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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: BobbyT on 10 January 2010, 05:30

Title: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: BobbyT on 10 January 2010, 05:30
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/features/vw/article6980764.ece

Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: SilverChariot on 10 January 2010, 08:28
Another good review. In summary: Brilliant. Bit Boring. Expensive. :laugh:

EDIT: Just noticed the journalist who wrote the piece was Tom Ford (the Wookie from Fifth Gear). Read into that what you will. :smug:
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: jaydubveedub on 10 January 2010, 09:53
Tom Ford is a be11end.

He only seems to like Fords.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: sandman99 on 10 January 2010, 10:24
VW Scirocco R £26,945

For Same engine as the Golf, better looking, more fun to drive, cheaper

Against Not four-wheel drive, less boot space


MMMMMMMMMMMmm How about the THIRD back seat that is missing I would consider that if like him hes comparing it to the golf :grin:
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: p3eps on 10 January 2010, 10:31
I like the way they take the Golf R's 2010 price, and compare it to the Scirocco R's 2009 price.
The Roc R is now £28295 for a manual version!, which is considerably more than the £26945 they state!!
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: gizzywizzy on 10 January 2010, 10:59
Ha ha brilliant!" you can have as much fun in a stock GTI and keep £6000 in your pocket" at last someone's talking some sense.  And they said the R is boring, never said that about the brilliant, great looking, fantastic to drive GTI.

Maybe we can now get back to GTI speak on these pages after all it is a GTI forum!! 
                         
Long may the GTI reign.

Gizzy
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: Chins on 10 January 2010, 11:05

What car also said the same.

http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/volkswagen/golf-hatchback/2-0-tsi-270-r-5dr/summary/58949 (http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/volkswagen/golf-hatchback/2-0-tsi-270-r-5dr/summary/58949)

Autocar had a slighly more comprehensive review of the R in this weeks printed version. R got a reasonable review, but it is sounding very much like the S3. Slightly disapointed that Autocar picked on the poor exhaust note as well.

Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: p3eps on 10 January 2010, 12:02
Maybe we can now get back to GTI speak on these pages after all it is a GTI forum!! 
 

Perhaps we should just ban all those who have ordered R's, and all the GT, GTD, TSI owners too...


What car also said the same.

http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/volkswagen/golf-hatchback/2-0-tsi-270-r-5dr/summary/58949 (http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/volkswagen/golf-hatchback/2-0-tsi-270-r-5dr/summary/58949)

Autocar had a slighly more comprehensive review of the R in this weeks printed version. R got a reasonable review, but it is sounding very much like the S3. Slightly disapointed that Autocar picked on the poor exhaust note as well.



The whatcar review has been there for about 2 months - before any R's had actually been built!  They obviously wrote it based on the original press release.

You must have a different printed version of Autocar than I do - as the only things I can read about the sound is:
'Its rapid, yes, but its also smooth, grown-up kind of hot hatch, very much in the same vein as the old six cylinder R32 but sadly, without the creamy soundtrack to go with it.'
and
'VW's aim with this car is to attract the kind of customer who likes the 'wold in sheeps clothing' approach, hence the well resolved ride and reserved engine and exhaust notes.'

Neither of them say 'poor exhaust note' to me?  Its not a V6, so its obviously not going to make the same noise as one!!

Why not take a few quotes from Evo magazine...

'Where the R32 lacked the incisive delicacy of the MK5 GTI, the MK6 Golf R feels sharper, angrier and a whole lot faster than the current GTI'

'Experience suggests that switching a Golf from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive delivers security at the expense of sparkle, yet the Golf R's 4-MOTION seems to achieve quite the opposite.  I should qualify that statement by saying conditions were wintery during our time with the R, but I believe the steering response is clearer and general enthusiasm for corners more energetic that the beautifully polished but overwhelmingly straight-laced GTI.'

'Factor in all the core strengths and real-world qualities of the little brother GTI and you have to conclude the VW Individual has produced a formidable range-topper.  Golf R: same game, bigger balls.'

I suppose it just depends who is doing the reviewing - but the Evo review seems to suggest that the Golf R is better to drive than the GTI if you're prepared to pay the extra.  I am!
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: jaydubveedub on 10 January 2010, 12:19
As usual, you pay your money and take your choice. People will always disagree.

