around in the twisties, it just stuck to the tarmac like glue.

The power. It is 100% quicker then the GTI PP. I did a mix of rolling starts and using the power in the twisties. No doubt about it, on a damp day like today, the R would leave a GTI PP on any road. In the bone dry, maybe not as much, but it was raining and damp so thats all I can go on.

I would like to add the R did have the akrapovic exhaust which was just  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
The pops and bangs were awesome.

Anyway, thats my 2 cents on the debate.

If it means anything, Im about to complete the deal tomorrow morning on a new 7.5 R for 1st March 2019 collection  :grin:


 
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: monkeyhanger on 06 December 2018, 22:41
Here goes ....

I have owned a MK 7.5 GTI and currently a MK 7.5 GTI PP

I took a 7.5 R out for a test drive today. I experienced it on wet dual carriageways and twisty roads. I then drove the same roads in the same conditions on the way home from the dealership in my GTI PP.

Wow  :grin:

What a difference. Obviously the traction is in a different league. I could plant the throttle in 1st in the rain and off it went, no slipping no wheelspin. My GTI PP on the same road on the way home just refused to let me use any power.

I immediately noticed the difference in weight. The GTI is definitely lighter on its feet. There is more 'roll' in the body of the GTI when taking a corner in a spirited manner. The R didn't have the body roll, it just felt planted. Almost cornered flat. The R didnt feel like it was throwing more weight around in the twisties, it just stuck to the tarmac like glue.

The power. It is 100% quicker then the GTI PP. I did a mix of rolling starts and using the power in the twisties. No doubt about it, on a damp day like today, the R would leave a GTI PP on any road. In the bone dry, maybe not as much, but it was raining and damp so thats all I can go on.

I would like to add the R did have the akrapovic exhaust which was just  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
The pops and bangs were awesome.

Anyway, thats my 2 cents on the debate.

If it means anything, Im about to complete the deal tomorrow morning on a new 7.5 R for 1st March 2019 collection  :grin:

The R is just so easy to drive hard all the time.  it is crazy how different it feels to the GTI. I like to drive my R and Polo GTI+ equally (maybe the Polo edges it because i'm on such a downer about the absolutely sh!te manual box the pre-facelift R has), but each have their own character, The missus generally drives the R now, because I think the lack of traction in the winter for the Polo will frustrate the hell out of her. Having to hold back from 0 up to 20mph can at times be annoying, but even only putting 40% throttle down is still pretty nippy compared to the average car (because most of them will also suffer tramping).

The R will be traded in against another Polo GTI+ because, to be frank, i'm not prepared to commit more than £500 a month into covering the depreciation of 2 cars bought cash (£500 goes a long way when you're not paying PCP interest) -car ownership got pretty expensive once the wife learned to drive - fuel costs doubled, insurance costs dowbled etc.) - and the Polo GTI+ is a veritable bargain against a Golf GTI.

Marginally less performance, equal build quality and pretty much equivalent levels of equipment. I will miss that unflappable R traction but not the worst manual box that has ever been fitted to a car that I have bought new.

Some poor bastards who ordered last Jan are only just getting build weeks for their Polo GTIs in Jan 19 now, plus the 5 week shipping from South Africa and 2 weeks between docking in Emden, shipping to the UK and delivery to the dealership - a near 14 month wait! Hopefully Polo no2 won't be a 14 month wait for me.


Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Redalltrack on 06 December 2018, 22:43
A bit late in the thread. As a private owner and in view of the current climate re fuel choice, I have unfortunately decided i needed to change from a nice dsg diesel to a petrol dsg golf. So i have test driven some hi spec petrol golfs within my budget. The choice for me narrowed down to the mk 7 golf r vs mk 7.5 golf gti. I came away with mixed feelings. Both excellent cars. My head said gti but heart said r. I could not live with the cheap looking digital display and more extrovert interior and exterior looking gti. Even if you discount the devastating performance of the r and the associated marginal increased running costs, the r just felt more comfortable and grounded and has the benefit of subtler looks. Very subjective but my vote is for an r.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Redalltrack on 06 December 2018, 22:47
PS
Dsg transmission
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Splashalot on 06 December 2018, 23:41


......I like to drive my R and Polo GTI+ equally ........The R will be traded in against another Polo GTI+ ......and the Polo GTI+ .....

What's a Polo GTI+?
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: SRGTD on 07 December 2018, 00:57


......I like to drive my R and Polo GTI+ equally ........The R will be traded in against another Polo GTI+ ......and the Polo GTI+ .....

What's a Polo GTI+?

I think the Polo GTI+ might be specific to the UK market, so you won’t get it in Australia. Its mechanically identical to the GTI, but it gets approx £2,800 extra equipment over the standard GTI, but the list price differential between the GTI and GTI+ is only approx £1,600.

So the Polo GTI+ represents good value compared to the standard Polo GTI.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Splashalot on 07 December 2018, 01:52


......I like to drive my R and Polo GTI+ equally ........The R will be traded in against another Polo GTI+ ......and the Polo GTI+ .....

What's a Polo GTI+?

I think the Polo GTI+ might be specific to the UK market, so you won’t get it in Australia. Its mechanically identical to the GTI, but it gets approx £2,800 extra equipment over the standard GTI, but the list price differential between the GTI and GTI+ is only approx £1,600.

So the Polo GTI+ represents good value compared to the standard Polo GTI.

Thanks for that.  Yes, that sounds cracking value.  Good friends of mine have just bought a top-spec (in Aus) Polo GTI - I'm looking forward to their assessment.  The combination of Golf GTI-like performance and refinement in a slightly smaller, more involving package is very tempting.  And may well be my next new car.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 07 December 2018, 06:13
I really appreciate everyone’s comments. It’s interesting to see how much people’s thoughts vary on the two cars. Just shows how much of this is personal in terms of feel for the car. I didn’t intend for the topic to be a Gti v R, hence the title as each car is amazing. After 3 years of S3 ownership perhaps the R is just more similar in manner than a gti so it didn’t feel as different. I think I’m going to take the cars out again in January as I have time on my deal yet, even with factoring the ridiculous waiting times in. This time I’ll take the R out first and see if there’s the same feeling. As a family car there are fewer compromises with the gti.

The test drive route was a mixture of B roads and town driving and the weather was awful which was perfect for looking at traction as it’s a concern after having Quattro. But both cars handled well. I did push them and I know the R was in a different league put not sure I personally need it as it’s hard to actually use the S3 power on a day to day basis. Suppose it depends how we all drive though.  :wink:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 07 December 2018, 06:37
All this utter nonsense about the R being in a different league is totally laughable. 4wd isn't the holy grail of driving and if anything it manages to instill a false confidence into the driver. Every car has good points and bad points and everyone has a different attribute they want from a car. I drove both the R and GTi before buying my GTi PP do I regret not buying an R? Not a chance. Do I think the R is better, no not for me.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 07 December 2018, 07:00
I like to make people chuckle.  :grin:

I don’t think that 4wd is the be all and end all. My driving history confirms. They are just very different and I’m surprised just how different they are. I don’t regret any cars I’ve bought. Not even the age old Megane I had to buy when when last gti was stolen. It served a purpose. It made me realise how lucky I am!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: clarky92 on 07 December 2018, 08:04
All this utter nonsense about the R being in a different league is totally laughable. 4wd isn't the holy grail of driving and if anything it manages to instill a false confidence into the driver. Every car has good points and bad points and everyone has a different attribute they want from a car. I drove both the R and GTi before buying my GTi PP do I regret not buying an R? Not a chance. Do I think the R is better, no not for me.

