GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: mcmaddy on 19 March 2020, 22:21
-
So it appears my TCR order is now up the swanny seeing as though VW are closing all the European factories. Now before anyone gets all arsey I know new cars should not be important at times like this but it's still disappointing non the less. Supposed to have been built this week but no updates from VW and the My VW app hasn't changed either. So if it now transpires my order has gone awry what other cars are alternatives to the TCR?
-
In stock TCR at a big discount?
-
In stock TCR at a big discount?
My thoughts too.
I’m sure with current interest rates finance could be sourced pretty cheaply if required.
Or be the first to order a mk8 and drive round with a massive cheesy grin - and that’s just the front bumper :lipsrsealed:
Is there no chance of finding an unregistered TCR sat in a dealer?
An R?
Then there’s the predictable i30N, Focus ST, A35, M135i...
(up! GTI? :grin: Still quite fancy one of those myself for a bit of cheap fun for a while)
-
Can't get a TCR with the spec I want. Heated screen, dynaudio and dcc and preferably grey. Nothing anywhere apparently.
Up is too small, i30n I couldn't justify the fuel costs, focus is terrible, a35 is expensive to spec it up and although the 135i is good by all accounts I'm not sure I want one.
-
Of course what spec people want is individual choice. But dynaudio would be something that I would easily drop of that was one of the blockers to getting a tcr if heart was set on one.
After marker options probably better, cheaper and still can look oem.
I specced heated screen on mine but only used it once since September. Would I spec it again? No. But would it stop me getting one if I couldn’t? No. Get the car and some de-icer. :cool:
-
Is it not viable to keep what you have a bit longer until things settle down a bit, rather than buy a 'compromise' car? :undecided:
-
So it appears my TCR order is now up the swanny seeing as though VW are closing all the European factories.
Supposed to have been built this week but no updates from VW and the My VW app hasn't changed either.
The ‘My VW’ app is notorious for being incorrect or updating late. The confirmed build week on the App is often shown a week later than the true build week, so if it shows the confirmed build week as this week, it could’ve actually been built last week. There've also been owners over on uk-polos.net who’ve taken delivery of their cars and been driving around for a number of weeks and the App is still saying the car is in transit from the factory.
In your position before considering alternatives, if you’ve not already checked with your dealer, it’d be worth doing so, as they should have access to more accurate, up to date information.
If you’re happy to go a bit smaller than a Golf but want to stay with VW, you could consider the Polo GTi+. VW’s Uitenhage factory in South Africa (where the Polo GTI is built) is still currently operating and cars are being built, although how long it’ll be before this changes is anyone’s guess. There are a usually good selection on nearly new models in the VW dealer network though. The current Polo is almost identical in terms of size as a mk4 Golf, pretty well equipped in standard spec, although if a heated screen is a deal breaker, you can’t get one on a Polo GTI+.
-
Is it not viable to keep what you have a bit longer until things settle down a bit, rather than buy a 'compromise' car? :undecided:
I was already in last chance saloon when I ordered the tcr, the order books closed the day after. I'm not exactly slumming it either in my current car with it being a GTi pp with only 30k on the clock so keeping longer will be a pleasant option 👍
-
Of course what spec people want is individual choice. But dynaudio would be something that I would easily drop of that was one of the blockers to getting a tcr if heart was set on one.
After marker options probably better, cheaper and still can look oem.
I specced heated screen on mine but only used it once since September. Would I spec it again? No. But would it stop me getting one if I couldn’t? No. Get the car and some de-icer. :cool:
reason I've specced screen is because the car sits outside in all weathers not just winter but summer. The standard heater does a good job but if I'm potentially keeping this for up to four years or longer then the spec needs to be right for me.
-
So it appears my TCR order is now up the swanny seeing as though VW are closing all the European factories.
Supposed to have been built this week but no updates from VW and the My VW app hasn't changed either.
The ‘My VW’ app is notorious for being incorrect or updating late. The confirmed build week on the App is often shown a week later than the true build week, so if it shows the confirmed build week as this week, it could’ve actually been built last week. There've also been owners over on uk-polos.net who’ve taken delivery of their cars and been driving around for a number of weeks and the App is still saying the car is in transit from the factory.
In your position before considering alternatives, if you’ve not already checked with your dealer, it’d be worth doing so, as they should have access to more accurate, up to date information.
If you’re happy to go a bit smaller than a Golf but want to stay with VW, you could consider the Polo GTi+. VW’s Uitenhage factory in South Africa (where the Polo GTI is built) is still currently operating and cars are being built, although how long it’ll be before this changes is anyone’s guess. There are a usually good selection on nearly new models in the VW dealer network though. The current Polo is almost identical in terms of size as a mk4 Golf, pretty well equipped in standard spec, although if a heated screen is a deal breaker, you can’t get one on a Polo GTI+.
to be fair my sales guy has been excellent and he confirmed a few weeks ago that I was build week 12. He then re checked earlier this week and told me it was still bw12. Dealerships apparently haven't been told anything about factories shutting so hopefully he'll find out something today.
-
Not 100% what it had but there was a grey one in St Albans when I visited which I think had windscreen and dynaudio
-
Not 100% what it had but there was a grey one in St Albans when I visited which I think had windscreen and dynaudio
👍👍
-
All the problems at present in the world and you are worried about a heated windscreen. Madness
-
All the problems at present in the world and you are worried about a heated windscreen. Madness
:grin: I was thinking the same!
I'd be hanging fire in the present climate as we are going to be in for some extremely tough times over the next 4-8 weeks. A friend who works for Porsche said they have closed for the factory initially for 2 weeks as of today. And their dealership is possibly closing as well.
-
i work for a car factory shut untill further notice :cry:
not looking good
-
Bentley motors is closing for 4 weeks from today
-
As painful as might be to discover, the first thing I would want to know is that my order is just delayed and will be fulfilled once times are deemed ok to.
It seems highly likely that none of us are not going to be driving as much as would then think I would likely just wait if the above statement gives me certainty that whenever time is appropriate the order will be completed.
Getting another car would be a painful experience of finding one on the forecourt that fits the spec that desire and that alone would be enough to just have me wait - Many things have and will go on extended hold before we can return to them and maybe with more appreciation and that will extend to the car.
So for me, just wait and not put self through a process that would likely be extended in its own right and might leave you not totally satisfied as you really wanted the TCR - Its a rare beast on roads and worth the wait even if longer than ever imagined but it is unprecedented times as we all know
-
All the problems at present in the world and you are worried about a heated windscreen. Madness
Why don't you actually read my first post where I clearly say about other things being more important or did you conveniently miss that bit!!
-
As painful as might be to discover, the first thing I would want to know is that my order is just delayed and will be fulfilled once times are deemed ok to.
It seems highly likely that none of us are not going to be driving as much as would then think I would likely just wait if the above statement gives me certainty that whenever time is appropriate the order will be completed.
Getting another car would be a painful experience of finding one on the forecourt that fits the spec that desire and that alone would be enough to just have me wait - Many things have and will go on extended hold before we can return to them and maybe with more appreciation and that will extend to the car.
