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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Golf mk7 GTD/TDI => Topic started by: phope on 29 September 2014, 22:04

Title: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 29 September 2014, 22:04
I've finally decided to place an order for a GTD for a company car  :smiley:

I've had various GTI over the years including one of the first Edition 30, but wife and I took rather a liking to various Audi TT in recent years, including a rather tasty TTRS.

I did seriously consider the new model TT in the TDI Ultra version, which is virtually the same drivetrain as the GTD, but for the budget I set myself, I would have got a very poverty spec TT which doesn't have any where near the spec of the GTD

The company car scheme fleet managers are estimating 19 weeks at this time, which doesn't sound unusual reading the forums, so hopefully by late January/February 2015. January would suit me fine as can't drive till then anyway for medical reasons

I've restrained myself from going too spec heavy, and have asked for:

Manual, 3 door
Tornado Red (not had a red car for ages, and fancied a change)
18s
Discover Pro navigation (biggest extravagance)
Keyless entry
Winter pack
May still ask them to add the Sport & Sound pack...not sure

Will be interesting to see what the delivery timescale turns out to be...I have heard that our administrators hold back registering cars if it is just a few weeks before a plate change for residual reasons
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: andrewparker on 29 September 2014, 22:51
Congratulations, and well done with the colour choice!
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 29 September 2014, 23:06
Sport and Sound pack is a must. The growl from it from a diesel is excellent.
I have to turn it off when leaving before 7am to get to work as it is just too noisy for that time of the morning  :grin:
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 29 September 2014, 23:15
It's alright - my neighbour has a M3 so my turn to wake him up.

The TTRS on cold start up was also a bit embarrassing on very early mornings  :smiley:
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: ffrank on 30 September 2014, 10:16
+1 for Sport and Sound, I use it most of the time but nice to be able to 'turn off' the exhaust when you are on the motorway.

Keyless is also great on the diesel, it just starts itself whilst you buckle up (in terms of waiting for the plug to warm up in cold weather).

Nice spec phope, "enjoy" the wait - definitely worth it! :)
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: Jammy1 on 30 September 2014, 15:52
Great colour choice  :grin:

I didn't go for the sport and sound pack as I find my other car is a mite throaty ;)

http://youtu.be/_p_yUY003hQ
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 30 September 2014, 20:00
 :grin:
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 02 October 2014, 23:34
+1 for Sport and Sound, I use it most of the time but nice to be able to 'turn off' the exhaust when you are on the motorway.

ffrank does yours drone while on the motorway? I find mine is only really noisy in 1st 2nd & 3rd. Turning mine off on the motorway doesn't really make much of a difference!
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: runningman35 on 04 October 2014, 10:26
Hi Phop,

Fellow Aberdeenshire bloke here and good choice of motor!

I ordered a T red 5 door GTD in May this year and still waiting with eta of around 15th October plus a week for PDI etc.

I have ordered the following extras:- basic sat nav, dynaudio, sport and sound pack, dcc, winter pack, heated w screen and advanced tel pack and had to stop myself from going too silly with options.

Can't wait to compare against my Mk5 GTI driving experiences! Really looking fwd to the S&S pack after reading other owners experiences, but will refrain from tuning based on mixed ownership experiences and comments read on the forum over last few months I think.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 04 October 2014, 18:08
Yeah, it'll be a bit different to my last Golf, an Edition 30  :smiley:

Ordered confirmed this week by the fleet managers, and have added sport and sound pack on

Estimated delivery of late January 2015 - looking forward to it alreday
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 04 October 2014, 21:17
There are some pictures about the Sport & Sound here
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=259570.msg2458612#msg2458612

which leads to a video of the sound it makes here
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/phazer_mig/media/Golf/20140526_172305_zpsf0058359.mp4.html

I'll miss this when I get another car!
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 07 October 2014, 12:37
Order has been confirmed as being placed via Leeds Volkswagen - nice email directly from them today
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: Talizman73 on 10 October 2014, 13:09
Hi Phope,

I placed my order with Nuneaton VW on the same day...would be interesting to see who's arrives first!

What lead-time where you given?
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 10 October 2014, 18:45
Late Jan/early Feb
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: runningman35 on 10 October 2014, 20:18
I'm sure it will be worth the wait!

