GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Mutley75 on 06 March 2019, 22:04
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Finally collected my new MY19 GTI this morning. Predictably, glorious sunshine all of last week... but wind, rain, a broken down bus causing tailbacks and tractors putting mud on the roads took the gloss (quite literally) off the occasion today! I've only done about 12 miles in it so far as I had to get back to work but my thoughts so far:
The wheels - I spec'd 19" Brescias without DCC. Then reading lots of different views on here, it's been gnawing away at me for weeks. Turns out my fears were unfounded. I know this is very much subjective but to me, the ride was absolutely fine. In fact I'd say it was comparable, if not ever so slightly smoother than my 65 plate Audi A3 running 18s on S-Line suspension. So no worries there.
Another thing which was nagging me, was owning two Audi's in a row and now making the jump to VW. Although I've wanted a GTI for as long as I can remember, for some reason whenever it came to changing my car I always opted for something else right at the last minute so I had to finally scratch my GTI itch this time. However, I was worried I'd notice a drop in cabin quality and materials. Other than a few minor points, I'm more than happy with the GTI interior. The plastics on the dash and doors are soft touch, the door bins are lined in felt, the glove box is dampened etc. If I were being ultra critical, the only things I could criticise in comparison to the Audi would be the heater controls which feel rather plasticky (rather than the nice clunky chrome-plated ones in the A3) and the fabric material on the door arm rests feels a bit thin. Otherwise, it's all good.
I personally find the GTI seats and seating position more comfortable than the A3 too. Although the Audi seats were more adjustable, with extending cushion and seat tilt adjustment, the GTI is better bolstered and for my body shape at least, feels more comfortable on my semi dodgy back.
Dynaudio - first time I switched it on I admit I felt a bit disappointed and underwhelmed. But once I tweaked the equaliser and changed it from Authentic to Dynamic, I find it much better now. Not quite comparable to Bose which I had on the Audi, but not far off and decent for the money. I'm not an audiophile by any means but I appreciate a bit of clarity and bass without the distortion when you crank it up a notch.
Other observations - no lag on the throttle, which the A3 had. Understandable really as that was a 1.4 150ps geared up for economy/comfort. The first 1/4 of the throttle was a bit dead and it didn't respond for a couple of seconds or so (this was S-Tronic by the way). It was a bit of a nightmare trying to quickly join a roundabout. I used to drop it into Sport mode to eliminate the lag, but it hung on to the gears for too long so wasn't ideal to leave it that way. The GTI is responsive in all modes, with no lag at all (to be expected from a sportier model) so that's one annoyance gone. The other was the slightly wooly steering on the A3. The GTI is much sharper and more precise, feeling nice and grippy on the bends.
I haven't yet tried out ACC or the matrix LED headlights (that's for tomorrow) but looking forward to discovering new toys as I'm a total gadget freak. Loving the Car Play too - makes a huge difference and so easy to use. All in all, really pleased and no regrets so far. A slight tinge of sadness saying good bye to the A3 as it's the first car I've owned, which after 3 years I would have been happy to have kept for another three. I'm normally fed up after 2/3 years and looking for something different. I also feel like I've lost a little kudos by losing the four rings... but gained a different kind of kudos with the GTI badge so that's also been offset too.
Happy to answer any questions if anyone wants to check standard kit or has any queries on the 2019 model.
Cheers.
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Good read. My S3 is going on Sunday and the R arriving so in a very similar situation to you.
Knew you’d be ok with the ride! :wink:
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I’ve owned 2 S3’s and have always preferred my VW’s the Audi’s.
I prefer the Vw brand over the Audi brand.
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In the A3 range there is no GTi equivalent these days. It must be 7+ years, (days of Mk6 Golf) when Audi dropped the 2.0T engine. I would hope you noticed the step up from 150 bhp to 245 bhp :laugh:. I've noticed the difference from 230 bhp 6spd DSG to 245 bhp 7 spd DSG, the extra gear seems to give the engine some greater flexibility. Still trying to decide if the enhanced engine/exhaust sound is real or in some ways engineered (I think only the R has a sound actuator but I maybe wrong).
Agree the one area of the cabin which is a (minor) let down are the heater vents. Audi with their circular vents have always been a step ahead. I still need to play around with Dynaudio (only picked my car up on Sunday) so will check out Dynamic.
Personally I never use ACC (I like being in 100% control). My car has the auto-dip headlight (I'm sure VW give it a snazzy name). It's fine at dipping when cars are oncoming but it doesn't dip if there are rear headlights ahead - hence not using that anymore.
The ride is fine. I'm on 19 inch Brescias too and keep other settings in Sport mode (not gears as they are manic in S-mode). No DCC and not missing what I don't have! I can imagine the ride is a little on the harsh side for some but I like being in-touch with the road. It's definitely not jarring.