So for me, just wait and not put self through a process that would likely be extended in its own right and might leave you not totally satisfied as you really wanted the TCR - Its a rare beast on roads and worth the wait even if longer than ever imagined but it is unprecedented times as we all know
yes until I know for sure what's happening then nothing can and will be done. I'm in the position at the minute where I'm still driving into work daily so nothing reduced at all. Local councils don't seem to want to tell people to work at home unfortunately 🤷♂️
-
mcmaddy, that's a shame, hopefully your dealer will find out it's already built and awaiting shipping. It's a really great car so I'm sure you'll love it!
As for discussing new cars given the current issues, yes please! So much doom and gloom we need to escape from plus as horrible as things are for some people, life goes on and it's for living and enjoying while you can :smiley:
-
mcmaddy, that's a shame, hopefully your dealer will find out it's already built and awaiting shipping. It's a really great car so I'm sure you'll love it!
As for discussing new cars given the current issues, yes please! So much doom and gloom we need to escape from plus as horrible as things are for some people, life goes on and it's for living and enjoying while you can :smiley:
well said and so true. Hopefully it's built (fingers and toes crossed) :smiley:
-
Apologies probably didn’t read initial post We are all very lucky that we can still probably get out and about in cars and not have to worry about public transport. Which would be a worry at this stage
-
So it appears my TCR order is now up the swanny seeing as though VW are closing all the European factories. Now before anyone gets all arsey I know new cars should not be important at times like this but it's still disappointing non the less. Supposed to have been built this week but no updates from VW and the My VW app hasn't changed either. So if it now transpires my order has gone awry what other cars are alternatives to the TCR?
Sorry to hear that McDaddy. There is a lot of disappointment for a lot of people on a lot of fronts, you shouldn't have to defend yourself. I'm distracting myself from the relentless news corona cycle at the moment with cars so happy to chat options. :smiley:
The TCR is hard to beat. I'd probably compromise on my spec if you can negotiate the price to where you want. Heated windscreen is really helpful in winter and does save using de-icer which I've never been a fan of for what it does to polish and finishes. I must say that having lived with Pure Grey, it's a superb colour in all weathers and light so wouldn't compromise on that. I have DCC and find it useful although I rarely change it out of personal settings.
The Dynaudio I'd not bother with but I've been of the view for a long time that I prefer the sound of the exhaust and that cars are a poor acoustic environment to listen to music so the standard system is sufficient. I know it can be improved but I don't see the point. One of my mates has a Burmester system in his 911 and it's great, it really is but then again it was close to £4k. You can buy decent separates from Linn, Quad or someone like that for that sort of money. Personal preference of course, no judgement.
You'll probably laugh at the suggestion but have you considered a Yaris GR? I know, Yaris but it's that in name alone. I've ordered one with the circuit pack and it promises to be a lot of fun. £33.5k fully spec'd with two LSDs and a homologation special.
-
mcmaddy, that's a shame, hopefully your dealer will find out it's already built and awaiting shipping. It's a really great car so I'm sure you'll love it!
As for discussing new cars given the current issues, yes please! So much doom and gloom we need to escape from plus as horrible as things are for some people, life goes on and it's for living and enjoying while you can :smiley:
well said and so true. Hopefully it's built (fingers and toes crossed) :smiley:
You have to get your TCR now as it's partly your fault I have mine, you were one of those that told me life's too short :laugh:
Apologies probably didn’t read initial post We are all very lucky that we can still probably get out and about in cars and not have to worry about public transport. Which would be a worry at this stage
Public transport is pretty horrible at the best of times but now, you are right!
-
Apologies probably didn’t read initial post We are all very lucky that we can still probably get out and about in cars and not have to worry about public transport. Which would be a worry at this stage
actually a good point, would much rather use my own car than have to use public transport. I know a new car at this point isn't the best of subjects but no one had a clue any of this was going to happen.
-
As for discussing new cars given the current issues, yes please! So much doom and gloom we need to escape from plus as horrible as things are for some people, life goes on and it's for living and enjoying while you can :smiley:
Precisely! We need some sort of distraction in our lives from the current situation and family health and finance uncertainties.
On a Golf GTI forum it’s quite likely our cars are our hobbies as well as our basic transport so it’s important to have a positive focus, plus the businesses that rely on us to stay afloat need to still turn over just to exist even in the shorter term, be it new cars, modifications or maintenance and cleaning. Same with any hobby right now and particularly those that have more time on their hands suddenly (I’m having to go to work as normal all the way through but many don’t).
Having been through an admittedly mild winter with a heated front screen, but using the car during the coldest darkest hours right through) I’d certainly not say it’s an essential. It’s ok, but so is a jug of lukewarm water! (De-icer is evil)
Dynaudio is fantastic when sat at traffic lights with the engine off!
Ok, it’s better than the standard system all the time but not massively so unless the volume is up a few notches to drown out the TCR exhaust burble and tyre noise.
Half the point of a TCR is its exhaust noise though!
Dynaudio is nice but its biggest benefit on the move is the sub in the boot. A Helix sub can easily be retrofitted to a car without Dynaudio.
Colour? I guess the draw of a TCR to many is Pure Grey.
It was one of my must haves.
But I ended up with white and think it looks great!
The Yaris GR is a great suggestion though. Probably a half decent investment too.
Probably a bit too hardcore for me but something I’ll be keeping a close eye on (along with many other FWD hot hatch aficionados).
-
So it appears my TCR order is now up the swanny seeing as though VW are closing all the European factories.
Supposed to have been built this week but no updates from VW and the My VW app hasn't changed either.
The ‘My VW’ app is notorious for being incorrect or updating late. The confirmed build week on the App is often shown a week later than the true build week, so if it shows the confirmed build week as this week, it could’ve actually been built last week. There've also been owners over on uk-polos.net who’ve taken delivery of their cars and been driving around for a number of weeks and the App is still saying the car is in transit from the factory.
I just had to check the App after reading your post. My Aug 1st 2018 delivered Polo GTI+ is still in transit according to the tracker. :grin:
-
Thanks chaps, the Yaris is too small unfortunately, like the Up. I've had my current golf for over three years now which has been a record for me in recent years so I'm pretty fixed with the spec I'm after. I could have easily kept the current GTi until it's four in December so if the TCR is as least as good then I'll be having it the same time frame. Hopefully some good news will come either over the weekend or on Monday and apologies if my twisting on about a new car in the current Corona crisis isn't to everyone's liking. Stay safe everyone 🤞
-
Dynaudio is fantastic when sat at traffic lights with the engine off!
Ok, it’s better than the standard system all the time but not massively so unless the volume is up a few notches to drown out the TCR exhaust burble and tyre noise.
Half the point of a TCR is its exhaust noise though!
Dynaudio is nice but its biggest benefit on the move is the sub in the boot. A Helix sub can easily be retrofitted to a car without Dynaudio.
I disagree.
The standard stereo is 8x normal paper-cone speakers with a standard 4x20w (80w max power) output driven from the main headunit (both Discover or Discover Pro).