 :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 07 December 2018, 14:17
I like to make people chuckle.  :grin:

I don’t think that 4wd is the be all and end all. My driving history confirms. They are just very different and I’m surprised just how different they are. I don’t regret any cars I’ve bought. Not even the age old Megane I had to buy when when last gti was stolen. It served a purpose. It made me realise how lucky I am!
It wasn't meant directly at you King monkey 👍
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 07 December 2018, 15:39
I think it all comes down to what people want from their cars. If you want to beat most things on the road from the lights going down a motorway slip road or whatever then you'd go for the Golf R.

If you wants something that feels more alive on the country roads you'd go for a GTI PP or Clubsport

Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 07 December 2018, 16:25
I like to make people chuckle.  :grin:

I don’t think that 4wd is the be all and end all. My driving history confirms. They are just very different and I’m surprised just how different they are. I don’t regret any cars I’ve bought. Not even the age old Megane I had to buy when when last gti was stolen. It served a purpose. It made me realise how lucky I am!
It wasn't meant directly at you King monkey 👍

I know! Just decided to be funny. My wife is always telling me I’m not! I do think there is an idea out there that if you don’t but an R it’s because you can’t afford it or you’ve made a mistake. We are all capable of making informed decisions and I would say that I enjoyed my various Gti’s more that’s the S3. All my friends think I’m mad even considering it. “But it’s an Audi.” Makes me laugh. Only family member who know stuff about cars are saying sensible things.

Some great points on here. I saw some new photos of the tcr though. Looks great.

Out of interest, anyone got a white gti with pan roof and added black mirror caps?
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: CHB100 on 07 December 2018, 18:05
All this utter nonsense about the R being in a different league is totally laughable. 4wd isn't the holy grail of driving and if anything it manages to instill a false confidence into the driver. Every car has good points and bad points and everyone has a different attribute they want from a car. I drove both the R and GTi before buying my GTi PP do I regret not buying an R? Not a chance. Do I think the R is better, no not for me.

 :grin: :grin: :grin:

Assuming Clarky92 isn't a WUM ( not usual on this forum  :nerd:) Naturally I agree 100%. I drove 2 pre F/L R models before they announced the Mk 7.5 R and honestly if anyone gets the chance to try one and I mean drive one (don't if you can't truly afford the running costs) It honestly performs amazingly and gives £100K cars a fright, and handles superbly. I look fwd to driving it every time down to the shops or Cornwall. I think the R 310 could become the best R ever value for money equipment etc. I'm not sure another 40bhp is necessary or would be that noticeable. The Mk8 has a lot to live up to for sure.

Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Brenbo on 07 December 2018, 19:08
All this utter nonsense about the R being in a different league is totally laughable. 4wd isn't the holy grail of driving and if anything it manages to instill a false confidence into the driver. Every car has good points and bad points and everyone has a different attribute they want from a car. I drove both the R and GTi before buying my GTi PP do I regret not buying an R? Not a chance. Do I think the R is better, no not for me.

 :grin: :grin: :grin:

Assuming Clarky92 isn't a WUM ( not usual on this forum  :nerd:) Naturally I agree 100%. I drove 2 pre F/L R models before they announced the Mk 7.5 R and honestly if anyone gets the chance to try one and I mean drive one (don't if you can't truly afford the running costs) It honestly performs amazingly and gives £100K cars a fright, and handles superbly. I look fwd to driving it every time down to the shops or Cornwall. I think the R 310 could become the best R ever value for money equipment etc. I'm not sure another 40bhp is necessary or would be that noticeable. The Mk8 has a lot to live up to for sure.


I have one of the last pre facelift Golf R's produced in 2016.  So I can safely say I have driven one and can second your comments apart from the fuel consumption.  As my Golf R isn't much less on MPG than my GTI PP when i owned it previously.  Also I would like to say the gearbox on my Golf R is sublime.  it is the best gearbox of any car I have owned so far and I have owned a fair few.. it is not like a tractors gearbox.  I will be keeping this car until the MK8 Golf R is launched which is looking like a few years yet. 
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: monkeyhanger on 07 December 2018, 20:29


I have one of the last pre facelift Golf R's produced in 2016.  So I can safely say I have driven one and can second your comments apart from the fuel consumption.  As my Golf R isn't much less on MPG than my GTI PP when i owned it previously.  Also I would like to say the gearbox on my Golf R is sublime.  it is the best gearbox of any car I have owned so far and I have owned a fair few.. it is not like a tractors gearbox.  I will be keeping this car until the MK8 Golf R is launched which is looking like a few years yet.
[/quote]

I wish i'd had your gearbox, maybe they fixed it just in time for yours being built, but mine (May 15 Plate), a colleague's (Jan 15 (64 plate) and a car at the local dealership's forecourt (also a 15 plate) had the same immediately obvious feel - the throw feels gritty, like the cogs are just skimming each other in the gearbox. a few times a month (enough to annoy, but not enough to replicate at the garage, short of paying for them to run around in my car with my fuel for a fortnight) i'd have stopped in traffic or at a busy roundabout with my clutch dipped and then go to slot first home when it was time to move, and the stick didn't want to slot in, to the point where I felt it would crunch the gear if I forced it, so I would have to slot it into 1st and then back to 1st to go. Similarly, on occasion, doing 40-50mph in 6th sat behind one thing hogging the outside lane doing 45mph that then gets out of the way, I go to drop to 3rd from 6th, and again it doesn't want to slot home without feeling like you'd force it. Seriously f**king annoying at the critical moment. Then I've had clutch slip on my stock R with only 23k miles on it during the 2 coldest days of the year (in March).


The dealership claimed the gritty throw was characteristic for the car, and considering trying out 2 other cars and experiencing the same, I had no reason to disagree. Worst gearbox ever for m. My colleague never claimed that they'd had the difficulty in slotting the gearstick home in any gear. 1 and 3 have the worst feel, 2 and 4 are better, 5 and 6 are fine.

The dealership's refusal to investigate further on the assumption that it meets VW's standards just sickened me. I'm in my first DSG ever with the Polo GTI+ because it only comes in DSG, but part of me is glad it has DSG rather than potentially getting another gearbox like my R has. If it weren't for that box, my R would be by far the best car i've had.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Brenbo on 07 December 2018, 20:47
I must admit the GTI PP I had from a similar time as your Golf R also had a dodgy gear shift when going up to 3rd from 2nd.  It was as you say gritty/clunky and almost like it didn't want to go in to 3rd gear at times.  I also found I had to force it in to 3rd at times.  But sometimes it was easier than other. Maybe it wasn't just the Golf R's from around 2014 but also the late 2013 GTI's as well, or at least my GTI PP from late 2013? 
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: monkeyhanger on 07 December 2018, 21:08
I must admit the GTI PP I had from a similar time as your Golf R also had a dodgy gear shift when going up to 3rd from 2nd.  It was as you say gritty/clunky and almost like it didn't want to go in to 3rd gear at times.  I also found I had to force it in to 3rd at times.  But sometimes it was easier than other. Maybe it wasn't just the Golf R's from around 2014 but also the late 2013 GTI's as well, or at least my GTI PP from late 2013?

