Few more pics, haven't been able to get some clean pics in the sunshine yet which is a shame cos the Lapiz looks fantastic in the sun!
First off this car is a completely different animal to the GTI, to the point where i feel that the GTI is probably the more rounded car to own and drive everyday, there are a couple of compromises that need to be made with the R, fuel consumption being a big one, boot space being another and to a certain extent ride comfort, although some of that is down to my R being on 19's and my GTI was on 18's, both with DCC, the R in comfort is acceptable but hit a pot hole and you know about it!! The pictures of the the R don't do it justice imo and i agree that it can look a bit plain compared the the GTI but when you see it in the flesh it looks so aggressive! And in race mode the driving experience matches the looks, the sound from the exhaust/actuator in the cabin is epic and you just can't resist giving it a little poke just to hear it!
but as much fun as it is you'll be lucky to get into 20's from the tank!
MPG so far if your pootling isn't great but it still needs to be run in and a couple more tanks of v power cos it was full of whatever rubbish the dealer uses! Having said that it could be worse, mid to high 20's if driving miss daisy round town and 34-35 with acc set to 75 on the motorway, so not all bad and i expect it to improve.
Keep your foot in it and it's rapid! It feels quite a bit quicker than the GTI but thats no big surprise but what is surprising is the extra nudge in the back at 4500rpm!
I mean it really flies!
It feels much more hardcore than my GTI did and depending on your mood it can be exactly what you want, tight, super quick with a fantastic soundtrack and unbelievably planted on the road, no understeer and little to no lag, but when you just want to nip to the shop, it'll do it but you won't be as comfortable as you would be in a GTI.
The manual box in the R is fantastic with a very short throw for a standard box, i have noticed some on/off hesitation in 1st and 2nd and i'm not the only one apparently, it's not too bad but something i'll be keeping an eye on, might be a mapping issue so will report it to VW and see what happens, i know a lot of people like the DSG box but it's been well covered that i just don't get on with it and imo the manual really suits the R.
Not sure if it's the Haldex system or what but it just feels hunkered down on the road and doesn't feel like it'll let go anytime soon when hoofing it on a roundabout, haven't turned the ESC off yet and tbh it's not really my thing, maybe if we get a bit of snow but i've no intention of backing it into a hedge!
The interior is much of the same really, very comfortable seats, i'm still not a fan of the grey alcantara but obviously you don't see it when your sat on them, the blue highlights are lovely as are the carbon effect inserts, it's a bit plainer/classy inside than the GTI which is nice and ideal if your not a fan of the plaid and brushed chrome (which i am btw).
To sum up then, the R is an awesome piece of kit and i'm absolutely loving it! It's generally easy to live with and is more of an event than the GTI, however if you don't need/want 4wd and nearly 300hp and have kids, then the GTI PP is for you!