Dynaudio is 400w (max power) sent over 9x speakers (8 speakers plus the sub), powered via a separate Dynaudio amp, not the headhunt. The front and rear speakers are 2-way sets (dual soft-dome tweeters and magnesium mid drivers), and the sub in the boot is a coil dual-voice.
The benefits are cumulative and huge, it's not just the sub. I've rattled on about this many a time, if you just listen to the radio around town and aren't into music, then the standard system prob is ok... but if you enjoy music and/or spend a lot of time in the car listening to music, then the Dynaudio really is a no brainer. Once you have it set-up (through the specific Dynaudio software menus in the headhunit) to your taste and sound type, it really does wipe the floor with the standard system, not to mention IMO easily beats BOSE and HK offerings I've had in other cars. The only system it's not beaten IMO is the 1200w Meridian System I had in my Range Rover Sport, but that was 3x the power (and price!).
The only thing about Dynaudio that can be annoying is how sensitive it can sometimes be to the source (bitrate mainly).
:)
-
You'll probably laugh at the suggestion but have you considered a Yaris GR? I know, Yaris but it's that in name alone. I've ordered one with the circuit pack and it promises to be a lot of fun. £33.5k fully spec'd with two LSDs and a homologation special.
Interesting, was hoping to hear somewhere here had ordered. Not sure on the h-word though :wink:
mcmaddy, I think you need to channel Kirsty and Phil into your dilemma. Got to compromise somewhere if you can't achieve the seemingly impossible.
-
As for discussing new cars given the current issues, yes please! So much doom and gloom we need to escape from plus as horrible as things are for some people, life goes on and it's for living and enjoying while you can :smiley:
Precisely! We need some sort of distraction in our lives from the current situation and family health and finance uncertainties.
On a Golf GTI forum it’s quite likely our cars are our hobbies as well as our basic transport so it’s important to have a positive focus, plus the businesses that rely on us to stay afloat need to still turn over just to exist even in the shorter term, be it new cars, modifications or maintenance and cleaning. Same with any hobby right now and particularly those that have more time on their hands suddenly (I’m having to go to work as normal all the way through but many don’t).
Colour? I guess the draw of a TCR to many is Pure Grey.
It was one of my must haves.
But I ended up with white and think it looks great!
The white does look good, I think a colour which provides sufficient contrast to the black parts works well. I couldn't imagine the CS/CSS in anything other than white for heritage and aesthetic reasons.
The Yaris GR is a great suggestion though. Probably a half decent investment too.
Probably a bit too hardcore for me but something I’ll be keeping a close eye on (along with many other FWD hot hatch aficionados).
I don't think that the GR will be an investment, possibly too niche and the only money to be made is if you have a very early car and flip it to someone who doesn't want to wait but it's not a limited edition or limited production run vehicle. GR is actually AWD with driver modes offering adjustable bias. Deliveries were expected late this year but with corona, who knows.
-
You'll probably laugh at the suggestion but have you considered a Yaris GR? I know, Yaris but it's that in name alone. I've ordered one with the circuit pack and it promises to be a lot of fun. £33.5k fully spec'd with two LSDs and a homologation special.
Interesting, was hoping to hear somewhere here had ordered. Not sure on the h-word though :wink:
I know, I know. I wondered if I'd be called out on that! :grin: The last Gazoo Racing endorsement I encountered was a Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition I had a drive in last year out in South Africa. It was basically a standard Hilux with sticker pack and a couple of cabin options so get the scepticism. The Yaris GR appears to be in line with what I'd expect from GR involvement.
Dealer took my order the day order books opened and said they expected demonstrators in September. That'll have changed now but still looking forward to trying it. So glad it doesn't have an electronic hand brake, I felt sure that manual gearboxes and hand brakes were endangered!
-
Very Doom and gloom. But here's some positive distraction. A mate has just been out to drive this and considering it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/jSPTYswG/Screenshot-2020-03-20-at-17-45-48.png) (https://postimg.cc/rDV3S29J)
-
That's an awful colour, but it looks great!
-
That's an awful colour, but it looks great!
Yes, not a fan. Looks like it missing some black blobs and then could be suitable for army use... :grin:
-
Very Doom and gloom. But here's some positive distraction. A mate has just been out to drive this and considering it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/jSPTYswG/Screenshot-2020-03-20-at-17-45-48.png) (https://postimg.cc/rDV3S29J)
Afraid it does nothing for me and doubly so with that colour.
Two brands of sports car which have never ever and will never appeal to me are Lotus and Ferrari. The only time I have ever been in a Lotus, I bled all over it. Friend's car, brand new and had a screw on the door that had been over torqued and as a result, a piece of swarf was sticking proud. It ripped right through my arm and I still have a scar. I've never seen one that looked much more than a kit car.
I know a few friends who love them. Go figure. But then I like Golfs and fast 'Beetles'.... :grin:
-
Dynaudio is fantastic when sat at traffic lights with the engine off!
Ok, it’s better than the standard system all the time but not massively so unless the volume is up a few notches to drown out the TCR exhaust burble and tyre noise.
Half the point of a TCR is its exhaust noise though!
Dynaudio is nice but its biggest benefit on the move is the sub in the boot. A Helix sub can easily be retrofitted to a car without Dynaudio.
I disagree.
The standard stereo is 8x normal paper-cone speakers with a standard 4x20w (80w max power) output driven from the main headunit (both Discover or Discover Pro).
Dynaudio is 400w (max power) sent over 9x speakers (8 speakers plus the sub), powered via a separate Dynaudio amp, not the headhunt. The front and rear speakers are 2-way sets (dual soft-dome tweeters and magnesium mid drivers), and the sub in the boot is a coil dual-voice.
The benefits are cumulative and huge, it's not just the sub. I've rattled on about this many a time, if you just listen to the radio around town and aren't into music, then the standard system prob is ok... but if you enjoy music and/or spend a lot of time in the car listening to music, then the Dynaudio really is a no brainer. Once you have it set-up (through the specific Dynaudio software menus in the headhunit) to your taste and sound type, it really does wipe the floor with the standard system, not to mention IMO easily beats BOSE and HK offerings I've had in other cars. The only system it's not beaten IMO is the 1200w Meridian System I had in my Range Rover Sport, but that was 3x the power (and price!).
The only thing about Dynaudio that can be annoying is how sensitive it can sometimes be to the source (bitrate mainly).
:)
Sorry, landed face down in my pasta halfway through that! Zzzzz :laugh:
Only joking :smiley:
Unfortunately my ears, memory and brain processing are far inferior to yours, it’s one of the things I love about forums in that there’s always someone with an intricate knowledge and appreciation of finite details on any given area. That combined knowledge base is invaluable.
I guess there’s a massive variation of compromise versus finickiness in all areas of cars and their owners. (I won’t get started on throttle pedal response :lipsrsealed: )
I’m no audiophile I’m afraid.
Kind of reminds me of an old colleague of mine from 20 odd years ago.
