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Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: king monkey on 07 May 2021, 18:29

Title: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 07 May 2021, 18:29
So finally got the chance to drive the Clubsport today. You really couldn’t make up the dealer experience. When I got there I was told that the car had been sold. Fair enough, it happens but they did let me drive a brand new silver Clubsport instead. Had to wait while they put plates on it and was then told it had no petrol so they’d get it fuelled. The member of staff went out in it and then I was told that they’d ran out of fuel on a dual carriageway. Wow. After being there an hour they managed to get the car back but I only then had time for a 10 minute drive. The staff were great btw.

Now to the car:

Reflex silver looked stunning and I even thought the standard 18s looked ok. Especially on the move as the car was pulled around to the front.

The car didn’t have dcc but the ride was impressive. I thought it was much better than my R on passive dampers.

The grip was also impressive. No wheel spin at all but the road conditions were perfect. The driving position felt lower than my R. I really liked that.

The stock exhaust sounded great with lots of pops and bangs.

The infotainment drove me mad in the few minutes I spent with the car. The sliders were completely unresponsive and I do think VW have completely overthought it. Not a fan.

Power delivery: tbh I was really underwhelmed by it. It felt a little sluggish and not as agile and nimble as I remember my Mk7 or the various 7.5 gtis I’ve driven as being. Really not sure what was going on there.

Interior quality felt very Golf like to me. I have no problem with it. Strangely the only thing I would say was that the doors opening and closing feel and sound a bit cheaper. That probably makes no sense.

So overall a bit of a mixed bag. A little on the disappointing side but I only had 10 mins with it. I could buy one and would be happy but it didn’t put a smile on my face like last gtis. Maybe it’s me.

Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: fredgroves on 07 May 2021, 20:49
That sounds disappointing....

I don't think you've seen its good side there...

Yes the interface is confusing for a while.... I think I'm used to it now.

Yes the doors are definitely less heavy than the Mk7.

Yes the engine power delivery has changed due to different injectors that gives you more power lower down the rev range.

But in 10 mins it was hardly warmed up!

I guess you didn't find the flat handling, the eagerness to turn in.... you won't find it at 30mph in D.... you need to "drive in a spirited mannner appropriate for the prevalent road conditions and observing the speed limit at all times" 
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 07 May 2021, 21:08
You’re absolutely right Fred. I can’t judge it in such a limited time. I’ll be arranging another test drive when I can. Tbh it took them so long to get the car back that I wasn’t originally going to have a go but I sat in it and decided to have a quick blast.

The route was lots of B roads so most of the driving was pretty nice stuff. That’s where the power surprised me. One other thing I did notice was the apparent lack of dead pedal travel. Seemed more responsive.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Yantos on 08 May 2021, 05:43
I’ve done 400 miles from brand new in mine. I’ve found the engine has loosened up and it already feels quicker. Probably didn’t help being a brand new car that you drove.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 08 May 2021, 06:19
Good to read your impressions on the car Michele.
The dealership experience isn’t unusual, I’ve experienced a similar thing a few times and not just VW. Cars not ready or unavailable, blocked completely in etc.

I think we become desensitised to the performance and handling when we are used to sporty Golfs and then jump in an unfamiliar but broadly similar car and it just doesn’t feel ‘right’.
That’s why I hardly ever do test drives.

The one thing I was wondering if you’d mention was the throttle response. It definitely seems a bit perkier on the mk8 (still not perfect).

The door (lack of) thunk was one of the first things I noticed too.

The infotainment you do get mostly used to. Some days it’s infuriating and others it is ok.
Off the back of some recent posts on here I once again tried to become ‘primary user’ yesterday as I had a bit of time to kill waiting for an appointment. Did it work? Did it hell. S-Pin not recognised, account locked out, please connect to WiFi, sorry can’t connect to WiFi please change settings...
And so it went on.
Accepting defeat, eventually I gave up, but just to twist the knife the car resets annoying little things after those sessions. Usually it’s the most inconvenient things like when you select reverse and find the left mirror dip no longer dips where you last set it and the bloody rear wiper squawks across the back screen despite having been switched out before.  :angry:

Honestly, anyone who has an earlyish mk7 will feel a big generational change when getting into a mk8.
Anyone with a 7.5 won’t really get any improvements aside from a slightly funkier AID. The 7.5 is better looking, has a better interior, goes just as well (maybe an 8R is quicker in extremis), handles pretty much as well, and the infotainment isn’t such an obstructive chore at times. 