Every other VW manual (7 of them and a manual Audi A1, most being TDIs) have been silky smooth. I might have the choice to make the other incoming Polo GTI+ a manual (other markets have them to order on the configurator now). It's a dilemma - i'd undoubtedly prefer a smooth manual box than a DSG, but i'd prefer a DSG over the absolute dog of a gearbox like my R has.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 08 December 2018, 00:49
I'll echo the comments regarding the manual Golf R's absolutely awful gearbox - I've driven lorry's that have smoother boxes. I mentioned it to the salesman during the test drive so he let me go out in another and that was exactly the same, I tried 3 in total and started to look towards the GTi after that.

The manual GTi was really smooth in comparison but still not as good as my MK7 ST200. So from going out to buy a manual Golf R I ended buying a DSG GTi PP.

For me, the best Golf would be a manual Clubsport with all the toys (and 18" Belvedere alloys, of course)

Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 09 December 2018, 20:13
My 2013 GTI PP had a moody gearbox but my 2015 R had a lovely gear change.
Seems to be pot luck! Getting the cables readjusted can make a big difference.
My 2017 ED40 has a nice gear-change too, shame the driver isn’t as competent as the mechanicals!


Having owned a GTI PP, R and Clubsport I have my own opinions on the feel and performance between them all.
The GTI PP is very lithe and flexible, the R has a massive performance advantage from a standing start but little on the roll, the steering isn’t as sharp and the body control feels different, more planted and solid feeling plus I thought the R rode better.
I find the Clubsport has very little actual performance benefit over the PP from a standing start. It’s quick enough and very eager like the R once rolling where the standard GTI felt very linear and a little flat (yet deceptively quick and excellent on fuel).

Which do I prefer?

There was a recent thread about the GTI PP being the perfect car. It is.
However it wouldn’t be my choice.

The ED40 Clubsport has the looks, the sense of occasion and the feel of a great GTI. It’s a really impressive bit of kit.

However the R is the best car. I miss mine.




Having said that, the Clubsport is the most fun and feels a bit special. But that’s just to a dyed in the wool GTI enthusiast, and if it wasn’t a limited run aimed at anoraks like me then I’d take the R keys all day long.

Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 09 December 2018, 20:55
I agree that the face lift R is an improvement over the pre FL.
I'm seeing a fair few more GTI's round my area than I previously did but hardly any PP models.
GTD's are plentiful but then they are a great looking car so what's not to like  :smiley:
Saw my first up! GTI this week and I loved it!
Can't believe @Exonian hasn't already sprung for one  :grin:

Ha! Just seen this! I’m reading the thread from back to front. I’m weird like that.

No! After all my impatience waiting for the up! GTI once it was actually released I went off the boil!
Two reasons, one was after getting all excited about seeing one in the flesh for the first time in mid March when my own GTI went in for service life took a bit of a different direction, enthusiasm and interest in cars dropped to zero and in the end I moved house too scuppering any financial commitments other than necessities.

But mere finances don’t normally hold me back!
My son bought an Ibiza with the same engine and although the engine itself is quite good (probably a lot better with a pedalbox), the gearing is too high for a sports hatch. It has Diesel gearing. But it doesn’t have Diesel torque. I still find the family runabout Cooper D a much more fun car to drive when I’m wearing a mini skirt and stilettos.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: monkeyhanger on 10 December 2018, 10:30
I agree that the face lift R is an improvement over the pre FL.
I'm seeing a fair few more GTI's round my area than I previously did but hardly any PP models.
GTD's are plentiful but then they are a great looking car so what's not to like  :smiley:
Saw my first up! GTI this week and I loved it!
Can't believe @Exonian hasn't already sprung for one  :grin:

Ha! Just seen this! I’m reading the thread from back to front. I’m weird like that.

No! After all my impatience waiting for the up! GTI once it was actually released I went off the boil!
Two reasons, one was after getting all excited about seeing one in the flesh for the first time in mid March when my own GTI went in for service life took a bit of a different direction, enthusiasm and interest in cars dropped to zero and in the end I moved house too scuppering any financial commitments other than necessities.

But mere finances don’t normally hold me back!
My son bought an Ibiza with the same engine and although the engine itself is quite good (probably a lot better with a pedalbox), the gearing is too high for a sports hatch. It has Diesel gearing. But it doesn’t have Diesel torque. I still find the family runabout Cooper D a much more fun car to drive when I’m wearing a mini skirt and stilettos.

Tall gearing seems to be the post WLTP way with VW. I would not be surprised to see WLTP compliant Golf's all with tall gearing too.

Lots of talk about it on the Polo forum - people with the 5 speed low output 1.0TSI engines report that it's like VW took a 6 speed box, removed 1st gear and renamed 2nd as 1st, 3rd as 2nd etc. Lots of them reporting stinky clutches when pulling away on the slightest incline.

My Polo GTI+ (not WLTP compliant, but probably prepared for it in all but lack of GPF fitment) has surprisingly tall gearing - 2400rpm in 6th doing 80, my GTD was at 2200rpm in 6th at 80, and the R is doing 3100rpm.

Due to the gearing differences, my R is as economical as my Polo doing urban driving as the Polo's gap between 3rd and 4th makes the R advantageous from 20-35mph when it's in the sweet spot of a higher gear.

On the motorway, the Polo will sit at 80 between Newcastle and York to average 43mpg. Same trip in the R is 34mpg. On my 40 min 13 mile commute though, both will do about 33mpg.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 10 December 2018, 13:47
Seems like the R is mostly getting a bit of stick here! Well, I'd certainly like drive one at some point as it would be on the list of potential next cars.

Here's a great review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtOZNp6GOxI

There's a M235i mixed in so just watch from 1:15 to 6:20 for road driving. I've watched and loved Chris's reviews since he started and he always has such a technically but interesting way to describe what he's driving.

And for the people who make out that a Mk7 R/GTI is almost un-drivable without a peddle box...

His words - Throttle response is great As he's drive probably ever performance car out there, you'd imagine he would be saying throttle response is like a dead snail or however it's been described on here!!

 :smiley:

Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: CHB100 on 10 December 2018, 14:20
Seems like the R is mostly getting a bit of stick here! Well, I'd certainly like drive one at some point as it would be on the list of potential next cars.

Here's a great review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtOZNp6GOxI


That video is 4 years old!! Imagine what the F/L 310 7 speed is like, how much f fun does one need. It's a steal, chaps if you can get one :wink:
This is the reason why -  Here's a great F/L GTI & R review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRfxc5Tmj1w
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 10 December 2018, 14:31
Seems like the R is mostly getting a bit of stick here! Well, I'd certainly like drive one at some point as it would be on the list of potential next cars.

Here's a great review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtOZNp6GOxI


That video is 4 years old!! Imagine what the F/L 310 7 speed is like, how much f fun does one need. It's a steal, chaps if you can get one :wink:
This is the reason why -  Here's a great F/L GTI & R review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRfxc5Tmj1w

I know it's an old video but still a great review of why the R exists and what it offers over and above the GTI  :smiley:

Watched that one before, it's a good one!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Shandy77 on 10 December 2018, 16:23
As has been said many times before, it comes down to personal preference.