A bachelor who lived in a one bedroom flat and spent around £10k on Naim Audio hi-fi only to play nothing but thrash metal on it! His poor neighbours!!
I’m not quite that bad either. A TCR isn’t an ideal place for audio appreciation though. The exhaust sounds quite nice though...
... unless you’re an exhaustphile :whistle:
Oh, and I still say DCC isn’t anywhere near essential in a Golf either :whistle:
-
That's an awful colour, but it looks great!
Yes, not a fan. Looks like it missing some black blobs and then could be suitable for army use... :grin:
Very Doom and gloom. But here's some positive distraction. A mate has just been out to drive this and considering it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/jSPTYswG/Screenshot-2020-03-20-at-17-45-48.png) (https://postimg.cc/rDV3S29J)
Afraid it does nothing for me and doubly so with that colour.
Two brands of sports car which have never ever and will never appeal to me are Lotus and Ferrari. The only time I have ever been in a Lotus, I bled all over it. Friend's car, brand new and had a screw on the door that had been over torqued and as a result, a piece of swarf was sticking proud. It ripped right through my arm and I still have a scar. I've never seen one that looked much more than a kit car.
I know a few friends who love them. Go figure. But then I like Golfs and fast 'Beetles'.... :grin:
It's not my cup of tea either to be honest but that's what makes all different!
-
Dynaudio is fantastic when sat at traffic lights with the engine off!
Ok, it’s better than the standard system all the time but not massively so unless the volume is up a few notches to drown out the TCR exhaust burble and tyre noise.
Half the point of a TCR is its exhaust noise though!
Dynaudio is nice but its biggest benefit on the move is the sub in the boot. A Helix sub can easily be retrofitted to a car without Dynaudio.
I disagree.
The standard stereo is 8x normal paper-cone speakers with a standard 4x20w (80w max power) output driven from the main headunit (both Discover or Discover Pro).
Dynaudio is 400w (max power) sent over 9x speakers (8 speakers plus the sub), powered via a separate Dynaudio amp, not the headhunt. The front and rear speakers are 2-way sets (dual soft-dome tweeters and magnesium mid drivers), and the sub in the boot is a coil dual-voice.
The benefits are cumulative and huge, it's not just the sub. I've rattled on about this many a time, if you just listen to the radio around town and aren't into music, then the standard system prob is ok... but if you enjoy music and/or spend a lot of time in the car listening to music, then the Dynaudio really is a no brainer. Once you have it set-up (through the specific Dynaudio software menus in the headhunit) to your taste and sound type, it really does wipe the floor with the standard system, not to mention IMO easily beats BOSE and HK offerings I've had in other cars. The only system it's not beaten IMO is the 1200w Meridian System I had in my Range Rover Sport, but that was 3x the power (and price!).
The only thing about Dynaudio that can be annoying is how sensitive it can sometimes be to the source (bitrate mainly).
:)
Sorry, landed face down in my pasta halfway through that! Zzzzz :laugh:
Only joking :smiley:
Unfortunately my ears, memory and brain processing are far inferior to yours, it’s one of the things I love about forums in that there’s always someone with an intricate knowledge and appreciation of finite details on any given area. That combined knowledge base is invaluable.
I guess there’s a massive variation of compromise versus finickiness in all areas of cars and their owners. (I won’t get started on throttle pedal response :lipsrsealed: )
I’m no audiophile I’m afraid.
Kind of reminds me of an old colleague of mine from 20 odd years ago.
A bachelor who lived in a one bedroom flat and spent around £10k on Naim Audio hi-fi only to play nothing but thrash metal on it! His poor neighbours!!
I’m not quite that bad either. A TCR isn’t an ideal place for audio appreciation though. The exhaust sounds quite nice though...
... unless you’re an exhaustphile :whistle:
Oh, and I still say DCC isn’t anywhere near essential in a Golf either :whistle:
I can't argue with km's (apologies for the abbreviation!) arguement in favour of Dynaudio but it is an extra of subjective benefit. I love quality audio, in the house I have an (admittedly ageing) Linn active (or Aktiv as Linn like to call it) seperates system which although not state of the art, is still pretty good but in the car I'm just not interested, as long as it's reasonable.
Exonian - I'm also not bothered by DCC, DSG is okay but not essential and yes, a pedalbox is a must! But only in my opinion of course, etto :laugh:
-
Exonian:
You have Pasta? :laugh: Can't find any myself.
-
Hi, might be worth checking out VW Heritage at Yeovil.
I purchased my Grey TCR last week, with 23 miles on the clock, 69 plate. (black roof, Reifnitz performance pack, dynaudio, voice activation, lane assist with emergency thing). Saved about 10k, 32k.5k
Really good service, they also had 2 red ones, 2 grey ones and a black one, all with low mileage, and all priced to sell, as massively discounted.
Speak to Gary Chan if your interested.
-
👍👍
-
Based on this https://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=286324.0 (https://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=286324.0) it seems that production is still occurring at present.
-
Very Doom and gloom. But here's some positive distraction. A mate has just been out to drive this and considering it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/jSPTYswG/Screenshot-2020-03-20-at-17-45-48.png) (https://postimg.cc/rDV3S29J)
Afraid it does nothing for me and doubly so with that colour.
Two brands of sports car which have never ever and will never appeal to me are Lotus and Ferrari. The only time I have ever been in a Lotus, I bled all over it. Friend's car, brand new and had a screw on the door that had been over torqued and as a result, a piece of swarf was sticking proud. It ripped right through my arm and I still have a scar. I've never seen one that looked much more than a kit car.
I know a few friends who love them. Go figure. But then I like Golfs and fast 'Beetles'.... :grin:
Inadvertently stumbled across one of this salvage videos where someone stumbled on what seemed on surface not too bad a repair to a Ferrari but wow! what a complex set up they are, even the simplest task of changing a hose or a lead required taking apart most of the car it seemed and even with some rooting around, the price of parts was off the scale - Imagine Porsche despite having some of the complexities needed that makes them the performance cars they are, have some logic in terms of maintenance as the Ferrari certainly did not.
-
Exonian:
You have Pasta? :laugh: Can't find any myself.
Briefly!
It’s not often I have a genuine status symbol in my possession so felt obliged to show off :grin:
My son’s girlfriend was clearing out her uni digs, found half a bag in a cupboard and made a charitable donation to us!! :whistle:
-
Of course what spec people want is individual choice. But dynaudio would be something that I would easily drop of that was one of the blockers to getting a tcr if heart was set on one.
After marker options probably better, cheaper and still can look oem.
I specced heated screen on mine but only used it once since September. Would I spec it again? No. But would it stop me getting one if I couldn’t? No. Get the car and some de-icer. :cool:
Only once? I reckon the heated screen is ace. I don’t have a garage though at home.
-
You'll probably laugh at the suggestion but have you considered a Yaris GR? I know, Yaris but it's that in name alone. I've ordered one with the circuit pack and it promises to be a lot of fun. £33.5k fully spec'd with two LSDs and a homologation special.