The R is very expensive in my opinion, but hats off to those who can afford it and are willing to splash out - it's a lovely looking motor and will probably be a great ownership experience.

Personally, I can't justify the cost for what it offers over the GTI - so i'm sticking with my MK5 for now.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: SilverChariot on 10 January 2010, 12:33
Ha ha brilliant!" you can have as much fun in a stock GTI and keep £6000 in your pocket" at last someone's talking some sense.  And they said the R is boring, never said that about the brilliant, great looking, fantastic to drive GTI.

Maybe we can now get back to GTI speak on these pages after all it is a GTI forum!! 
                         
Long may the GTI reign.

Gizzy

Do you know what? I think you're right. Will be phoning my dealer on Monday to see if I can change to a GTI.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: am1w on 10 January 2010, 13:20
My first post on this forum.
I completely agree with the Times review.
Golf R 5 door manual is now £30,675 before extras are added!
Too expensive and looks more like a boy racer's car.
This car is now more expensive than a well specified Mercedes C Class 250 CDI Sport Auto with leather or a 350 CDI Sport Auto with leather! I know which I would go for.
I will soon be taking delivery of a Golf GTi 5 Door, Manual, 18" Shadow Monza Wheels, Tornado Red, ACC, Luxury Pack, Winter Pack

Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: Tailpipe on 10 January 2010, 14:23
My first post on this forum.
I completely agree with the Times review.
Golf R 5 door manual is now £30,675 before extras are added!
Too expensive and looks more like a boy racer's car.
This car is now more expensive than a well specified Mercedes C Class 250 CDI Sport Auto with leather or a 350 CDI Sport Auto with leather! I know which I would go for.
I will soon be taking delivery of a Golf GTi 5 Door, Manual, 18" Shadow Monza Wheels, Tornado Red, ACC, Luxury Pack, Winter Pack

I too had noticed that the R is more expensive than quite a few different Merc C-Class Sport Auto models. I genuinely believe that VW UK has cocked-up the pricing of the R, by at least £3,000. In doing so, it has created a car that, while very good dynamically, makes people feel like plonkers for spending so much on a Golf when you can get more metal for your money with other brands. Normally, getting an R would be a no-brainer. But £35K for a decent spec one makes the buying decision so hard to justify.

BTW, I think Tom Ford is a fantastic automotive journalist, but the R deserved more than 3 stars. I will wait for Car's review due out at the end of next week before finally deciding whether I can afford my mates to call me a plonker.
 
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: Horney on 10 January 2010, 14:28
It's no more expensive than the MKII Rallye was compared to a MKII GTI when they were new. VW still sold a fair few of those so even 20 years ago people were willing to part with Merc money for a Golf.

nick
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: p3asa on 10 January 2010, 15:00
My first post on this forum.
I completely agree with the Times review.
Golf R 5 door manual is now £30,675 before extras are added!
Too expensive and looks more like a boy racer's car.


It may be many things but, "looks like a boy racer car"!! I don't think so. If anything the R is very understated.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: p3eps on 10 January 2010, 15:36
Too expensive and looks more like a boy racer's car.

I don't know what you've been sniffing, but the R is the least 'boy racer' looking hot hatch on the market.  As all the reviews so far say its a wolf in sheeps clothing - ie. very discreet about what its hiding underneath.

This car is now more expensive than a well specified Mercedes C Class 250 CDI Sport Auto with leather or a 350 CDI Sport Auto with leather! I know which I would go for.

Perhaps if I was 45 years old with 3 grown up kids I may consider one of the above.  I know what I'd go for too!
Yes, the Golf R is a tad over priced... but the majority of people who are complaining about the price are the folk who've just bought GTI's.
It is hard trying to justify £35k for a Golf R thats same specced GTI would be around £5k less - but hey ho - its what I want.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: JJH on 10 January 2010, 16:03
My first post on this forum.
Golf R 5 door manual is now £30,675 before extras are added!
This car is now more expensive than a 350 CDI Sport Auto with leather!