I just got confirmation yesterday my car gets delivered next Thursday, yippee, feels like a long time coming, and can't wait to get out of company pool car, an Aventis 2.0d which seems to have been designed with a set square, and scratch and sniff plastic parts that pull off in your hands, including a screw on gear knob that unthreads itself when you change gear!
 :smiley:
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 10 October 2014, 21:03
I don't blame you  :grin:

As I can't drive until January anyway for medical reasons, anything will be better than walking and overcrowded trains!
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: runningman35 on 10 October 2014, 23:15
Must make the wait even worse taking the train all the time, never mind - plenty of time to read evo or other mags about tuning, wheels etc..

 Now thinking about winter tyres as sold last set with spare wheels when got rid of mk5 gti, damit!   :angry:
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: BarneyBarnett on 22 October 2014, 13:37
Just ordered my new company car. I have never had a VW before but after test driving the Volvo V40 D4 190 R Design and the GTD it was an easy(ish) decision.

I have ordered the GTD in black with the following options: Leather w.heated seats, Discoverer Sat Nav, Rear parking camera (bit of a whim that one) and high beam assist. Having read other posts i have just contacted the fleet company to see if i can reverse out the rear camera (excuse the pun) and add the Sport and Sound pack - fingers crossed.

Stock date is showing as 19th January but as the order only went in yesterday this may not be particularly reliable.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 22 October 2014, 16:38
Sport & Sound or camera?
That's a tricky one. Camera was my first option, in fact VW ran out of cameras and you couldn't spec it on the car for a while and I know a few folk on here delayed their order to wait until it came back into supply, me included. Its an option you will probably use every journey and for the price of it is a steal. It would always be my first option on a new car and one I really missed when I defected to Audi for a while.

Sport & Sound I added for more as a gimmick and must admit I am impressed with the growl it gives off. If I was buying another car I would also add something similar if it was available and miss it if the new car didn't have it.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: mcmaddy on 22 October 2014, 18:12
Ditch the leather as it's not really leather spec the camera and sport and sound and if you really want heated seats spec them. It'll still be cheaper than leather option.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: runningman35 on 22 October 2014, 20:39
Hi Barney Barnett,

What was the Volvo like in comparison?  Defo order the S&S pack as adds a bit of interest to longer journeys and I seem to be able to switch to it during journey and then back to comfort setting if I want and get benefit without having to stop completely as some others seem to have found.

The dynaudio upgrade is worth it I think as well and very powerful and seems good value! Sat Nav is cr@p so far and my £30 Tom Tom beats it hands down for just about all features. Not sure if the expensive Pro version is better and worth it either if people are honest?
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: mcmaddy on 23 October 2014, 07:47
Don't know why people keep slagging off the sat nav and saying it's crap. Can a tom tom play radio, media, give you directions show your rear view camera, connect Bluetooth to your phone? oh and the built in nav looks way better than a tom tom. Stand alone sat navs are designed to be a sat nav on its own but the vw system is still really good and does much more than just be a sat nav.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: BarneyBarnett on 24 October 2014, 11:52
@Runningman35

I actually quite liked the look externally of the V40 but the Golf was just so much better built and better kit i.e Xenons, parking sensors, auto dimming rear view mirror as standard. Also i drove the V40 D2 and the new D4 r designs and the steering column isnt fully enclosed at the bottom so as a result i could feel it with my foot every time i turned the steering wheel - not good.

Heard today that Lex and VW are happy to amend my order to include the Sport and Sound pack. There appears to have been a lot of confusion over what this adds in the past with the VW site not helping in stating it is just a sound enhancement internally to the car for the driver and passenger and no mention of Red Brake Callipers...not really selling it are they???

Now just the wait for the car to arrive!!
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 24 October 2014, 14:44
There's a red GTD parked outside my office today taunting me that mine is still to be built
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: runningman35 on 24 October 2014, 19:47
@ BarneyBarnett,

Interesting comments on build quality difference. My parents have had major issues with their 3 year old XC60 mechanically and this was enough to put me off even looking at the range, but seems Volvo still cutting corners.

I dealt with Lex for my car and they were very accommodating to changes and chasing up my order as well.

The S&S pack is great for when in the mood and gives a much louder growl inside the car when in sport mode, AND outside as exhaust is different with no back box and speaker in the exhaust which altered external noise to mimic sound of Large capacity petrol exhaust sound.

Enjoyed finally getting my Work Blackberry to sync up after about 5 attempts. Blackberry fault, had to take the battery out and clear old synced devices from memory! Also tried the iPod/iPad connector for 1st time and works well to display tracks and albums but no art work, but just happy to be able to use on move.

@Phope

Wonder if you have spied my car in Aberdeen work car park ? Has it got 5 doors and red callipers?

Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 24 October 2014, 21:51
No, this was in Rubislaw Terrace today
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: Mark V GTD on 31 October 2014, 14:11
There appears to have been a lot of confusion over what this adds in the past with the VW site not helping in stating it is just a sound enhancement internally to the car for the driver and passenger and no mention of Red Brake Callipers...not really selling it are they???
You have to love VW UK - they describe this option as the exact opposite of what it is - it has an external speaker in the exhaust system!
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: fredgroves on 31 October 2014, 15:15
Especially given that the internal sound actuator is actually standard on the GTD in the first place...
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: runningman35 on 02 November 2014, 11:57
The sport and sound pack does include red brake callipers, which are just painted versions of the std GTD ones with same pads etc.

The sound inside the car is louder than the std GTD with the sound actuator in my ex
Experience as the exhaust is different and without the last baffle section, plus an extra speaker that can be heard outside the vehicle and inside. Definately noticeable even sitting in traffic as a few people look at you strangely. Maybe it's just me though!

For a relatively inexpensive option, I.e. less than some metallic paint options, I am personally glad to have this Jekyll and Hide option that can be switched on or off depending on your mood! :smiley:
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 02 November 2014, 15:53
It's interesting to read quite a debate on Pistonheads about enhanced/fake/synthetic exhaust sounds

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=31095
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: fredgroves on 02 November 2014, 19:46
I wonder if I had the S&S external generator whether I'd actually ever turn it on.

In the same way a lot of people with DCC leave it in comfort mode.

Or maybe its not about how much you use it, but that you can, when the mood takes you.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phazer on 02 November 2014, 20:43
I wonder if I had the S&S external generator whether I'd actually ever turn it on.

In the same way a lot of people with DCC leave it in comfort mode.

Or maybe its not about how much you use it, but that you can, when the mood takes you.

Ours is on all of the time  :cool: like the sound even at steady speed on the motorway. Even if you turn it off the car sounds better than a GTD without S&S.

It is nice to know the choice is there though.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 03 November 2014, 16:25
Its also on constantly for me. Great sound to it.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: ffrank on 03 November 2014, 20:39
The sound is awesome. My engine settings tend to be:

Default: Sport
Other folk in the car/making conversation: Normal
Long motorway cruise: Eco (I know I know)

P3asa, I think you asked me about motorway sound the other day and I forgot to reply sorry... I checked it again since, and I can definitely hear the exhaust hum on the motorway when in Sport, especially under any kind of acceleration - so I do tend to turn it off then, is that not the same for you?
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 03 November 2014, 23:10
No I don't think mine makes much of a noise on the motorway. Certainly going through the gears it does but I think its hardly noticeable if at all at motorway speeds.
I'll switch it off going to work tomorrow and see if there is a noticeable difference.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: BarneyBarnett on 05 November 2014, 22:02
My order has just been confirmed with the revised options. Stock date listed as 16/01/2015. New spec has leather, reverse camera, sport&sound, nav, light assist
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: ffrank on 06 November 2014, 00:01
Awesome! Saw a GTD in black a few days ago and looked bad ass with the rear LED's on.

Did you get to try toggling Sport on the motorway p3asa? I did a run today on Eco and switching to Sport when coming off the slip the exhaust sounded particularly savage, not sure if it was the rather cool ambient temp outside helping out, but I don't think I will ever tire of it  :laugh:
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 06 November 2014, 22:48
Yes ffrank, played about with it the other day on a 100 mile round trip.
At speed toggling between Normal and Sport I couldn't hear any exhaust rumbling.
What I did notice was if I was in 6th gear sitting at 1500  revs then blip the accelerator I could hear the exhaust growl but once the revs went up it disappeared in the higher gears.

The sound is definitely addictive. I don't think I have a sound actuator in the cabin as I can't hear any artificial noise. It all seems to be coming from the actual exhaust.

I keep meaning to turn the actuator off in VCDS to see if there is a difference.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: hatco1800es on 27 November 2014, 21:21
The sport and sound pack uses the speakers inside the car to provide an aural perception of the engine behaviour and is not replicated by the exhaust dB. Is it that worthwhile?

Just ordered today a Limestone Grey 3dr GTD Manual

Winter Pack
Discovery Sat Nav

It will join an up! on the drive ;)

Waiting on the build date...
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 27 November 2014, 21:32
No, the sound isn't from the internal speakers - comes from the exhaust system itself. There is a loudspeaker built into the centre section of the exhaust to generate sound

The external sound will be like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a6Ez-6fTVI


Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: hatco1800es on 30 November 2014, 18:11
That does sound good. I sent an email today asking if I can add the pack to my order ;)
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 10 January 2015, 11:07
No update on delivery time yet  :sad:

Automated emails from fleet provider still saying estimated 6th Feb, the same as it's been pretty much since order confirmation.