At the time I took the plunge with my mk7 GTi (PP), I preferred the look of the GTI over the R and (at the time) the PCP deals had swung back in the favour of the GTi (for me anyway). I opted for a fully loaded GTi, over a partially loaded R.

However, I have since embarked on a series of upgrades and self proclaimed the mk7 GTi as the perfect car - sure perfect after an ABT power module, Milltek exhaust, 12mm spacers and new tyres.

It's all personal preference and I would consider a 7.5 R if I can bring myself to part with my GTi when the finance ends towards the end of next year - hopefully they will start heavily discounting the finance deals as the mk8 draws near.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: BobbyT on 10 December 2018, 19:18
Seems like the R is mostly getting a bit of stick here! Well, I'd certainly like drive one at some point as it would be on the list of potential next cars.

Here's a great review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtOZNp6GOxI

There's a M235i mixed in so just watch from 1:15 to 6:20 for road driving. I've watched and loved Chris's reviews since he started and he always has such a technically but interesting way to describe what he's driving.

And for the people who make out that a Mk7 R/GTI is almost un-drivable without a peddle box...

His words - Throttle response is great As he's drive probably ever performance car out there, you'd imagine he would be saying throttle response is like a dead snail or however it's been described on here!!

 :smiley:

This review really sold me on the R over getting a Cupra ST
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mike roberts on 11 December 2018, 20:32
It's a brilliant video for sure.

I've had 2 M135is over the past 6 years, with the LSD. A manual and an auto.

As for the better Golf, buy what you like.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 12 December 2018, 00:23
I thought the Cupra was great when out on the test drive - It was the sub8 pack too and it felt quicker than the Golf R once you got the wheels rolling. Only thing that lets them down is the naff interior which is why I went with a Golf over a Leon or Octavia.

Both the Cupra and Octavia vRS are very underrated IMO. Prefer the pre-facelift on the Octy as I do the Golf but having said that the facelift is slowly starting to grow on me with the Golf, still not keen on lights though.

M135i was a beast, loved how it kicked the back end out a little when you floored it, the noise was awesome too. Having said all that I still went with a Golf GTi (wanted one since I was a kid). Plus all beemer drivers are w4nkers anyway  :grin:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 12 December 2018, 17:02


His words - Throttle response is great As he's drive probably ever performance car out there, you'd imagine he would be saying throttle response is like a dead snail or however it's been described on here!!

 :smiley:

Just goes to show nearly every car has the same programmed in dead zone now.
Mr Harris has become aclimatised (heaven forbid for me to accuse him of being completely wrong about something as he walks on water) to the responses or just drives flat out everywhere.
I’m sure Mr DTUK has had a few good holidays off the back of those of us that disagree with the new messiah of cars on that issue  :whistle:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 12 December 2018, 20:10
I'd much rather take the view of Chris Harris than give any money to dtuk!!!!!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Booth11 on 12 December 2018, 22:15
I'd much rather take the view of Chris Harris than give any money to dtuk!!!!!

Buy one second hand. :laugh: In the satisfaction you’ll have deprived Mr DTUK of your hard earned cash, and proved Mr Harris wrong.  Because he is.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 12 December 2018, 23:24
I'd rather s4it in me own slippers than buy anything dtuk, even second hand  :grin:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Splashalot on 13 December 2018, 01:19
I'd rather s4it in me own slippers than buy anything dtuk, even second hand  :grin:
  Euuwww. Not an image I want in my head!  :grin:

I have the solution - buy a Remus responder, or go straight to the original - DTE pedal box.  :cool:

I agree with Mr Harris in one respect - on the move throttle response is pretty decent.  For me it's mostly that dead zone at low speeds or moving off from a standstill that grates.  And the pedal box does remove this. 

I was thinking about this t'other day - I wonder how much throttle response/sensitivity awareness is determined by one's footwear?  I almost always wear (and obviously drive in) thin soled flats such as Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s.  But recently I drove in my Merrell bushwalking boots with thick, stiff soles.  I had to turn the pedal box off as the throttle was too sensitive in these.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 13 December 2018, 05:59
I'd rather s4it in me own slippers than buy anything dtuk, even second hand  :grin:
  Euuwww. Not an image I want in my head!  :grin:

I have the solution - buy a Remus responder, or go straight to the original - DTE pedal box.  :cool:

I agree with Mr Harris in one respect - on the move throttle response is pretty decent.  For me it's mostly that dead zone at low speeds or moving off from a standstill that grates.  And the pedal box does remove this. 

I was thinking about this t'other day - I wonder how much throttle response/sensitivity awareness is determined by one's footwear?  I almost always wear (and obviously drive in) thin soled flats such as Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s.  But recently I drove in my Merrell bushwalking boots with thick, stiff soles.  I had to turn the pedal box off as the throttle was too sensitive in these.

My exact same thoughts with the pedal box supplier. Even Burger Motorsport have got in on the action now with their own version.

There is a noticeable difference wearing different shoes I find.
I often wear midlife crisis canvas pumps which have soles not much thicker than ballet shoes, but have to wear steel toecap boots to work as despite being a desk jockey I need to access a yard full of large trucks to fill my kettle.
There’s a big difference in feel but I still keep the box switched to the same settings and have just learned to move my ankle a few less mm when wearing my Dr Martins.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Snoopy on 13 December 2018, 08:36
Iirc in Chris Harris video of his 205 rallye v 911R he coments about modern cars throttle responce.
Imo you get use to it, if one car is all you drive and only drive modern stuff you become a custom to it and adapt. But if like me you have a car collection which including older cars its something you really notice moving between cars. The more modern the car the worse it seems to be. I just adapt to it.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mike roberts on 13 December 2018, 10:25
Are we talking about the amount of pedal travel to make it go, or the response time between pedal and throttle opening?

What does the box do, increase the speed of the DBW or fool the linear settings to give WOT earlier in the travel? 
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: BobbyT on 13 December 2018, 12:12
This has never bothered me with my 7.5, not sure if it differs with the older 6 speed. I did own a 6 speed 2.0t CC which was terrible.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: CHB100 on 13 December 2018, 16:41
Are we talking about the amount of pedal travel to make it go, or the response time between pedal and throttle opening?

What does the box do, increase the speed of the DBW or fool the linear settings to give WOT earlier in the travel?

One of those, whatever, Makes a massive difference to mine. Brain to foot to gone. Yet controllable in traffic. Last time I disconnected was for service and it was horrible. :sick: It doesn't alter BHP but bloody feels like it!!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 13 December 2018, 18:12
I'm with Snoopy. You just adapt your style to suit although I've never had any issue with the throttle response on mine.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 13 December 2018, 18:57
Why adapt yourself when the car can adapt to you?
It’s a machine, it should be adaptable to suit you not the other way round.
Why have 258lb ft, or 280 or whatever, available to you from just over tickover only for your car to have worse low speed response than a car 20 years older with less than half the toque?