I bonded with my Clubsport really quickly and am extremely fond of it but I’d always suggest that those with a late 7.5 shouldn’t rush to change.



Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 08 May 2021, 08:18
Thanks Andy. Making a lot of sense as always.

Yeah the throttle response stood out as being much better imo. Far more responsive.

I really liked the lack of the gear stick and the tiny selector instead. It actually frees up space and works exceptionally well.

I was looking to change to an Ed45 which would mean changing far sooner than planned but I think it’ll stick with what I have for now at least.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Splashalot on 08 May 2021, 11:51
.......Anyone with a 7.5 won’t really get any improvements aside from a slightly funkier AID. The 7.5 is better looking, has a better interior, goes just as well (maybe an 8R is quicker in extremis), handles pretty much as well, and the infotainment isn’t such an obstructive chore .... I’d always suggest that those with a late 7.5 shouldn’t rush to change.

Thank you for such an honest appraisal and  comparison of the 7/7.5 vs 8. This forum really needs  "like" button for such valuable posts.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Si_Telford on 08 May 2021, 12:20
I've now been in a R and clubby. Honestly wish I held out for a clubby instead of just buying the standard but it does me fine. I find all traction controls on the clubby holds the power back for some reason
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 08 May 2021, 12:33
I've now been in a R and clubby. Honestly wish I held out for a clubby instead of just buying the standard but it does me fine. I find all traction controls on the clubby holds the power back for some reason

That’s an interesting point. I’m sure I’ve heard a reviewer comment on that too. Can’t remember who though!
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: ash_rage on 08 May 2021, 16:16
So I drove one today whilst I wait for my CS45.

I really enjoyed it.

Felt fun to drive and most importantly engaging.

I've had lots of hot hatchbacks and it was up with the best of them.

I've definitely made the right choice by selling my Model 3 Performance and going back to an ICE.

The exhaust sounded great.

The interior was lovely.

I don't know why people moan about the infotainment system or the haptic buttons. I had no issue at all. Maybe cause I am used to my Tesla.

A great car. I can't wait for mine go come.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 09 May 2021, 16:28
Thanks Andy. Making a lot of sense as always.

Yeah the throttle response stood out as being much better imo. Far more responsive.

I really liked the lack of the gear stick and the tiny selector instead. It actually frees up space and works exceptionally well.

I was looking to change to an Ed45 which would mean changing far sooner than planned but I think it’ll stick with what I have for now at least.

That’s one thing taking tests drives do remind you of sometimes - just how good your current car is!
Your R is pretty much perfect (colour, spec, everything else) so it’s good to see you’re going to hang on to it for longer. My example of car swapping isn’t something I’d recommend!

Maybe in a year or two we will see some improvements to the UI and the addition of bigger paddle shifters on the Clubby. Then again an 8R might also be tempting!


Thank you for such an honest appraisal and  comparison of the 7/7.5 vs 8. This forum really needs  "like" button for such valuable posts.

I didn’t think my post would be of actual use to anyone so your post surprised me a bit. But thank you for your kind words. I was literally just doing the typing equivalent of thinking out loud.

I find all traction controls on the clubby holds the power back for some reason
I obviously don’t drive mine anywhere near hard enough as I’ve never suffered this.
I do get occasional torque steer though when overtaking on country roads.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: jaceyboy on 09 May 2021, 16:40
I've now been in a R and clubby. Honestly wish I held out for a clubby instead of just buying the standard but it does me fine. I find all traction controls on the clubby holds the power back for some reason

That’s an interesting point. I’m sure I’ve heard a reviewer comment on that too. Can’t remember who though!

Me I think :huh:
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 09 May 2021, 16:49
I've now been in a R and clubby. Honestly wish I held out for a clubby instead of just buying the standard but it does me fine. I find all traction controls on the clubby holds the power back for some reason

That’s an interesting point. I’m sure I’ve heard a reviewer comment on that too. Can’t remember who though!

Me I think :huh:

Then well played  sir!