Getting impatient now :D
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: BarneyBarnett on 10 January 2015, 12:11
Got a phone call this week, mine is at the dealers now and will be delivered on the 22nd Jan. My current company car isn't due back until then so they won't let me have it early  :sad: looking forward to the 22nd though
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 14 January 2015, 18:27
Found the factory order number completely by chance today when looking over some emails  :cool:

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/gtdorder_zps9b22e089.jpg)

Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 19 January 2015, 10:39
Stage 5(c) text received this morning :)
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 21 January 2015, 09:00
Stage 6 text today - moving along nicely
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 21 January 2015, 20:30
Exciting times.  :laugh:
Only problem is it will probably be filthy by the time you've driven it home.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 21 January 2015, 22:49
Most likely :)

I imagine the fleet company will either fling it on a transporter up to Scotland, or have it driven up

Transporter doesn't bother me, but I'd prefer to go and pick it up myself - will enquire about that
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: BarneyBarnett on 22 January 2015, 09:30
Delivered at at 8:30 this morning!! And I still haven't taken it out, I'm waiting for rush hour traffic to die down then maybe hit the A3. I have turned it over to hear the sport&sound pack though and the exhaust sounds great
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: richbeech on 22 January 2015, 12:30
Delivered at at 8:30 this morning!! And I still haven't taken it out, I'm waiting for rush hour traffic to die down then maybe hit the A3. I have turned it over to hear the sport&sound pack though and the exhaust sounds great

Congrats!! You're going to love it mate, had mine almost 2 weeks now and it's an awesome car!
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 22 January 2015, 16:21
Provisional delivery date of 4th Feb and reg plate now confirmed :)
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 22 January 2015, 16:22
Delivered at at 8:30 this morning!! And I still haven't taken it out, I'm waiting for rush hour traffic to die down then maybe hit the A3. I have turned it over to hear the sport&sound pack though and the exhaust sounds great


You do realise you've broken the forum rules by not posting a picture of your new chariot  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 04 February 2015, 12:29
Arrived this morning on a transporter with 7 miles on the clock

Not had a chance to drive it yet, but first impressions look good, and am very happy

Will sort out VCDS tweaks like locking beep, etc later on, along with radio station logos, etc

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/IMG_2786_zps0bf44003.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/IMG_2787_zps4406cc75.jpg)
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: bri on 04 February 2015, 19:45
looks great :cool:hard to beat tornado red , best of luck.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: p3asa on 04 February 2015, 20:40
Looking good.
The red certainly suits the GTD with the silver accents
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: Mark V GTD on 05 February 2015, 19:47
Looks great as a 3-door and really suits the colour in that format (well that colour and Carbon Grey too of course)  :-)
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 14 February 2015, 14:26
Nearly 1000 miles on it already :)

Tasks today were to clean it up after trips to Dundee, Perthshire, North Aberdeenshire and Inverness this week

Then fitted gloss black mirror covers, which I think look pretty good against the red and finish off the hardwired install of the Blackvue camera I started yesterday - cabling fully hidden, and the camera is barely noticeable from outside

Video quality is great, and the viewing software can overlay speed/GPS info and display Google maps info for journeys

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/IMG_2842_zpsea694ccf.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/IMG_2837_zpsda843331.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/bv1_zps03cc0eb8.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/bv2_zpsd7d7056b.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/bv3_zps3f71a6ed.png)
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: Zayvin on 14 February 2015, 15:54
Very nice phope!

Do you mind me asking where you got the mirror covers from please?

The Blackvue install looks very clean, and like you say, hardly noticeable. I have a Nextbase camera waiting to go on mine - makes me wonder if I made the right choice.
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: monkeyhanger on 14 February 2015, 16:31
Looking for a good and discrete front/rear combo dashcam for my R (arrival May?) that can keep running while parked up, or activate when it detects a bump.

I suppose it's less discrete when it isn't hidden in front of the rear view camera (as a rear one can't be tucked away). Anyone got any suggestions?
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: phope on 14 February 2015, 16:56
Very nice phope!

Do you mind me asking where you got the mirror covers from please?

The Blackvue install looks very clean, and like you say, hardly noticeable. I have a Nextbase camera waiting to go on mine - makes me wonder if I made the right choice.