It’s not about getting full throttle lower in the pedal travel, it’s utilising the available torque smoothly and giving a sporty car sporty responses.
It’s about driving enjoyment without having to mash the pedal to make progress when there should be no need to.
If you don’t have a problem with the car’s responses then you don’t need a pedal box.
If you find it a little compromised then why compromise yourself for the sake of £150 or so when you’re looking at a £20k - £45k purchase.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 13 December 2018, 20:25
I drive it and enjoy it and without needing to mash the pedal to do so. I honestly don't think the throttle response is an issue but if others need a box then that's fine etto. 👍
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mike roberts on 13 December 2018, 20:28
I'm just interested in how it works, the subjective bit I can leave.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 13 December 2018, 21:41
I drive it and enjoy it and without needing to mash the pedal to do so. I honestly don't think the throttle response is an issue but if others need a box then that's fine etto. 👍

Indeed :smiley:

Waste of money if you don’t need one, a good investment if you feel the need. :afro:

I'm just interested in how it works, the subjective bit I can leave.

They’re basically an amplifier.
There’s a small box of electronics at the top of your accelerator pedal that has a chip in it.
I’d imagine (educated guess) that it was programmed exactly the same for every car in the range.
The PB intercepts the message from the accelerator pedal PCB to the ECU and adjusts the signal according to how you’ve set it, ranging from very little to ridiculously sensitive.

They work on basically the same principle as a tuning box.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 21 December 2018, 14:00
Hi everyone,

Just looked at the Vw Configurator and they state the gti performance dsg at £35,353 with Brescia, pan roof, 90% glass and standard white paint. When I went to the dealers at the start of December they said they’d do the car for £28.5k. I know there’s been a price rise but even with DTD matched discount thrown in there’s a big difference in price. The R and gti seem a lot closer in price now. Have I missed something as this is changing my thoughts completely.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Guzzle on 21 December 2018, 14:36
Hi everyone,

Just looked at the Vw Configurator and they state the gti performance dsg at £35,353 with Brescia, pan roof, 90% glass and standard white paint. When I went to the dealers at the start of December they said they’d do the car for £28.5k. I know there’s been a price rise but even with DTD matched discount thrown in there’s a big difference in price. The R and gti seem a lot closer in price now. Have I missed something as this is changing my thoughts completely.

Not sure what the difference in price was before, but it looks like about £3k difference in price after discount on DTD for standard 5dr cars with dsg. Not an insignificant amount of money, but still reasonable if you value the additional performance and the benefits of 4motion.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 21 December 2018, 14:47
DTD state a base price of £32,480 whereas Vw state £33,845 for the gti pp dsg. Seems a sizeable increase.

R is base £35,460 at Vw with DTD at £35,635! All seems very odd.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: boardlord on 21 December 2018, 19:24
I imagine there's a major cock up on the configurator.

If you download the pricelist which is dated Dec 19th Dec,

http://origin.volkswagen.co.uk/assets/common/pdf/pricelists/golf-vii-pa-pricelist.pdf

A 3dr DSG is 31825 but 32815 on the configurator exactly 990 more, the rear view camera was 340 and the lane assist was 650 which are both now standard.

id imagine as the 5dr has keyless this cost has been added on to the base price also in error.

Just got to wait for them to realise.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Guzzle on 21 December 2018, 19:34
I've never really trusted the configurator for pricing or spec information. It's been shown up several times in the past for inaccurate and misleading information. I'd be more inclined to trust the official price list from the VW website.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 21 December 2018, 21:22
Thanks for the replies. I hope you’re right. Vw uk are hopeless.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 03 January 2019, 16:31
Just a quick update.

I’ve got the concrete figures from the dealers for each car. Gti PP DSG, pan roof, Brescia alloys, pure white and 90% tints for £28.4k. R dsg, lapis, prets, 90% tints and black mirror caps £31.1k. They’re also going to guarantee my part ex which was better than any other dealer. I’ve told them I’m waiting until end of the month/middle of February before moving forward which they’re fine with. Want to hold on a little in case of a tcr announcement. What do you guys think of the deals? Not going PCP just getting the contribution.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 03 January 2019, 16:36
I've been on carwow and specced a GTi dsg with tungsten paint, DCC, climate screen, dynaudio and nav pro and best offer is 15% off bringing the price to £30,772. I might have to ditch nav pro and dynaudio  :whistle:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 03 January 2019, 16:38
I was thinking that about the pan roof! Didn’t know what weight it adds.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 03 January 2019, 16:53
I've been on carwow and specced a GTi dsg with tungsten paint, DCC, climate screen, dynaudio and nav pro and best offer is 15% off bringing the price to £30,772. I might have to ditch nav pro and dynaudio  :whistle:
Personally I think Nav Pro is a total waste of money, and if you like music and/or spend any decent amount of time in the car then Dynaudio is a total no-brainer because the standard system is so poor.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 03 January 2019, 17:36
I don't think the standard system is that bad and the nav pro is much better than the standard system. It just completes the look of the dash and to be honest the buttons on the standard system look odd where they've been placed.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Guzzle on 03 January 2019, 17:42
The standard system sounds fine to my ears, and I have the standard Discover Nav. Sounds much better than the stereo in my previous Mk2 Focus anyway. Not as much bass, but much stronger midrange.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 03 January 2019, 17:54
I don't think the standard system is that bad and the nav pro is much better than the standard system
Apart from the screen size, what else do you actually get for your £1,325, apart from gesture control (that doesn't work)? :huh:

We’ll have to agree to disagree about the standard Golf stereo. IMO it is very poor for a £30k+ car; no bass, no vocal clarity, no mid punch, all because it is of very low power, it's the same stereo that's across the entire Golf range. The Dynaudio is still only 400watts so that shows how bad the standard stereo is if that’s classed as an 'upgrade'. If you like music, I think the Dynaudio really is a no-brainier, it’s night and day difference. It’s the same across all VAG products, I didn’t tick the B&O option on an RS4, thinking the standard system on a £60k car would be good enough, but I lived to regret that. Dynaudio was pretty much the very first option I ticked on the Golf.

Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 03 January 2019, 19:29
I agree it's an expensive option but on the GTi and R I think the nav pro should be standard. I have actually got dynaudio in mine but only because it came in the tech pack when I ordered my car. It is good but £550 better is debatable.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Yusee on 03 January 2019, 19:31
I don't think the standard system is that bad and the nav pro is much better than the standard system
Apart from the screen size, what else do you actually get for your £1,325, apart from gesture control (that doesn't work)? :huh:

We’ll have to agree to disagree about the standard Golf stereo. IMO it is very poor for a £30k+ car; no bass, no vocal clarity, no mid punch, all because it is of very low power, it's the same stereo that's across the entire Golf range. The Dynaudio is still only 400watts so that shows how bad the standard stereo is if that’s classed as an 'upgrade'. If you like music, I think the Dynaudio really is a no-brainier, it’s night and day difference. It’s the same across all VAG products, I didn’t tick the B&O option on an RS4, thinking the standard system on a £60k car would be good enough, but I lived to regret that. Dynaudio was pretty much the very first option I ticked on the Golf.

Agree^. Dynaudio the only option I added, other than paint. Much better than standard for little money. Not many options give that kind of value
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: MrJollygood on 04 January 2019, 09:13
Just my opinion, but I don't see the point of satnav in modern cars - I actively sought out a Gti without it when I was buying mine. In my experience in-car sat navs never work well (happy to be proven wrong) are a pain to update and after a very short period of time it looks clunky and outdated. I much prefer to use waze and my phone.

