Drove a standard MK8 GTI DSG in white this afternoon. I was very impressed to say the least.
I will write a more comprehensive summary over the next few days. I drove the car for around an hour and the traffic was fairly heavy but managed to find a few quiet roads to open the car up a little.
I have to agree with other peoples’ comments that the car looks better in the flesh, my MK7 looked a little dated by comparison. I personally think it looks good in white but then all previous GTIs have. Did not pick up on interior quality issues noted by others, I think the nice GTI bits lift the cabin.
The seats whilst they look good we’re not particularly supportive but that is comparing them to the Recaros in mine. Cannot remember what the standard GTI seats felt like.
Agree with the reviews the car feels tauter and it has a more pointy front end than the MK7. Brakes were fab, no issues with the few or stopping power.
The roads were damp but traction was better than MK7 on OEM fit tyres, it just felt more planted and able to put the power down, perhaps the engine and transmission mounts have been formed up. Really enjoyed the twisty bits.
The power was good and it revved much more freely and had a better top end than my previous MK7 IS20 turbo engine - it felt quick but I’ve never driven a 7.5 PP car which is a closer comparison than mine.
Ride was firmer but it was a non DCC car but there was definitely some adjustment when selecting the different modes - similar to the Polo GTI+ I drove a while back.
Didn’t really touch the main display but I found the buttons on the steering wheel to be fine, mind you, my expectations were low after reading/hearing the comments. The dashboard, well I am not a fan of the central Rev counter display but the conventional two dial layout was good and you can customise with multiple options - I liked it at the end of the drive.
In summary, it’s a great car and I am very tempted to order a Clubsport when it is released. Some pictures below