Apple CarPlay is excellent - the USB location is a bit fiddly so now just keep a cable permanently in. It's quite funny to see Waze icons on such a large screen.
For me the advances from a Mk7 GTi to a Mk7.5 GTi have justified the change. I passed 200 miles today so still running in. Still need to play around on digital dash settings (where's the smaller dials option as seen on the demonstrator I drove?)
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Audi dropped the 2.0 engine in favour of a 1.8 but that was dropped last year for a 2.0 again - due to WLTP. You can get a 2.0 A3 Sport but not yet in S-Line (again WLTP). The 2.0 Quattro isn’t back on sale either yet.
The GTI does have a sound akuator. Some here don’t like it. I don’t mind it myself.
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Enjoy your new motor, some pics would have been good.
Also, Matrix LED AFIK is an Audi only system. Although variable don't think the Golfs LEDs are as advanced as the premium Matrix system. I might be wrong.
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Pics after it’s been washed at the weekend. It’s filthy already lol. Yeah Matrix is Audi terminology. The VW system isn’t as advanced apparently.
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Hi Mutley
what colour did you get, you must be enjoying it now !! give it a good clean and detail at the weekend ?
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Isaac Blue with Brescias. It’s a funny colour. Looks dark grey metallic in some lighting conditions but looks a definite blue under the fluorescent lights in my garage. In natural light as it’s gettinh dusk it looks a kind of light grey. It’s a metallic but behaves more like a pearlescent.
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Excellent, yes you mentioned you were happy with 19" alloys without DCC which sounds good, will be good to see some pictures at the weekend as you mentioned, enjoy it !!
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In the A3 range there is no GTi equivalent these days. It must be 7+ years, (days of Mk6 Golf) when Audi dropped the 2.0T engine. I would hope you noticed the step up from 150 bhp to 245 bhp :laugh:. I've noticed the difference from 230 bhp 6spd DSG to 245 bhp 7 spd DSG, the extra gear seems to give the engine some greater flexibility. Still trying to decide if the enhanced engine/exhaust sound is real or in some ways engineered (I think only the R has a sound actuator but I maybe wrong).
Agree the one area of the cabin which is a (minor) let down are the heater vents. Audi with their circular vents have always been a step ahead. I still need to play around with Dynaudio (only picked my car up on Sunday) so will check out Dynamic.
Personally I never use ACC (I like being in 100% control). My car has the auto-dip headlight (I'm sure VW give it a snazzy name). It's fine at dipping when cars are oncoming but it doesn't dip if there are rear headlights ahead - hence not using that anymore.
The ride is fine. I'm on 19 inch Brescias too and keep other settings in Sport mode (not gears as they are manic in S-mode). No DCC and not missing what I don't have! I can imagine the ride is a little on the harsh side for some but I like being in-touch with the road. It's definitely not jarring.
Apple CarPlay is excellent - the USB location is a bit fiddly so now just keep a cable permanently in. It's quite funny to see Waze icons on such a large screen.
For me the advances from a Mk7 GTi to a Mk7.5 GTi have justified the change. I passed 200 miles today so still running in. Still need to play around on digital dash settings (where's the smaller dials option as seen on the demonstrator I drove?)
The sound is more exhaust than fake compared to my FL 2017 std GTI was. And deeper and louder. Only really ever hear the fake noise in Sport mode so I've set Individual up to replicate Sport without sound and steering.
For the smaller dial, if you select navigation then press ok when its on the map it makes the dial smaller and remembers this each time you restart - this is my normal view.
(https://i.postimg.cc/5NKXXQxM/IMG-8438.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8jWp35Jy)
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I’ve owned 2 S3’s and have always preferred my VW’s the Audi’s.
I prefer the Vw brand over the Audi brand.
Absolutely agree. My Gti’s ride have all been better than the S3. Also prefer the Vw brand. It’s still been a great car though but I just love a VW.
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Mutley75, very interesting, thanks.
What has your dealer experience been like so far with this car?
Peter_S
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Audi dropped the 2.0 engine in favour of a 1.8 but that was dropped last year for a 2.0 again - due to WLTP. You can get a 2.0 A3 Sport but not yet in S-Line (again WLTP). The 2.0 Quattro isn’t back on sale either yet.
Have to say that if Audi did an A3 saloon with the 245 petrol engine, I would have been very tempted when I got mine (67 plate).
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Audi dropped the 2.0 engine in favour of a 1.8 but that was dropped last year for a 2.0 again - due to WLTP. You can get a 2.0 A3 Sport but not yet in S-Line (again WLTP). The 2.0 Quattro isn’t back on sale either yet.