Greig
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Sootchucker on 04 January 2019, 09:34
Well, in answer to the question above about the differences between the Pro Nav and Standard Nav in the MK 7.5, here are the main differences (I'm sure I've missed a few):

1. Pro Nav Screen size 9.2", Standard Nav 8"
2. Pro Nav has gesture control (from what I've heard of very limited desirability)
3. Pro-Nav has voice control built in where as it's an option for the standard Nav
4. Faster and beefier processor in the Pro Nav that allows the maps to be displayed on the AID as well as the Nav screen as the same time (standard Nav it's one at a time)
5. Pro -Nav has a DVD drive whereas the standard unit has only a CD drive.
6. Pro Nav has a a built in HDD to store the maps (for faster access) and to store about 10 gb or music / Video files which also frees up the 2nd SD card slot for music (as the Nav SD card has to be in one of the slots permanently on the standard Nav)
7. Pro Nav has a built in video decoder which allows playing of video files stored on the HDD / SD card etc.
8. Pro Nav can display 3D buildings etc in major cities which the standard Nav can't.

One benefit of the standard Nav over the Pro is actual rotary buttons for volume, scanning though media etc and 8 dedicated "mode" buttons down each side for quick access to Radio, Phone, Nav etc without going into the menus.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: fredgroves on 04 January 2019, 09:41
Just my opinion, but I don't see the point of satnav in modern cars - I actively sought out a Gti without it when I was buying mine. In my experience in-car sat navs never work well (happy to be proven wrong) are a pain to update and after a very short period of time it looks clunky and outdated. I much prefer to use waze and my phone.

Theze daze its all about waze on android auto or apple car play.

Your phone selotaped to the dashboard, so last year :-)
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mcmaddy on 04 January 2019, 09:54
I'd much rather use the built in nav. Never had an issue with it, it's easy to update and it's also got speed cams on it too. I tried Waze but just couldn't get away with it.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 04 January 2019, 10:01
1. Pro Nav Screen size 9.2", Standard Nav 8"
2. Pro Nav has gesture control (from what I've heard of very limited desirability)
3. Pro-Nav has voice control built in where as it's an option for the standard Nav
4. Faster and beefier processor in the Pro Nav that allows the maps to be displayed on the AID as well as the Nav screen as the same time (standard Nav it's one at a time)
5. Pro -Nav has a DVD drive whereas the standard unit has only a CD drive.
6. Pro Nav has a a built in HDD to store the maps (for faster access) and to store about 10 gb or music / Video files which also frees up the 2nd SD card slot for music (as the Nav SD card has to be in one of the slots permanently on the standard Nav)
7. Pro Nav has a built in video decoder which allows playing of video files stored on the HDD / SD card etc.
8. Pro Nav can display 3D buildings etc in major cities which the standard Nav can't.
SD cards, HDD, DVD, built-in Nav...

So as far as I can see, apart from the 1.2" bigger screen it has nothing for somebody who lives in 2019 (with a smartphone, fast mobile data, OD video/music streaming services, ACP/AA) and not 2010?  :huh: :grin:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: fredgroves on 04 January 2019, 10:17
Sooner or later someone will be so bold as to just have a AA/ACP module and not try to charge you for a SatNav...

Probably much like the deletion of the cassette player, it will come about ten years after the rest of technology made a similar change... such is the automotive industry.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: dubber36 on 04 January 2019, 16:02
Here's a question from one that is so far behind phone technology, but does using Nav from your phone use up data? I have a tiny amount of data on my contract as to me, a phone is for talking to people and maybe a tiny amount of internet browsing when there is time to kill.

If that's the case, then built in Nav is a must.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: fredgroves on 04 January 2019, 16:07
A tiny amount.

"On average, Google Maps uses about 0.67MB of data every 10 miles and 0.73MB of mobile data for every 20 minutes. According to our research, it uses less than Apple Maps but slightly more than Waze."

If you are using Google Maps, you can also pre-download map areas (while on wifi) so you are only receiving traffic data. I've used this abroad before the days of EU roaming (hmmmm may need that trick again soon!)

Its pretty tiny. Your odd web browsing is using waaaay more a month than running GM/Waze/AM in your car.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Guzzle on 04 January 2019, 17:56
One of the best features of the AID is the ability to have maps under your nose instead of having to look across at the MIB. So far only the built-in nav can do this feature on the Golf, and while the maps themselves may not be as good as Google maps, in my experience they certainly aren't dreadful.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: dubber36 on 04 January 2019, 20:56
Having had the Discover Nav in my 7 and now the sort of retro fit Discover Nav in the Tig, it's miles ahead of the RNS510 in the Amarok. It wasn't all that long ago since we were all retro fitting RNS510's in our Mk6's
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 23 January 2019, 19:13
Quick update. I’ve got my second testdrive booked for 2nd February. Again tested both cars. One thing is bothering me a little: the mk8. Would it bother you buying a 7.5 at this time in its lifecycle? Any thoughts appreciated.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mike roberts on 23 January 2019, 19:22
It’s usually a while before the GTI/R arrives after general launch, I wouldn’t worry too much - just batter them on the price.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 23 January 2019, 19:27
Yeah I know it’s normallly a while before the gti/r comes along. Think it’s just because I’ll be keeping the car for 5-6 years this time rather than the usual 2-3.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: mike roberts on 23 January 2019, 19:56
It’s a big shift going to long term purchases.

I’m not a serial buyer of one type, I just get what I fancy at the time. I’ve had a couple of M135is, RenaultSport, Saab... you name it. I have an XC40 too.

Don’t worry too much about what ifs, there could be 5 things that don’t exist yet to turn your head.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 26 January 2019, 12:57
Just seen that Vw are running a Golf event with an extra £500 towards your deposit contribution until 17th February. Too good to be true?
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 26 January 2019, 13:06
Just seen that Vw are running a Golf event with an extra £500 towards your deposit contribution until 17th February. Too good to be true?
Discounts have dropped though, quite significantly. They are now c5-9%, where as before Xmas they were 15%+.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 26 January 2019, 13:13
Just seen that Vw are running a Golf event with an extra £500 towards your deposit contribution until 17th February. Too good to be true?
Discounts have dropped though, quite significantly. They are now c5-9%, where as before Xmas they were 15%+.

I have an offer in writing on the R and gti waiting with those discounts of 16%. Would they add another £500???
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 26 January 2019, 13:31
Just seen that Vw are running a Golf event with an extra £500 towards your deposit contribution until 17th February. Too good to be true?
Discounts have dropped though, quite significantly. They are now c5-9%, where as before Xmas they were 15%+.

I have an offer in writing on the R and gti waiting with those discounts of 16%. Would they add another £500???
Your written discount will have a time limit to it, and can also be pulled at any point by the dealer/VWFS, so I wouldn't bank on that lasting for ever.

I notice in the small print of the Feb Golf offer that the £500 will either be taken off the cash price of the car, or added to deposit contribution, so again, a way for them to wriggle out of it.

No harm in asking though, if you don't ask you don't get.

EDITED to add - I've just logged into my Carwow, and on my build it now says that "Please note these offers will expire on 31st January 2019." So given the new "extra £500" Golf offer starts on the 1st of Feb, I would guess that all the previous discount/offers will be pulled to adjust for the new offer.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 26 January 2019, 13:51
Just seen that Vw are running a Golf event with an extra £500 towards your deposit contribution until 17th February. Too good to be true?
Discounts have dropped though, quite significantly. They are now c5-9%, where as before Xmas they were 15%+.