I’ll definitely go back for another test drive as I can’t really judge it in the time given. At the end of the day I love a gti so it’s probably what I’ll end up in. As I said earlier, I think the emergence of the Ed45 just pushed my test drive forward, otherwise I would have waited another year. Although I also factored in the long lead times too which don’t bother me this time as I’m in no hurry.

I forgot to mention the seats. Wow! The fabric is absolutely lovely (well the honeycomb bit anyway) and they’re exceptionally comfy. Steering wheel also felt great and I really liked the haptic buttons. My comment on the infotainment was really reserved for the sliders which didn’t work at all. It’ll just take time to acclimatise yourself to the rest.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Splashalot on 10 May 2021, 03:24


Thank you for such an honest appraisal and  comparison of the 7/7.5 vs 8. This forum really needs  "like" button for such valuable posts.

I didn’t think my post would be of actual use to anyone so your post surprised me a bit. But thank you for your kind words. I was literally just doing the typing equivalent of thinking out loud.



Perhaps it is just me, but I found your musings highly valuable.  Firstly, from your previous posts I've gleaned that  we're very much on the same page in terms of likes/dislikes. Secondly, you have a lot of experience with the 7/7.5 GTIs to draw upon in your comparative assessment of the mk8.  Thirdly, I respect your opinions - you are not afraid to call out faults, nor go OTT for the latest shiny, new-fangled gimmicks.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 10 May 2021, 08:53

Power delivery: tbh I was really underwhelmed by it. It felt a little sluggish and not as agile and nimble as I remember my Mk7 or the various 7.5 gtis I’ve driven as being. Really not sure what was going on there.



Definitely doesn't sound like all the reviews I've watched as everyone seems to say how powerful it is and on par with the new R once on the move.

A 10 mins test drive I'd say is almost not worth it and probably worse than not driving it at all! I know the situation couldn't be helped but would have been better to leave it and go back when you can actually get a proper drive.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: jaceyboy on 10 May 2021, 08:56

Power delivery: tbh I was really underwhelmed by it. It felt a little sluggish and not as agile and nimble as I remember my Mk7 or the various 7.5 gtis I’ve driven as being. Really not sure what was going on there.



Definitely doesn't sound like all the reviews I've watched as everyone seems to say how powerful it is and on par with the new R once on the move.

A 10 mins test drive I'd say is almost not worth it and probably worse than not driving it at all! I know the situation couldn't be helped but would have been better to leave it and go back when you can actually get a proper drive.

Yep I agree power is very good, pulls like a train and really couldn’t tell much difference to the R
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Si_Telford on 10 May 2021, 16:57
I've now been in a R and clubby. Honestly wish I held out for a clubby instead of just buying the standard but it does me fine. I find all traction controls on the clubby holds the power back for some reason

That’s an interesting point. I’m sure I’ve heard a reviewer comment on that too. Can’t remember who though!

I have even noticed with my standard GTI that when In ESC sport it gives more than with traction control on, it feel more alive

Me I think :huh:

Then well played  sir!

I’ll definitely go back for another test drive as I can’t really judge it in the time given. At the end of the day I love a gti so it’s probably what I’ll end up in. As I said earlier, I think the emergence of the Ed45 just pushed my test drive forward, otherwise I would have waited another year. Although I also factored in the long lead times too which don’t bother me this time as I’m in no hurry.

I forgot to mention the seats. Wow! The fabric is absolutely lovely (well the honeycomb bit anyway) and they’re exceptionally comfy. Steering wheel also felt great and I really liked the haptic buttons. My comment on the infotainment was really reserved for the sliders which didn’t work at all. It’ll just take time to acclimatise yourself to the rest.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 10 May 2021, 16:59

Perhaps it is just me, but I found your musings highly valuable.  Firstly, from your previous posts I've gleaned that  we're very much on the same page in terms of likes/dislikes. Secondly, you have a lot of experience with the 7/7.5 GTIs to draw upon in your comparative assessment of the mk8.  Thirdly, I respect your opinions - you are not afraid to call out faults, nor go OTT for the latest shiny, new-fangled gimmicks.


I dread to think how much that experience of ownership has cost me in pounds, shillings and pence.  :grin:
Still, it’s been my own money and therefore I’ll not hold back on my own thoughts be they good or bad.


