@ Fredgroves Someone has had a busy morning deconstructing the VW Configurator....very useful
My own few comments are:
Colours are not inspiring but Kings Red as a metallic paint option would be what I choose with a GTI or Oryx White. (I won't want a flat/solid colour), but £1,040 was always a huge cost (would definitely not let the car washers near the car with paying that amount for paint). So Kings Red and a more average £695 is a better all round option.
Wheels - As I thought 182 Richmond as standard on UK version. I do actually like these after not really liking GTI wheels since 2007. But I find it ironic that they sorted the wheel design out (IMO) and then ruined the car with that front bumper (large gaping mouth and 5 diamond Fogs).
Seats - I like the all in one seat designs, lets hope they are comfy, but they seem to have downgraded with no insignia/stitched in "GTI". I noticed the GTE had a leather option but that wasn't available in the GTI, its either configurator screw-up or you can't yet order leather in a UK GTI (what the logic would be I don't know). But I like the look of black leather seats with red piping on German Configurator.
Options - Don't like that Keyless is standard but I knew that was coming a long time ago.
Winter Pack - Seems churlish that its not standard after the end of 7.5 Its been standard since MY17 (from approx. May
2016, I skilfully bought mine before it was standard...boo!)
DCC - interesting that there are two options depending on size of wheels but that should mean a better tailored set-up
Pro Nav - I am glad it wasn't just me, I had been looking at that option and what else it gave you and I could only
conclude it was the option for streaming. Well £1600 is better spent elsewhere in the option list (or not at all)
Spare Wheel - I consider this essential item, so VW were one of last bastions of spare wheel and they have dropped
them to the option list as well now. When did I last have a puncture, maybe 2004. Would I want to cover myself with
having a spare wheel for what appears to be a rare occurrence. Like insurance I think I would happily pay £100 to save
me a night of misery and waiting on that one occasion something happened. But I wouldn't be paying the £100 as I
would be adding that to my free rubber mats that I expect with a car purchase (in reality probably never had free mats
but I like to think I got something)
Lights - I like others could live with normal LED headlights, I know the matrix headlights are £430 option on the Audi A3/S3
AC - Nice to have 3 zone climate, but sure I could live with 2 zone. Don't have too many passengers so seems unnecessary.
No mention of Akrapovic exhaust (of course that might be reserved for Cup and R only). Not that I want it at £3,000 but thought it might be there.
I think the GTE is closer on price than last time....or is that just because the GTI has been bumped up. Anyway I don't like the wheels on the GTE standard or option.
So I am waiting to see what Cup and R will offer.