Autocar article on steering

[Yusee]

Came across this interesting article on steering feel, mentions the golf as a car with a very good electric system.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/no-bum-steer-importance-steering-feel

[karlos]

That article touched a nerve with me. I've long complained that recent cars have dreadful steering that feels like the wheel is connected to the road through a bucket of custard. The first three cars I owned had no assistance at all, and even though they weren't performance cars you always knew exactly where the front wheels were pointing.

Thankfully the Golf has one of the better electric steering setups, but it's by no means great.

[Splashalot]

Oh boy, me too.  This is my pet peeve.

I have only two criticisms of my 7.5 GTI - the throttle response/dead initial pedal travel and the steering.

To me the Golf's steering is accurate, but dead and very much lacking in feel. Both my 7.5s suffered in this regard.  If the Golf is an example of good electric steering, I'd hate to drive a bad example.  I consider it adequate in the GTI and inadequate in the 1.4TSi.  My mk5 GTI, for example, had better steering feel.  I realise it is a different system, but this still demonstrates how poor the current systems are in comparison.

And the inclusion of the 3-series BMW on the list of good examples is curious.  Every review I've read of that car has criticised the steering feel!

The article does make a valid point about younger reviewers having grown up with electric steering not realising what they're missing.

[Mutley75]

I agree about the initial throttle response. Although it is nowhere near as bad as my Audi A3. It’s much better in S mode (in DSG cars) but then it redlines before changing up and I also dislike the aggressive engine breaking in Sport mode. Do people use Normal or Sport mode for the steering? It feels sharper in Sport mode but is harder work. I alternate between the two to suit my mood/driving style.

[mcmaddy]

Sport steering mode should make it feel heavier but it shouldn't make it harder to use.

[Yusee]

I've always regarded the steering feel on my golf as pretty good- in comparison with other modern cars.
There's certainly better feel than my brother's Audi S4- that was rubbish.
I get the impression VW are the best of the VAG group cars for steering, certainly from what I've read and some limited experience of driving other cars.
@Splashalot, I'm surprised you found the mk5 gti steering better for feel, that was an electric system too- surely they haven't gone backwards?

[Guzzle]

Steering feel in my Mk7.5 GTD is significantly better than my Mk5 GT TDi. Granted the Mk5 wasn't a 'performance' Golf, but it was still numb.

When it was replaced by a Mk2 Ford Focus one of the first things I noticed was how much better the steering felt.

[RM]

I agree about the initial throttle response. Although it is nowhere near as bad as my Audi A3. It’s much better in S mode (in DSG cars) but then it redlines before changing up and I also dislike the aggressive engine breaking in Sport mode. Do people use Normal or Sport mode for the steering? It feels sharper in Sport mode but is harder work. I alternate between the two to suit my mood/driving style.

Sport mode but keep the gearbox in Normal / D is a nice compromise. Steering is weightier and the throttle feels more responsive, but the change points are more civilised.