I was looking around eBay UK and Germany, as you do, and actually found a set of new, unused and already painted covers on www.eBay.de for a silly cheap price, and postage was not that much to the UK

There's a few guides and posts on here about adding a fuse tap, which I used to connect a female 12v socket behind the glovebox, added a ground point as you can see with the yellow connector, then threaded the cable from behind the glovebox under the door seal, a-pillar cover and roof lining :

I just used a ignition switched 12v connection, so the camera powers on and off with the ignition - wasn't bothered about the parking camera feature

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/IMG_2845_zpsa4978584.jpg)
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 28 April 2016, 19:56
20,000 mile report...

Nothing to report  :grin:

No issues, no problems, no nothing

Just plenty of miles, and the engine is loosening up nicely.

Sport and Sound pack always raises a smile from those that hear it the first time

Service carried out last month, and I swear the car accelerates faster than before, but can't see any evidence of any ECU updates
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: djwoody on 11 August 2016, 10:59
I wonder if you can fit the Sport & Sound pack aftermarket?

I'd love that on my GTD, the only thing its missing
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 11 August 2016, 14:40
I believe you can, but not cheap

https://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/sound-booster-pro

https://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/sound-booster-pro/vw/complete-set-active-sound-incl-sound-booster-vw-golf-7
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: djwoody on 12 August 2016, 13:17
I believe you can, but not cheap

https://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/sound-booster-pro

https://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/sound-booster-pro/vw/complete-set-active-sound-incl-sound-booster-vw-golf-7

You're right, not cheap
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 23 October 2016, 14:26
30,000 miles hit this weekend

Forgot I hadn't fitted these....just in time for my summer wheels coming off  :grin:

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/csc_zpsmmve7cyg.png)
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: Watts on 23 October 2016, 17:59
30,000 miles hit this weekend

Forgot I hadn't fitted these....just in time for my summer wheels coming off  :grin:

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/phope1/csc_zpsmmve7cyg.png)

I fancy a set of those but they are a bit pricey for such a minor mod. Have you any pictures of them fitted to the car?
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 10 March 2017, 19:21
2nd service at 36k miles, and the rear discs were replaced due to corrosion

Just glad my company car lease people picked up the full bill of £328 plus the service cost  :shocked:

All very slick with the online video giving you the full breakdown of the inspection, plus the ability to authorise work online

(https://picload.org/image/rllolila/img_0385.png)
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 10 March 2017, 19:22
If I'd suspected that they would be replaced, wouldn't have bothered painting the hubs last week when the wheels were being swapped over to the summer wheels

(https://picload.org/image/rlodcwal/img_0361.jpg)
Title: Re: GTD ordered
Post by: GTDING on 11 March 2017, 23:15
+1 for Sport and Sound, I use it most of the time but nice to be able to 'turn off' the exhaust when you are on the motorway.

Keyless is also great on the diesel, it just starts itself whilst you buckle up (in terms of waiting for the plug to warm up in cold weather).

Nice spec phope, "enjoy" the wait - definitely worth it! :)

Sorry to resurrect an old post, but regarding the above, does the glow plug warm up with no further effort other than pushing the start/stop engine button?
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 12 March 2017, 10:57
Yeah, mine just takes a couple of seconds to warm up the glowplugs after pressing the switch.
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: GTDING on 12 March 2017, 11:09
Yeah, mine just takes a couple of seconds to warm up the glowplugs after pressing the switch.

Thanks, one less thing to worry about. Last diesel I had, before the GTD's, we needed to wait for the glow plug to warm, so wanted to be sure! Things move on and get easier I guess.

How are you finding the overall drive of the GTD? We're on our second one in a month, as the tuther one had problems. Do you find things feel differently, as to when you first drove your beast? Ours felt very light on the steering and soft on the suspension when brand new, compared to the first one we had. Strange, feels like a different car, but then I guess it is, though it is still a GTD!? :undecided:
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 12 March 2017, 16:33
It still feels very solid and direct. I occasionally drive the A6 (my wife uses it daily) and it has a completely different laid back character - softer, comfier, perhaps even sedate with the 190hp diesel and 7 speed automatic it has

If I take corners the speed I do in the GTD, there's noticeably more roll
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 12 March 2017, 17:26
It still feels very solid and direct. I occasionally drive the A6 (my wife uses it daily) and it has a completely different laid back character - softer, comfier, perhaps even sedate with the 190hp diesel and 7 speed automatic it has