Have to say that if Audi did an A3 saloon with the 245 petrol engine, I would have been very tempted when I got mine (67 plate).
Odd as you can get it in the A4 but its Quattro and £40k!
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Mutley75, very interesting, thanks.
What has your dealer experience been like so far with this car?
Peter_S
Dealer experience was fine. I test drove the GTI back in August but wasn’t ready to change at the time. Placed the original order over the phone, thereafter did other odd bits (like changing the wheel spec 15 times) via email. Always very accommodating, matched the Drive the Deal price without any resistance, kept me informed and all went fine and on schedule. Didn’t offer me a great trade-in price so I posted on Piston Heads. Didn’t have a sniff from the public but a nice chap from an Audi dealership expressed an interest for group stock. Came to my house yesterday to look at it, paid off the balance of my PCP with the change going into my bank account and collecting tomorrow. No hassle and got nearly a grand more than VW we’re going to give me. Highly recommended. He gave me his details so if anyone has a car to sell, I’m happy to pass them on so he can give you a quote. Very fair and genuine.
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Enjoy your new motor, some pics would have been good.
Also, Matrix LED AFIK is an Audi only system. Although variable don't think the Golfs LEDs are as advanced as the premium Matrix system. I might be wrong.
Having just driven a 100 mile round trip on some rural B roads and a bit of dual carriageway I am happy to report the GTI Matrix LEDs are simply awesome and every bit as good as what I’ve seen in Audi. I drove back without touching the lights once. I wasn’t flashed and it doesn’t dazzle cars you’re behind either. Very very impressive.
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Audi dropped the 2.0 engine in favour of a 1.8 but that was dropped last year for a 2.0 again - due to WLTP. You can get a 2.0 A3 Sport but not yet in S-Line (again WLTP). The 2.0 Quattro isn’t back on sale either yet.
Have to say that if Audi did an A3 saloon with the 245 petrol engine, I would have been very tempted when I got mine (67 plate).
Odd as you can get it in the A4 but its Quattro and £40k!
Sorry I didn’t mean they dropped the engine, it’s just not available in the A3 as they’re STILL going through WLTP certification for all their models. Loved my Audi. But love my GTI more 😬
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I like Muttley75 just sold my 17 plate Audi S4 saloon to the Lookers Audi group. Fair price, no hassle at all. Even came to my house and pick car up. Would recommend them any time. But stay well away from Arnold Clark. Bunch of liars and robbers
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The sound is more exhaust than fake compared to my FL 2017 std GTI was. And deeper and louder. Only really ever hear the fake noise in Sport mode so I've set Individual up to replicate Sport without sound and steering.
For the smaller dial, if you select navigation then press ok when its on the map it makes the dial smaller and remembers this each time you restart - this is my normal view.
(https://i.postimg.cc/5NKXXQxM/IMG-8438.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8jWp35Jy)
Thanks for explaining this. I do now recall in my demonstrator drive pressing OK a couple of times to make dials smaller or larger. Your DIS also shows what happens when you are low on fuel. It shows up in the gauge. Yet to see this as I've only topped up once immediately on leaving the dealers last weekend.
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Pics as promised - washed just three days after taking ownership. I polished it with AutoGlym SRP and added a layer of Fusso wax after taking the photos. Not sure what the dealer polished it with, but there wasn’t a lot of beading going on.
Errr how do I upload pics??! :huh:
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Thought I had worked it out, but nope!
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This forum needs TappaTalk support :sad:
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Quite a few of us use postimg.org to load images and then use the hotlink for forums option when linking in threads. A bit long winded but it works.
Looking forward to seeing the car
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http://(https://i.postimg.cc/sf955VKW/BC7-E0-BBC-B8-D4-4-BEC-B767-2-D78-FDF856-BE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDGVmP0M)
http://(https://i.postimg.cc/D0gshgm6/1-C0970-AE-E818-409-F-8870-3-D4331-AA609-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/n9XMYq49)
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Success. That was a bit of a mission but got there eventually.
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Looks great. Almost chose Isaac Blue for myself.
Congratulations :wink: :grin:
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It’s a funny colour. Looks light blue, dark blue, light grey and dark grey depending on the light.
What colour did you go for?
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Looks stunning in that colour mate. Wanted to give mine a wash and get some pics up this weekend but the weather had other ideas!
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Looks stunning in that colour mate. Wanted to give mine a wash and get some pics up this weekend but the weather had other ideas!
Ha that’s no excuse. I still washed mine with 50mph winds and a hail storm followed by torrential rain 🤪
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Success, looks great!
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Looks superb. That is a nice colour. Give those wheels a good sealant as well. Had news fron VW my car order will be due end of the month but I want to swap wheels to 19" brascias which they will do with the deal I've got
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It’s a funny colour. Looks light blue, dark blue, light grey and dark grey depending on the light.