Interesting, was hoping to hear somewhere here had ordered. Not sure on the h-word though :wink:
Must admit, the gr Yaris NBA’s tempted me. Will wait and drive one!
I know, I know. I wondered if I'd be called out on that! :grin: The last Gazoo Racing endorsement I encountered was a Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition I had a drive in last year out in South Africa. It was basically a standard Hilux with sticker pack and a couple of cabin options so get the scepticism. The Yaris GR appears to be in line with what I'd expect from GR involvement.
Dealer took my order the day order books opened and said they expected demonstrators in September. That'll have changed now but still looking forward to trying it. So glad it doesn't have an electronic hand brake, I felt sure that manual gearboxes and hand brakes were endangered!
-
Very Doom and gloom. But here's some positive distraction. A mate has just been out to drive this and considering it.
Afraid it does nothing for me and doubly so with that colour.
Two brands of sports car which have never ever and will never appeal to me are Lotus and Ferrari. The only time I have ever been in a Lotus, I bled all over it. Friend's car, brand new and had a screw on the door that had been over torqued and as a result, a piece of swarf was sticking proud. It ripped right through my arm and I still have a scar. I've never seen one that looked much more than a kit car.
I know a few friends who love them. Go figure. But then I like Golfs and fast 'Beetles'.... :grin:
Inadvertently stumbled across one of this salvage videos where someone stumbled on what seemed on surface not too bad a repair to a Ferrari but wow! what a complex set up they are, even the simplest task of changing a hose or a lead required taking apart most of the car it seemed and even with some rooting around, the price of parts was off the scale - Imagine Porsche despite having some of the complexities needed that makes them the performance cars they are, have some logic in terms of maintenance as the Ferrari certainly did not.
A bit off-topic not but as complex as Ferrari's are, it amazing what can be done. This was a friend of mine's Speciale back in 2015 following some 'standing water' and despite obviously being written off, it was then sale on Autotrader 6 months later having been re-shelled. Personally, I thought to turn it into an Aperta was quite a good move... :smiley:
(https://i.postimg.cc/hP5Nd7mF/fullsizeoutput-43b.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
-
Are you sure you don’t want an M135i?
Look at the state of this :cool:
(https://i.imgur.com/wA1e3ow.jpg)
-
Are you sure you don’t want an M135i?
Look at the state of this :cool:
(https://i.imgur.com/wA1e3ow.jpg)
That's Motech number 2 car, I think it looks great.
Ive got a Misano blue M135i, Ive only had it just over a week and I think its fantastic up to now.
Do it- you wont regret it!!
-
Are you sure you don’t want an M135i?
Look at the state of this :cool:
(https://i.imgur.com/wA1e3ow.jpg)
Looks ok with all that extra kit on. But still think the front grill is too deep. Not a huge fan of the overall shape.
Really like the interiors though and looking forward to the arrival of my 330e.
-
Of course what spec people want is individual choice. But dynaudio would be something that I would easily drop of that was one of the blockers to getting a tcr if heart was set on one.
After marker options probably better, cheaper and still can look oem.
I specced heated screen on mine but only used it once since September. Would I spec it again? No. But would it stop me getting one if I couldn’t? No. Get the car and some de-icer. :cool:
It is great. It’s just been a mild winter, coupled with less early mornings for work I haven’t had a need to use it much.
Only once? I reckon the heated screen is ace. I don’t have a garage though at home.
-
That's Motech number 2 car, I think it looks great.
Ive got a Misano blue M135i, Ive only had it just over a week and I think its fantastic up to now.
Do it- you wont regret it!!
The Motech car does look good, especially from the rear. :cool:
How about a mini review of yours and how it compares to a Golf, Gtiless :smiley:
-
The Motech edition M135i looks great, does anyone know the additional cost to have it sitting like that one in the picture?
-
M135i is growing on me. I think a Black one would look 👌
Hopefully VW won’t keep us waiting much longer before specs, prices and options will give us something to do of an evening :whistle: :laugh:
-
That's Motech number 2 car, I think it looks great.
Ive got a Misano blue M135i, Ive only had it just over a week and I think its fantastic up to now.
Do it- you wont regret it!!
The Motech car does look good, especially from the rear. :cool:
How about a mini review of yours and how it compares to a Golf, Gtiless :smiley:
:smiley:Ill have a bit of a think and see if I can string a coherant "review" of sorts together as a comparison to my Gti.
Leave it with me and see if I can come up with some thing worth reading!
-
Don't forget the important things;-
• Does it have a gas strut to prop open the bonnet?
• How are the rear door cappings?
:nerd:
-
:smiley: Ill have a bit of a think and see if I can string a coherant "review" of sorts together as a comparison to my Gti.
Leave it with me and see if I can come up with some thing worth reading!
:afro: just wing it!
Can’t be worse than some of the crap I’ve posted up over the years!
Features you prefer in one car and things you prefer in the other.
Some of the nice little touches you’ve noticed.
Any minor gripes.
How the engine, gearbox and suspension compare...
Doesn’t have to be written like a professional journalist, it’s always nice to read real owners thoughts in their own words.
A few standout things I remember from my test drive were along the lines of how rigid the shell felt which I only really appreciated when I jumped back into my CS and drove the same road again straight afterwards.
The solidity of the cabin plastics.
The Soundaktor sounded far better than the Golf one.
The exhaust pops made me smile on startup, thankfully absent on the move though. (Not thst I’ve got anything against exhaust snap crackle and pop as it can be very amusing, I’m just getting a bit old for all that)
Oh, and how darned good the rear end looked up close in the flesh.
-
Don't forget the important things;-
• Does it have a gas strut to prop open the bonnet?
• How are the rear door cappings?
:nerd:
:grin:
-
M135i is growing on me. I think a Black one would look 👌
Hopefully VW won’t keep us waiting much longer before specs, prices and options will give us something to do of an evening :whistle: :laugh:
Followed one for quite distance at weekend (delivering supplies to a shielded individual will add) and the rear has a far better presence than the many photos that saw gave impression of to point made the statement that "quite like that"
Would have to see the rest of the car (which might be a while) to make a full judgement but view is tilted to the positive now from seeing one in person
Did a grand total of 90 miles in my TCR last week, the wife car has not moved for a fortnight - driving is an enjoyable and relaxing experience for me but other things take precedence obviously - will definitely be going on a long drive out to some area of beauty when times right again to.
-
Mine went to the supermarket and back yesterday, first time it has moved in nearly a week :sad: Working from home so trips out are going to be very rare for sometime now...
-
Anyone else noticed the keyless entry not working? Went out yesterday to get some things and it wouldn't open at all, had to use the key fob. Works fine after that though.
-
Had you inadvertently disabled it? I disable mine everytime I park it outside the house, just in case.
-
Anyone else noticed the keyless entry not working? Went out yesterday to get some things and it wouldn't open at all, had to use the key fob. Works fine after that though.
Part of the Gov lockdown :grin:
-
Had you inadvertently disabled it? I disable mine everytime I park it outside the house, just in case.
mines a 7 so it doesn't disable like the 7.5
-
Maybe you hadn't used it for a while and the system goes into battery saving mode?