They’ve agreed to hold my initial discount until at least February.

I have an offer in writing on the R and gti waiting with those discounts of 16%. Would they add another £500???
Your written discount will have a time limit to it, and can also be pulled at any point by the dealer/VWFS, so I wouldn't bank on that lasting for ever.

I notice in the small print of the Feb Golf offer that the £500 will either be taken off the cash price of the car, or added to deposit contribution, so again, a way for them to wriggle out of it.

No harm in asking though, if you don't ask you don't get.

EDITED to add - I've just logged into my Carwow, and on my build it now says that "Please note these offers will expire on 31st January 2019." So given the new "extra £500" Golf offer starts on the 1st of Feb, I would guess that all the previous discount/offers will be pulled to adjust for the new offer.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: trueblue_ips on 03 February 2019, 18:13
Such a hard decision choosing between the two. I hope to test drive both in the next month and then pick up a 2017 FL GTI or R DSG.
I only do about 4000 miles a year. My work commute is less than 10 miles a day covering to and from, mostly stuck in traffic. I can't help thinking an R would be overkill. I also prefer the looks of the GTI over the R inside and out. Then again, the traction and driving ease of the R also appeals.

Used R's seem to be about £4K more than an equivalent GTI of similar age, mileage and options. Guessing that's because new R's still aren't available.

I'm really hoping the test drives will make the decision easier.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 03 February 2019, 18:37
They’re just such different cars tbh. Drive both and then be as confused as me! Then somebody mentions the tcr.....

I had another go in a gti on Saturday but their R wasn’t there, bit of a dealer mix up. I’ll be ordering on Saturday either way now. As posted in another topic the discount I’m being offered is just too good to turn down really. £6.4k on both the R and gti. Crazy.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: trueblue_ips on 03 February 2019, 19:13
They’re just such different cars tbh. Drive both and then be as confused as me! Then somebody mentions the tcr.....

I had another go in a gti on Saturday but their R wasn’t there, bit of a dealer mix up. I’ll be ordering on Saturday either way now. As posted in another topic the discount I’m being offered is just too good to turn down really. £6.4k on both the R and gti. Crazy.

That's a really good deal. Used prices are crazy at the moment.
Let us know what you pick and the reasons please.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 03 February 2019, 19:15
They’re just such different cars tbh. Drive both and then be as confused as me! Then somebody mentions the tcr.....

I had another go in a gti on Saturday but their R wasn’t there, bit of a dealer mix up. I’ll be ordering on Saturday either way now. As posted in another topic the discount I’m being offered is just too good to turn down really. £6.4k on both the R and gti. Crazy.

That's a really good deal. Used prices are crazy at the moment.
Let us know what you pick and the reasons please.

You sure you want to hear my inane ramblings?? Once I start, that’s it.  :grin:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: trueblue_ips on 03 February 2019, 19:25
They’re just such different cars tbh. Drive both and then be as confused as me! Then somebody mentions the tcr.....

I had another go in a gti on Saturday but their R wasn’t there, bit of a dealer mix up. I’ll be ordering on Saturday either way now. As posted in another topic the discount I’m being offered is just too good to turn down really. £6.4k on both the R and gti. Crazy.

That's a really good deal. Used prices are crazy at the moment.
Let us know what you pick and the reasons please.

You sure you want to hear my inane ramblings?? Once I start, that’s it.  :grin:

Hell yes  :laugh:  I've never spent more than £5K on a car before and never had one newer than about 5 years old. I'm heading for 50 next year so figured it's about time I got something decent. My first car was a used Golf GTI so full circle for me. I'm used to buying cars outright and keeping them for about 10 years or until they stop working. Lots for me to consider like what to get and how to (part) finance.
All advice appreciated.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 03 February 2019, 19:34
Ha ha! I’ll certainly let you know how I get on. It’s a big decision and it needs to be the right one. Either way, both cars are fantastic. The gti I drove on Saturday didn’t have dcc, was on 19s and the ride was incredibly good. Better than my S3 on 18s.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Mutley75 on 03 February 2019, 22:48
The gti I drove on Saturday didn’t have dcc, was on 19s and the ride was incredibly good. Better than my S3 on 18s.

This pleases me greatly  :grin:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 04 February 2019, 06:04
The gti I drove on Saturday didn’t have dcc, was on 19s and the ride was incredibly good. Better than my S3 on 18s.

This pleases me greatly  :grin:

I did actually write it with you in mind.  :grin: and it’s true!
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 04 February 2019, 11:23
King Monkey - don't forget that if you plan to load up the R then you will probably be in 'Luxury tax' threshold.

An R in the same spec as my GTI would have been £43k (before discount) taking it well into the luxury car tax bracket of £450 a year to tax for 5 years. My GTI came in just short of £39k (before discount), which means £140 a year to tax.

Sadly the amount of discount you get doesn't impact the VED rate, it's the total RRP cost that matters (excluding any OTR costs), so an R would have meant dropping some of the options I wanted which I didn't really want to do given I plan to keep it for a few years.

Something to consider if you've not done so already.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 04 February 2019, 18:28
King Monkey - don't forget that if you plan to load up the R then you will probably be in 'Luxury tax' threshold.

An R in the same spec as my GTI would have been £43k (before discount) taking it well into the luxury car tax bracket of £450 a year to tax for 5 years. My GTI came in just short of £39k (before discount), which means £140 a year to tax.

Sadly the amount of discount you get doesn't impact the VED rate, it's the total RRP cost that matters (excluding any OTR costs), so an R would have meant dropping some of the options I wanted which I didn't really want to do given I plan to keep it for a few years.

Something to consider if you've not done so already.  :smiley:

Oh I’m well aware of this. I’m not adding too much as both cars have a great standard spec. I’m amazed how many either aren’t aware or think that it’s ok because of the discount taking them below £40k.

Gti would be white, pan roof, Brescia and 90% tints.

R would be lapis, prets, black mirror caps and tints.

Spending over £40k on a golf is crazy imo.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 09 February 2019, 18:37
So, I had my test drive today (again) and changed my mind. Took the R out first and really fell for it. The gti felt great as well but just loved the R. Sat down with the dealer, reserved a car that had been built and was awaiting shipment in exactly the right spec, was ready to sign only to be told there had a problem with the figures quoted previously and it would be x amount more. Ended up walking away. Gutted.

Out my car in Tootle and received some decent offers so hoping that will bridge the gap.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Mutley75 on 09 February 2019, 18:39
You were right to walk. They’ll be on the phone within a couple of days offering you the original price...
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 09 February 2019, 18:53
I’d just bought my Gyeon Fabric Coat too! Oh well.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 10 February 2019, 09:04
was ready to sign only to be told there had a problem with the figures quoted previously and it would be x amount more.
Without wishing to sound rude, that's hardly surprising. :sad: As we've discussed previously, you were given "written discounts" etc on figures from campaigns last year that you've been sat on for several months. IMO they were never going to honour those and were just using it as a hook to ensure you didn't walk. They had no obligation to honour those discounts and with new campaign rates starting a few days ago it doesn't surprise me to see the discounts get pulled. Christmas/Jan is the quietest time of the year for the car trade, so incentives are at their highest, those incentives get small er and smaller the further we get towards spring. At the end of Jan discounts had gone from 15%+ to below 10%, and even though VW are chucking in another £500 to the deposit contribution, it's still a lot less than it was.