What colour did you go for?
After much deliberation between Indium and Isaac, at the last minute I went for Tungsten Silver. :huh:
Again, it can be a funny colour. Sometimes it looks silver, sometimes light grey, and sometimes pale beige :undecided:
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It’s a funny colour. Looks light blue, dark blue, light grey and dark grey depending on the light.
What colour did you go for?
After much deliberation between Indium and Isaac, at the last minute I went for Tungsten Silver. :huh:
Again, it can be a funny colour. Sometimes it looks silver, sometimes light grey, and sometimes pale beige :undecided:
I think you made the right decision. Isaac is a bit of a strange colour and Indium is too common now imo :smiley:
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That’s a lovely looking car - good choice on colour
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Congratulations on your new car Ive experienced the same with Isaac Blue the colour can look quite different as the light changes. Even looking black in the light in the morning.
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Lovely motor mate, should be pleased with that! Glad I chose those alloys too :)
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I've taken a few snaps to highlight just how the colour changes in different lighting, for anyone else considering the colour. It looks most blue under the fluorescent lights in my garage. Outside in the sun it looks dark grey and when it's dull and overcast or getting dusk, it looks light grey.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zBmtVRRs/IMG-1764.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/B8gczbpp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/dt0BQ9x7/IMG-1767.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LhrfNjRR)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1z1wF0Jr/Screenshot-2019-03-10-at-09-24-48.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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The car looks superb Mutley75, good to see shots of it like that too showing the different angles and lighting effects. It’s a relatively rare choice of colour for some reason.
I’m a big fan of Tungsten as well Guzzle, another great choice.
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You can see how noticabily different the colour looks when you look at your wing mirror against the colour of the side in that picture
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You can see how noticabily different the colour looks when you look at your wing mirror against the colour of the side in that picture
Yes that’s a good point as the top of the wing mirror is the same colour as the body.
Ironically I don’t like it when it looks very blue but love it when it looks more gunmetal grey. At least I’m less likely to get bored with it, three colours in one.
Annoyingly there are a few other Isaac Blues around here, including one in the car park at work. White seems to be by far the most common/popular in my area. I’m yet to see a single GTI in Indium.
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It is an interesting colour, which I think will age well for the very reason that it can look so different in different light.
You can park it on your driveway and every so often look out of your window to see what it looks like.
I tend to do this around sunset!
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Very much like blue graphite. Everyone used to say they loved that colour on my mk5. Sometimes looked grey and at other times quite blue. Great colour Isaac. Looks superb!
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Haha I've ordered white, common as muck!
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a few more of the issac blue to see :) loving the car, but the stop start seems to of given up working..lol
(http://i64.tinypic.com/vpusyt.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/m9adk3.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/14jc8kk.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1hqypv.jpg)
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Isaac looks great with those Seville alloys!
Stop/start won’t work if:
* Outside temperature is too cold
* Car is using lots of power (heating/aircon)
* Certain driving modes - Sport with S mode selected in gear shifter
It’s annoying anyway. Switch mine off more often than not.
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Isaac looks great with those Seville alloys!
Stop/start won’t work if:
* Outside temperature is too cold
* Car is using lots of power (heating/aircon)
* Certain driving modes - Sport with S mode selected in gear shifter
It’s annoying anyway. Switch mine off more often than not.
it says in the info screen the cars using to much power(summut like that) but nowt on apart from the radio. granted it's been cold out but still.
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Isaac looks great with those Seville alloys!
Stop/start won’t work if:
* Outside temperature is too cold
* Car is using lots of power (heating/aircon)
* Certain driving modes - Sport with S mode selected in gear shifter
It’s annoying anyway. Switch mine off more often than not.
it says in the info screen the cars using to much power(summut like that) but nowt on apart from the radio. granted it's been cold out but still.
Mine has hardly been working for weeks.
I think it’s the cooler weather and the heater being on in the background.
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Isaac looks great with those Seville alloys!
Stop/start won’t work if:
* Outside temperature is too cold
* Car is using lots of power (heating/aircon)
* Certain driving modes - Sport with S mode selected in gear shifter
It’s annoying anyway. Switch mine off more often than not.
it says in the info screen the cars using to much power(summut like that) but nowt on apart from the radio. granted it's been cold out but still.
If it’s under warranty I think i’d book this in to be checked if it persists.
There’s a very long list of factors that stop the system activating ( steering angle too great, on an incline etc
but in the circumstances you describe, it should work.
I had a “ stop start system error “ message appear 3 or 4 times in the first couple of weeks, which has not repeated since. The instances occurred as I approached a standstill and pressed the deactivate button, so I think I must have just confused the system
Been working well since then.