-
Only a couple of days since last used Fred. Its like it needs rebooting :grin:
-
on the subject of keyless, I have got a little lazy and just been opening the faraday pouch enough for the key to be recognised to open the doors. Think I may be then closing the pouch (or leaving it semi open) whilst driving, and the yellow warning dash symbol at the top of the aid and orangey key symbol shows lower in the aid - normally it then goes off of its own accord after a few seconds of driving but tonight it kept on for the 3 mile journey home - the cars drives normally though? I am new to keyless and guess I should not be doing what I am doing but seems odds that the vehicle is sensing a key error but still able to drive?
-
It'll let you drive it until the engines turned off. Take the key out of the pouch and put it next to where a normal key would go on the column. Light should go out and the car will pick the key up.
-
VW Golf Gti Mk7 Dsg/ BMW M135i xDrive a mini review.
Roll up ladies and gents for my much demanded comparison of my 14 plate Gti against the all new M135i!!
Firstly a bit of back ground,I have always loved Golfs and had a few over the years,not as many as some on here but most recently a Mk4 GT TDi, then a MK5 GT TDi, a MK6 Gti and then onto my MK7 Gti in carbon grey with the superb DSG box.
I really liked that car and I huffed and puffed for around a year looking at a few Mk7.5 PP and a couple of TCRs, even a Golf R or two but I couldn't seem drop on the right car that "called" to me. I kept reading about the new M135i and whenever I was driving passed the local BMW dealer Id drop in and see what they had in the showroom. They start to grow on you in the metal and look far better in real life than the pictures would suggest, the rear view imo looks great and I have even become to like the much maligned front end with the larger cerium grill. I would go so far as to say when my car was parked at the side of an 18 plate 140i it made it look a bit dated.
Anyway I sat in a few and then borrowed a demo for the weekend-a Misano blue one with the standard 18" wheels.I thought the colour really popped but the smaller wheels look a bit lost on them TBH.
It had a few extras, but although they are pretty well specced as standard this came with BMWs technology packincluding the great head up display,its pretty configurable I have mine displaying speed limit vs actual speed and nav directions when you get used to using it is brilliant and you really miss it when you drive a vehicle without it. The tech pack also includes parking assistant,enhanced Bluetooth and wireless charging,a wifi hotspot and adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist.
It had the standard seats, so the heated alcantara M seats,which are a kind of multi adjustable bucket seat and for me are really comfortable and supportive,they probably hug you a bit more than the Golf seats do. Black or red leather is also available as an option.
The drive is great its probably a bit quicker than the Gti I think, its so easy to drive fast and gets to licence losing speeds very quickly. The 306 bhp 4 cylinder with the 8 speed auto will run you around in comfort mode with no drama at all but a good prod on the accelerator (especially if you press the sport button) then it transforms into a beast. From a junction even in the wet you have a job getting it to break traction and where the Golf would probably want to spin its front wheels and you would have to feather the throttle a bit you can just press and it grips and goes with no drama. In fact its very like a Golf in lots of respects.
The interior is a really nice place to be however I feel as its a newer gen car than my Golf was its a bit unfair to compare the newer tech-the digital dash and the middle touch screen with idrive and speech command are great though,Im no computer nerd but you soon find your way around it all. One reservation for me is I have an android phone and its only got Apple carplay at the moment- Android auto is supposed to be coming as an over the air update around June this year.
Up until I had the demo car I was going to spec Storm bay grey (kind of a Nardo grey not to dissimilar to the pure grey on the TCR) but in the flesh the Misano blue looks great especially in the sun and I ended up ordering a Blue one with the Tech pack I spoke about above and the M pack which includes the 19" 557 wheels (which look so much better IMO) sun protection glass and Harmon Kardon enhanced Hifi.
It was ordered end of Jan and I sold my Gti to a dealer back then (really sad to see it go but,,,) and so after a 7 or so week wait I picked it up 20th of March just in time for the end of the world apocalypse we all now find ourselves in.
I really like the car but if I knew what was coming I would have definitely held onto my Golf for a while longer- I could have had the diamond cut alloys refurbed and it would have been mint,(the lady who owned it for its first 12 months wrecked all 4 alloys and I was never happy with them-thanks JCT600)
Its a bit of a step up from the Mk7 but as I said I dont feel its really a fair comparison because its 6 years on technology wise maybe a Mk7.5 PP would give it a fairer run for its money and as great as my Golf was this is a rung or so up I would say.
I dont regret the swap ( well apart from the end of the world bit- I would have hung onto my money,I have bought it its not a lease) but as I said I couldn't drop on a Golf I liked and from what I have seen of the Mk8 Im not overly impressed so we are where we are.
Sorry for all the random rambling and I hope I haven't bored you too much, if Ive missed anything anyone would like to know just ask and Ill see if I can find time amongst all the doing nothing to give you an answer.
-
Gtiless - interesting post and good to hear 1st hand from someone who has had both. Would be possible to expand a wee bit further re ride comfort, engine/exhaust noise, practicality, real world mpg, seat comfort? Cheers
-
On the keyless subject...
The connect app showed my car as being unlocked a couple of days ago (noticed when I wanted to check the petrol status), but it was still locked (wing mirrors were in). This was the only thing that looked wrong on the app.
Question is - would this be the app that was displaying incorrect?
Reason why I ask is the door handles were tried on the car a couple of nights before (picked up on security cam). Is it possible the two could be related?
-
On the keyless subject...
The connect app showed my car as being unlocked a couple of days ago (noticed when I wanted to check the petrol status), but it was still locked (wing mirrors were in). This was the only thing that looked wrong on the app.
Question is - would this be the app that was displaying incorrect?
Reason why I ask is the door handles were tried on the car a couple of nights before (picked up on security cam). Is it possible the two could be related?
Had a similar 'blip' randomly checked the App one Sunday morning and it stated that all the doors were open and car unlocked!
Of course jumped out of bed to go have a look and car was fine, crashed the App and turned off/on wifi and everything back to what normally see.
Not done it since
Thought you get an actual alert when the handles are tried? only alerts I seen is when I leave the area.
-
On the keyless subject...
The connect app showed my car as being unlocked a couple of days ago (noticed when I wanted to check the petrol status), but it was still locked (wing mirrors were in). This was the only thing that looked wrong on the app.
Question is - would this be the app that was displaying incorrect?
I've had this a couple of times when I've moved the car quickly i.e. the car/ignition being switched on for 30secs. I think that's because the system doesn't get time to connect and send the status and relay correctly.
-
Had you inadvertently disabled it? I disable mine everytime I park it outside the house, just in case.
One of features that like on the 7.5 is the ability to disable KESSY which has become habit and not in anyway onerous.
-
Mine went to the supermarket and back yesterday, first time it has moved in nearly a week :sad: Working from home so trips out are going to be very rare for sometime now...
have predominately WFH for last 10 years with occassional trip in to London or road trip out to an office or vendor workplace so you would think pretty seasoned but its still different, the wife is sharing the work space is one, and she has always worked in an office and is still to settle! and as I work pretty flexibly given my work has Global connections, do like to pop out in the day to share a coffee, fetch something etc, so still some adjustment being undertaken even by someone used to the home working.