If I take corners the speed I do in the GTD, there's noticeably more roll

Same for me coming from a CC and even with the suspension set to the hardest setting there was more tool in it. Although even set to the hardest setting it was barely harder than the standard suspension in the GTD
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 30 September 2017, 13:23
Redundancies are looming at work  :sad: , and I've not yet secured a new role that ticks the boxes that I want it to. Still have time on my side and several interesting opportunities are presenting themselves - just need to see if they are right for me - 50/50 at the moment whether I actually still want to stay  :grin:

Seeing as this is a company car, I'm thinking ahead just in case it goes back to the fleet pool in December (or earlier!), so this morning was spent swapping over number plates back to the original supplied ones. Removed the black mirror caps and Clubsport wheel caps last weekend to sell them on, and will stick my own winter wheels and tyres up for sale also

(https://picload.org/image/dglgawpa/img_1530.jpg)

This has been a brilliant car , and one that if I lose my job, will be sad to see this go. Although I'll no doubt be given the opportunity to buy the car, I doubt the price will be that competitive compared to dealer prices out there so I'd rather not be lumbered with buying this, only to then have to sell it again if other jobs come up that have cars supplied as well

Another reason is it is just under 47k miles on the lock, so will probably be closer to 50k in December, so will need a full service and MOT in February as well - let the fleet company or the next buyer take the pain of the service costs at that point  :grin:
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: corgi on 06 October 2017, 14:54
Mine goes back in December and will be replaced by a BMW 330e M-Sport - its a benefit in kind thing... I can have the 330e with plenty of kit and still be paying less to the government than a base GTD. I did try a GTE... but the rear suspension, I found, was rock hard (to take account of the batteries, I guess). The 330e has a good combination of speed and refinement, which given my own car is a Jag XKR 5.0, will provide me with a very good daily driver...

It has been a fine car. It is now on 63K miles or so. It seems to be more willing to rev now and is certainly using less fuel. My overall average in 63,040 miles is 47.69 and I'm neither Larry Leadfoot nor Driving Miss Daisy.

It still looks good, there are signs of the lacquer breaking down on a couple of the wheels, the interior is still solid with no rattles or squeaks.
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 30 November 2017, 19:42
Well, the car goes back to the fleet company tomorrow at just under 49k miles, and I finish up at work on the 11th before redundancy kicks in, so will take the train for my last week  :cry: :grin:

I've verbally accepted a new role already with another employer (hoping to start in January 2018  :cool: ) and a company car option is there with the new job - just need to find out what the options are once I get the contract papers to sign, and plan to get a wee temporary runaround to keep me mobile until a new car arrives.

I can genuinely say that this has been one of the most capable cars I've "owned" in a long time, and I'd happily have another Mk7 Golf or GTD. I'll have to closely look at the hybrid options that are out there for tax purposes however - maybe after a total of 21 VW and Audi cars, it could be time to try the dark side of BMW for a change  :grin:
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 02 December 2017, 12:49
Well, the car goes back to the fleet company tomorrow at just under 49k miles, and I finish up at work on the 11th before redundancy kicks in, so will take the train for my last week  :cry: :grin:

I've verbally accepted a new role already with another employer (hoping to start in January 2018  :cool: ) and a company car option is there with the new job - just need to find out what the options are once I get the contract papers to sign, and plan to get a wee temporary runaround to keep me mobile until a new car arrives.

I can genuinely say that this has been one of the most capable cars I've "owned" in a long time, and I'd happily have another Mk7 Golf or GTD. I'll have to closely look at the hybrid options that are out there for tax purposes however - maybe after a total of 21 VW and Audi cars, it could be time to try the dark side of BMW for a change  :grin:

Redundancy just before Christmas, f**k me that is not good timing. At least you have another job lined up.

Have to agree with you about the GTD being a very competent car especially with a little extra power.
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: phope on 02 December 2017, 13:48
Dead right....not ideal timing, but after 9 years, at least I get a nice redundancy payout to lob straight into the bank, get a few extra weeks off over Christmas, and start a new job in January that I can get a bit excited about and start perving over the company car options when the paper contract arrives next week (chased it up yesterday  :grin: )
Title: Re: GTD Tornado Red
Post by: I wanted a GTi on 03 December 2017, 16:38
Dead right....not ideal timing, but after 9 years, at least I get a nice redundancy payout to lob straight into the bank, get a few extra weeks off over Christmas, and start a new job in January that I can get a bit excited about and start perving over the company car options when the paper contract arrives next week (chased it up yesterday  :grin: )

Every cloud I suppose.