************

Touching on the engine power thing. Maybe the cars run on slightly reduced power until they’re run in? My BMW definitely did.

I can confirm as a previous owner of remapped GTI’s the Clubsport can accelerate very rapidly as well as corner inspiringly.
The one thing it does do, unlike I’d imagine a Golf R, is move around a little under hard acceleration and cornering. Just enough to remind you that you’re not immortal but still giving you total faith in the chassis.
Maybe with ESP turned off for the driving gods amongst us it’ll get even more squirmy (an apt phrase borrowed from a review I watched) under power through bends.
One thing the 4WD über hatches do is remove the driver from the laws of physics which means by the time the tyres actually do let go you’re probably/possibly beyond recovering it unless very skilled/experienced.


Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 18 September 2021, 15:56
Clubsport test drive again today. Proper one this time.
The car didn’t have DCC which was a shame but again the ride was excellent. Better than the R on 19s and passive dampers.
Interior quality is NO different to the Mk7.5 imo. I really liked it. Infotainment was just brilliant. Worked really well and I loved the sliders etc. Very very good indeed (when it works I suppose).
Colour was great. White really suits it. Wheels…meh. Much discussed.
Exhaust note was muted but car had hardly any miles on and the last one I drove sounded much better. They age like a fine wine I think.
Loved the way the car moved around. Very light on its feet. Did a bit of motorway, town and B road driving. Very impressive.
Still maintain that is just doesn’t feel as quick as the R. Know that sounds odd. Just not got that initial shove. But it has those three magic letters so don’t care too much. Would I change from mine to a regular CS? Unsure. If it had DCC maybe.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 18 September 2021, 22:32
That sounds a bit more of a positive experience Michele.

The infotainment and heating controls literally take no time at all to get used to. The one irk is that they’re not illuminated but I reckon that’ll be changed very soon.
My dash pod is rattling like a bastard lately which is driving me nuts but aside from that (touch wood) everything seems well enough screwed together.
The interior is definitely a step down but you soon take no notice of it. There are pro’s and cons.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 19 September 2021, 06:40
Yeah it was, Andy. Again it was only a short one. I was only offered 25 mins. They said they’d popped some fuel in for me but when I got in the range was only 55 miles. Think maybe this shows how tough it is at the moment for the industry.
The biggest takeaway was still that distinct feeling of it being down on power. It’s nagging me a bit now.
Sorry to hear about the dash. Bet that’s a total pain!
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 19 September 2021, 07:18
How many miles had the car done Michele?
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 19 September 2021, 07:43
1300

No options

£40k
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 19 September 2021, 08:13
1300 is well enough loosened up so maybe your R is just plain quicker, which is a distinct likeliness.
Keep the R!!  :grin:
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 19 September 2021, 08:47
1300 is well enough loosened up so maybe your R is just plain quicker, which is a distinct likeliness.
Keep the R!!  :grin:

Think it just surprises me with them both being 300bhp and the CS being lighter. Hmmmmm. Definitely feel like I’ve got some thinking to do.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 19 September 2021, 09:06
The CS is a fraction lighter and has less transmission losses yes, but other things come into play such as gearbox tuning etc too.
Against a stop watch it might tell one story but the day to day feel of the car might be different to that making one better to drive as opposed to flat out acceleration figures (the R would still win that too from a standing start!!).
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: king monkey on 19 September 2021, 09:34
The CS is a fraction lighter and has less transmission losses yes, but other things come into play such as gearbox tuning etc too.
Against a stop watch it might tell one story but the day to day feel of the car might be different to that making one better to drive as opposed to flat out acceleration figures (the R would still win that too from a standing start!!).

I think, think, that the CS felt a better drive. The ride is definitely better but it was in the in gear acceleration that underwhelmed. That was the surprise. Almost like it was being held back slightly.
Title: Re: Clubsport Testdrive
Post by: Exonian on 19 September 2021, 21:44
The CS is a more lively drive but whether it’s better or not is a personal thing.
I find the acceleration through the gears in my CS can be blisteringly quick but do know what you mean about the in gear shove. It’s almost as if it’s in one gear higher than where you’d want it to be when you want moderate acceleration and two gears lower than need be when you floor it to kick down. You learn to drive around that. The flip side is the fuel economy is really good for 300bhp!