But we only being asked to stay in while others go into the face of this so above is an observation and not a gripe and willingly doing my little bit and following the guidance completely
Do have a run out today to deliver some top up supplies to our elderly parents and a shielded individual, just waiting to be stopped and having to explain myself as imagine in the TCR do look like am out for a jolly
-
GTIless, Pretty much the same as I felt about it after my test drive.
You are right insofar as the Mk7.5 (that I have) is more than a bit of a modernisation of the Mk7, but it still feels dated vs the new 1 series that I test drove.
-
Gtiless - interesting post and good to hear 1st hand from someone who has had both. Would be possible to expand a wee bit further re ride comfort, engine/exhaust noise, practicality, real world mpg, seat comfort? Cheers
I can help you with that.
The one I drove was on 18's and no DCC. It was perfectly comfortable, no different to the Golf, even on the super crap roads near me.
Engine noise is probably a bit faked like a Golf, but was suitably zoomy when you boot it. The exhaust popped and crackled on over-runs.
Practicality, its the same as a Golf. I parked next to one at the supermarket yesterday, its exactly the same dimensions.
I got 42mpg driving normally and 27mpg driving with the afterburners on.
Seats are lovely and comfy in the standard spec, although I'd spec the optional lumber support for max comfort.
-
Gtiless - interesting post and good to hear 1st hand from someone who has had both. Would be possible to expand a wee bit further re ride comfort, engine/exhaust noise, practicality, real world mpg, seat comfort? Cheers
I can help you with that.
The one I drove was on 18's and no DCC. It was perfectly comfortable, no different to the Golf, even on the super crap roads near me.
Engine noise is probably a bit faked like a Golf, but was suitably zoomy when you boot it. The exhaust popped and crackled on over-runs.
Practicality, its the same as a Golf. I parked next to one at the supermarket yesterday, its exactly the same dimensions.
I got 42mpg driving normally and 27mpg driving with the afterburners on.
Seats are lovely and comfy in the standard spec, although I'd spec the optional lumber support for max comfort.
Yes, I would echo Freds comments above AR, the ride is very similar to my Golf although the 135 is on 19"s and my Golf was on 18"s neither have adjustable suspension in fact with the larger wheels you strangely cant spec it on the BMW.
Yes I think a bit of fakery is going on with the engine noise inside the 135 but if you open the window it sounds suitably beefy without being silly, it does pop a bit on startup and some downshifts and as I have only done about 300 miles in it I think they do deepen up and pop a bit more with a few more miles on them.
Practicality, again very very Golf like its the same really almost like BMW have more or less copied a Golf.
MPG Im only getting about 25 ish at the moment but only really done short journeys and the engine will probably start to loosen up a bit with a few more miles so I would say room for improvement.
The seats really fit me and I find them very comfy (I did like the seats in the Gti as well tho) I didn't spec lumbar support and I haven't driven one with it so I cant really comment on if it makes much difference? Should be standard though IMO.
Mine is not true keyless in that you have to press to open the doors which I am glad about, if you had the Comfort pack that has the keyless (comfort) entry so that was a good reason to swerve that particular pack.
I also wanted to keep mine under the £40k limit because I didn't want to be paying the larger £500 per year road luxury tax so I was limited in the end as it came in at £39990 to avoid it.
-
Stick it into Sport+ mode and come swiftly towards somewhere and back off the throttle.... with the windows down.... you'll hear it pop and bang.
I enjoyed that bit a LOT :cool:
-
Had you inadvertently disabled it? I disable mine everytime I park it outside the house, just in case.
One of features that like on the 7.5 is the ability to disable KESSY which has become habit and not in anyway onerous.
Same here. I disable mine every time I lock the car and still keep both keys in faraday pouches.
-
What you could do with is KEY. It's this new system where you press a simple button to lock/unlock your car. You just leave KEY on the side, don't need to wear a tin foil hat nor check an app to see if the car is locked. It's the future.
-
What you could do with is KEY. It's this new system where you press a simple button to lock/unlock your car. You just leave KEY on the side, don't need to wear a tin foil hat nor check an app to see if the car is locked. It's the future.
I mean, realistically when would you ever need to lock or unlock your car via the app?
Yes, some things are best left just as they are. I do like a proper key. Although I remember on my S2000 that you had to put the key in, turn it round to on, then press the big red starter button. Was of an odd way but then it was part of the fun of driving a weekend car :smiley:
-
Although I remember on my S2000 that you had to put the key in, turn it round to on, then press the big red starter button. Was of an odd way but then it was part of the fun of driving a weekend car :smiley:
The heater controls were also weird, the stereo and wipers were crap and due to the high transmission tunnel the roof was a faff to put up/down... but the gearbox was a peach! Great fun on a sunny weekend blast, but the lack of low torque meant you have to be driving it at least 8 or 9 tenths most of the time, and the fact it was tricky in the cold/damp meant I couldn't use it as a daily so I got rid of mine... ironically for a TVR T350T (which is a whole different story!)... :grin:
Off thread topic, but what did you have, a MK1, Mk2 or Mk3? :)
-
Although I remember on my S2000 that you had to put the key in, turn it round to on, then press the big red starter button. Was of an odd way but then it was part of the fun of driving a weekend car :smiley:
The heater controls were also weird, the stereo and wipers were crap and due to the high transmission tunnel the roof was a faff to put up/down... but the gearbox was a peach! Great fun on a sunny weekend blast, but the lack of low torque meant you have to be driving it at least 8 or 9 tenths most of the time, and the fact it was tricky in the cold/damp meant I couldn't use it as a daily so I got rid of mine... ironically for a TVR T350T (which is a whole different story!)... :grin:
Off thread topic, but what did you have, a MK1, Mk2 or Mk3? :)
It certainly wasn't perfect but the engine and gearbox were great. Used to have the roof down almost every time I used it as it was purely a fun car. Wouldn't have fancied it as a daily!
Mine was an early one, 2000 W reg. Got it in 2006 with 38k on and sold with 47k on 2.5 years later so was fairly low miles. Sold it in 2008 and think values have increased ever since! :shocked:
Found a picture with my mates black one (which was silver but he decided he wanted black!)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rFD2mCP2/fullsizeoutput-43d.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXfV7D3m)
-
Mine was an early one, 2000 W reg. Got it in 2006 with 38k on and sold with 47k on 2.5 years later so was fairly low miles. Sold it in 2008 and think values have increased ever since! :shocked:
Found a picture with my mates black one (which was silver but he decided he wanted black!)
Mine was also a MK1, the last of the MK1's (with the plastic rear screen and original suspension setup) on a 2001 51 plate. Got it in Apr '04 sold it a year later in Aug '05. Berlina Black with the red seats. From memory I did about 9k in it.
Values have hugely increased, a friend of mine has been looking over a year for a MK1 that's in good condition and unmolested... he's still looking.