There is still a small chance they are playing a game, and they may buckle by you walking away, but if they're confident on their targets and/or the deal previously offered simply isn't possible given the new margins set by VW, then you might be onto a losing battle. My advice(FWIW), if you are intent on getting a car act now, because as we go further towards the spring/summer discounts will only continue to get smaller and you will be forced into the used market. Do this by either accepting the price, or trimming back on options. By the sounds of it though it might be too late to get the spec you want?

Good luck though, I hope you can get the car you want.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 10 February 2019, 09:44
was ready to sign only to be told there had a problem with the figures quoted previously and it would be x amount more.
Without wishing to sound rude, that's hardly surprising. :sad: As we've discussed previously, you were given "written discounts" etc on figures from campaigns last year that you've been sat on for several months. IMO they were never going to honour those and were just using it as a hook to ensure you didn't walk. They had no obligation to honour those discounts and with new campaign rates starting a few days ago it doesn't surprise me to see the discounts get pulled. Christmas/Jan is the quietest time of the year for the car trade, so incentives are at their highest, those incentives get small er and smaller the further we get towards spring. At the end of Jan discounts had gone from 15%+ to below 10%, and even though VW are chucking in another £500 to the deposit contribution, it's still a lot less than it was.

There is still a small chance they are playing a game, and they may buckle by you walking away, but if they're confident on their targets and/or the deal previously offered simply isn't possible given the new margins set by VW, then you might be onto a losing battle. My advice(FWIW), if you are intent on getting a car act now, because as we go further towards the spring/summer discounts will only continue to get smaller and you will be forced into the used market. Do this by either accepting the price, or trimming back on options. By the sounds of it though it might be too late to get the spec you want?

Good luck though, I hope you can get the car you want.  :smiley:

To be fair, I went in to the dealers in December, had a price confirmed and reconfirmed at several junctures, so I’d expect that to be honoured.

I don’t actually think they were playing a game, think they made a genuine mistake as they’ve phoned to apologise already. Salesman has been fantastic. The difference is only £600 so they’re still giving a great discount, around the 15% you’ve mentioned. Obviously, we’ve not all got bottomless pockets so I’d worked all the finances out based on the information given to me. If someone gives you a written quotation it should be honoured imo, especially with the assurances given.

Anyway, we’ve come to a compromise and the R will be odered this morning when the dealer opens. Car with all the options I want has already been reserved. Delivery early March. So pleased to be back in the Golf club.

Btw, I can thoroughly recommend Tootle to sell your car if anyone else is thinking of changing.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 10 February 2019, 09:58
To be fair, I went in to the dealers in December, had a price confirmed and reconfirmed at several junctures, so I’d expect that to be honoured.
Don't get me wrong, I agree with you 100%, but sadly the reality is we are now in February which is two month's financial difference from December, where targets and margins will have been altered twice, including VW now chucking in £500 for Golf's on top of the old £1500.

I don’t actually think they were playing a game, think they made a genuine mistake as they’ve phoned to apologise already.
Possibly, but at the same time they know how these things work, so promising something back then they knew they might not be able to deliver is a bit sneaky, but unsurprising given the car trade. :sad:

The difference is only £600 so they’re still giving a great discount, around the 15% you’ve mentioned.
I don't know the discounts being offered on the R, but if they are anything like the Golf then 15% is still really good, you should be pleased.  :smiley:

Btw, I can thoroughly recommend Tootle to sell your car if anyone else is thinking of changing.
Totally agree, I sold an RS4 on there back in 2016. I got 3k more than P/X values. It's a great place for sportier/sports cars.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 10 February 2019, 10:22
Good news for everyone else is that the tcr will probably be along any day now that I’ ve ordered.  :whistle:
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Zermatt on 10 February 2019, 10:54
Did it end up being Lapiz Blue?
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 10 February 2019, 11:02
Yeah. I know it’s common but it’s because it’s a great colour.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 10 February 2019, 11:03
A deciding factor on the R was that I’d owned a pre-facelift gti pp before the S3 so didn’t think it felt new enough if that makes sense. Awesome car though.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Guzzle on 10 February 2019, 14:04
Yeah. I know it’s common but it’s because it’s a great colour.

It is the best colour (imho) 👍
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Zermatt on 10 February 2019, 14:14
It will look brilliant kind of the trademark colour that suits the interior so well.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 10 February 2019, 14:48
Thanks guys
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 24 February 2019, 15:22
You are all going to think I like a drama. I really don’t. My dealer has changed the price of my R for the second time. They will probably claim another mistake but I think it’s time to ask for my deposit back. Ridiculous.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Bullfinch on 24 February 2019, 17:36
You are all going to think I like a drama. I really don’t. My dealer has changed the price of my R for the second time. They will probably claim another mistake but I think it’s time to ask for my deposit back. Ridiculous.
How much did it change by?  Is it a car already in the UK or one potentially subject to the Brexit surcharge?
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 24 February 2019, 17:43
No surcharge. £700 increase. Going to get my deposit back.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 25 February 2019, 09:14
You are all going to think I like a drama. I really don’t. My dealer has changed the price of my R for the second time. They will probably claim another mistake but I think it’s time to ask for my deposit back. Ridiculous.
If you want me to put in touch with my dealer let me know. He's no nonsense, a great deal and has access to the biggest selection of new & unregistered.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 25 February 2019, 21:17
Thanks for the offer. Whereabouts is the dealers based?

I’ve got a dealer contacting me tomorrow via Orange Wheels but not sure I want to wait 14 weeks as my S3 needs the tyres replacing really.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: kmpowell on 25 February 2019, 21:21
Thanks for the offer. Whereabouts is the dealers based?
London.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 25 February 2019, 21:26
Thanks for the offer. Whereabouts is the dealers based?
London.

Ah. Bit of a drive for me as I’m up in Manchester but I’ll keep it in mind if my other attempts closer to home don’t work out. Much appreciated though.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 26 February 2019, 19:51
Found another dealer with delivery within the week with a better discount. Black prets rather than silver and climate windscreen as an extra with the lapis, tints and black mirror caps.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 27 February 2019, 06:03
Found another dealer with delivery within the week with a better discount. Black prets rather than silver and climate windscreen as an extra with the lapis, tints and black mirror caps.

Sounds like a pretty perfect spec to me.

I see a very shiny Lapiz R with black Prets and mirrors locally to me and it looks fantastic
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 27 February 2019, 09:23
Found another dealer with delivery within the week with a better discount. Black prets rather than silver and climate windscreen as an extra with the lapis, tints and black mirror caps.

Will look great but I do think the Prets in black make the great design disappear.
Title: Re: Gti and R testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 27 February 2019, 21:41
Found another dealer with delivery within the week with a better discount. Black prets rather than silver and climate windscreen as an extra with the lapis, tints and black mirror caps.

Will look great but I do think the Prets in black make the great design disappear.

I agree. Been given an option of the silver prets too. Think that's what I'll go with.