-
VW Golf Gti Mk7 Dsg/ BMW M135i xDrive a mini review.
Roll up ladies and gents for my much demanded comparison of my 14 plate Gti against the all new M135i!!
Firstly a bit of back ground,I have always loved Golfs and had a few over the years,not as many as some on here but most recently a Mk4 GT TDi, then a MK5 GT TDi, a MK6 Gti and then onto my MK7 Gti in carbon grey with the superb DSG box..........................................
Great read thanks for sharing.
I was toying on going from my Mk7 R to the m135i XDrive as I'm fed up waiting on the MK8 R to be revealed.
How did you find the 8 speed auto on the BMW compared to the DSG?
Your comment of "its probably a bit quicker than the Gti" was it not really that noticeable? I would have thought the 4 wheel drive would have made a considerable difference? Although I wonder if its the weight of the 4 wheel drive that gives it the impression its not that much quicker.
-
I'd say it was significantly quicker than the gti.... But it doesn't feel like an R does where it feels heavy and a bit less exciting.
The gearbox is pretty good, didn't find any real issues as a manual driver. Obviously in nutter mode it holds the changes much longer and also up shifts pretty savagely.
It's a lot of fun, maybe not tail sliding Clarkson style fun, but that's just journalist pish.
-
VW Golf Gti Mk7 Dsg/ BMW M135i xDrive a mini review.
Roll up ladies and gents for my much demanded comparison of my 14 plate Gti against the all new M135i!!
Great review Gtiless, thanks for taking the time to post up your experiences :afro:
Very similar to my own M135i test drive opinions only much more relevant as you’ve spent a fair bit more time with the car.
VW Golf Gti Mk7 Dsg/ BMW M135i xDrive a mini review.
Roll up ladies and gents for my much demanded comparison of my 14 plate Gti against the all new M135i!!
Firstly a bit of back ground,I have always loved Golfs and had a few over the years,not as many as some on here but most recently a Mk4 GT TDi, then a MK5 GT TDi, a MK6 Gti and then onto my MK7 Gti in carbon grey with the superb DSG box..........................................
Great read thanks for sharing.
I was toying on going from my Mk7 R to the m135i XDrive as I'm fed up waiting on the MK8 R to be revealed.
How did you find the 8 speed auto on the BMW compared to the DSG?
Your comment of "its probably a bit quicker than the Gti" was it not really that noticeable? I would have thought the 4 wheel drive would have made a considerable difference? Although I wonder if its the weight of the 4 wheel drive that gives it the impression its not that much quicker.
The power delivery of the 135i is similar to the GTI in that it’s lower revving and more torque biased than the revvy R engine, Stevie.
It’s like a beefed up GTI engine (only the BMW synthesised engine noise doesn’t sound crap like the VW Soundaktor does!) that gathers pace very very quickly and drama free but doesn’t need beating all the way to the red line.
If the 8R looks less ugly than the 8GTI and has 330PS then it might be worth the (long) wait but BMW have done a very good job with the new M135i making it feel very Golf like, just chunkier.
-
What you could do with is KEY. It's this new system where you press a simple button to lock/unlock your car. You just leave KEY on the side, don't need to wear a tin foil hat nor check an app to see if the car is locked. It's the future.
Brilliant idea! You should patent that - it could catch on. :wink:
-
Thanks for the comments, I think the comment regarding I thinks its probably a bit quicker than the Gti has to be balanced with the fact it (M135i) only still had about 200 or so miles on it and I was trying to not be too hard on it until I had got a few miles on the clock.
Its now got around 600 (essential obviously!) miles on it and it feels like its loosening up nicely the exhaust note is starting to deepen up a bit, as others have commented its very grunty from low down and very very quick. You dont have to rev it out to go really quick really quickly!
The chassis/ handling is really stiff and has a real "point and shoot" quality to it- its absolutely like its on rails.It still manages to retain a comfortable ride in sensible use though- even though mine is on 19"s with no adaptive suspension.
The brakes are superb and scrub speed in a rapid but very controlled fashion.
The 8 speed box is good and I cant really notice any difference between it and the DSG in the Golf. There is still sometimes that milli second of lag built into the accelerator especially in comfort mode as on the Golf but in sport it all but disappears and you start to notice it less and less as you drive it.
The interior is great, no creaks or rattles at all that I have noticed up to now and its a great place to sit. The tech, nav and even the speech control are good and pretty easy to use. Ill be glad when the android update happens though.
Head up display is fantastic and so easy to glance at without really taking your eyes off the road.
I think I didn't at first realise how fast it really is, in a race between this and my Gti I know where I would place my money.....
-
I'd say it was significantly quicker than the gti.... But it doesn't feel like an R does where it feels heavy and a bit less exciting.
The gearbox is pretty good, didn't find any real issues as a manual driver. Obviously in nutter mode it holds the changes much longer and also up shifts pretty savagely.
It's a lot of fun, maybe not tail sliding Clarkson style fun, but that's just journalist pish.
That's interesting it doesn't feel as heavy as the R as that is definitely something I notice when driving the GTI. Thanks for that.
The power delivery of the 135i is similar to the GTI in that it’s lower revving and more torque biased than the revvy R engine, Stevie.
It’s like a beefed up GTI engine (only the BMW synthesised engine noise doesn’t sound crap like the VW Soundaktor does!) that gathers pace very very quickly and drama free but doesn’t need beating all the way to the red line.
If the 8R looks less ugly than the 8GTI and has 330PS then it might be worth the (long) wait but BMW have done a very good job with the new M135i making it feel very Golf like, just chunkier.
Hi Andy hope you and the family are keeping well. See you are still spending the boys inheritance on new Golfs. Keep it up :grin:
My preference would be to wait on the R. Just before the Covid outbreak I checked my finance and seen I was £3k in equity with a year to go so thought I'd cash in and got the bug to change. No doubt its all gone now though.
I much prefer the power delivery on the GTI compared to the R. It makes it feel so much quicker I think.
-
Hi Andy hope you and the family are keeping well. See you are still spending the boys inheritance on new Golfs. Keep it up :grin:
My preference would be to wait on the R. Just before the Covid outbreak I checked my finance and seen I was £3k in equity with a year to go so thought I'd cash in and got the bug to change. No doubt its all gone now though.
I much prefer the power delivery on the GTI compared to the R. It makes it feel so much quicker I think.
Those Golfs have served them well for endless taxi trips over the years! I don’t think the boys even notice I exist anymore except when they run out of money (frequently!)
There are plenty of ex-demo launch cars in BMW dealerships still, I’d recommend driving one when things eventually settle back down.
The engine will definitely tick your boxes, it reminds me a bit of previous remapped GTI’s I’ve owned which is a good thing.
BMW lead times are pretty good normally (mind you, ‘normal’ could be anything from here on) but there were a reasonable amount in the system over the last few months at really good prices and even better still if you went for an ex-dealership registered car (the latter being what I’d personally go for with around £8k off and just needing a good machine polish which you’d do anyway to make the paint pristine)