Not according to the MB website it isnt! If you are going to state figures, at least check they are correct.


Welcome btw..
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: FamilyDub on 11 January 2010, 10:36
Do you know what? I think you're right. Will be phoning my dealer on Monday to see if I can change to a GTI.

Silver, have you changed your order, then?

Too expensive and looks more like a boy racer's car.

Bulls*it. Couldn't be further from the truth. In fact some mags have said that the styling is too conservative for the performance within. Welcome, though! :laugh:

The R is very expensive in my opinion, but hats off to those who can afford it

^^^^ +1. Each to their own though.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: AlanD on 11 January 2010, 10:50
"you can have as much fun in a stock Golf GTI and keep six grand in your pocket. "

Sums it up really, I still cant get over that price tag.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: A7 UFO on 11 January 2010, 10:51
biggest bug with me is the journo's knocking 4wd.  They've done it to the R8, the new lambos and now the Golf R.  What they seem to forget is that the Top Gear way of blazing sideways around an unused airfield isn't the usual every day way of driving. In the real world, where uneven road sufaces are the norm, 4wd makes sense.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: SilverChariot on 11 January 2010, 10:59
Do you know what? I think you're right. Will be phoning my dealer on Monday to see if I can change to a GTI.

Silver, have you changed your order, then?


Nope. :grin:
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: FamilyDub on 11 January 2010, 11:10
Do you know what? I think you're right. Will be phoning my dealer on Monday to see if I can change to a GTI.

Silver, have you changed your order, then?


Nope. :grin:

Fairy nuff  :grin:
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: mac7 on 11 January 2010, 11:11
"you can have as much fun in a stock Golf GTI and keep six grand in your pocket. "

Sums it up really, I still cant get over that price tag.

Lets be honest, you can have as much fun in a very similar second hand re-mapped Mk5 GTI for less than £12,000.

biggest bug with me is the journo's knocking 4wd.  They've done it to the R8, the new lambos and now the Golf R.  What they seem to forget is that the Top Gear way of blazing sideways around an unused airfield isn't the usual every day way of driving. In the real world, where uneven road sufaces are the norm, 4wd makes sense.

+1.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: Egbutt Wash on 11 January 2010, 11:31
He hated the manual gearbox.  As sloppy as a box that had done 150,000 miles.
He also said the three door was pointless.
I like the idea of the R but not a three door manual.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: percymon on 11 January 2010, 13:24
As usual, you pay your money and take your choice. People will always disagree.

The R is very expensive in my opinion, but hats off to those who can afford it and are willing to splash out - it's a lovely looking motor and will probably be a great ownership experience.

Personally, I can't justify the cost for what it offers over the GTI - so i'm sticking with my MK5 for now.

Excatly and if it were my £30k i'd want more than 4 pistons under the bonnet too.  Nice as the R is in the pics, better looking than the GTI IMO, its just overpriced.   No doubt many will argue all prices are rising, but only to the detriment of newcar sales - its getting like housing was 18 months ago, at some point people will say no as wages have barely moved in 2 years.

To those that have ordered their R - good luck, i hope its all you want from the car.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: SilverChariot on 11 January 2010, 13:41
Excatly and if it were my £30k i'd want more than 4 pistons under the bonnet too.

Well, you won't want the Merc C250CDI as that's a 4-pot diesel. Chug! Chug!

But seriously, the days of anthing above a 4-pot in hot hatches is pretty much over (Audi RS3 excepted - though that is likely to be a run out model). Even the next Ford Focus RS is dropping down to a 4-pot.

Rumours are Merc is developing a 3-pot petrol for the next C-class!

It's just the way the world is. And you can't change it. Sadly.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: LIVERLEGEND on 11 January 2010, 14:57
Excatly and if it were my £30k i'd want more than 4 pistons under the bonnet too.

Well, you won't want the Merc C250CDI as that's a 4-pot diesel. Chug! Chug!


I have to stick up for the C250CDI, I've got one and it's superb the torque in it is fantastic.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: Tailpipe on 11 January 2010, 17:06
Excatly and if it were my £30k i'd want more than 4 pistons under the bonnet too.

Well, you won't want the Merc C250CDI as that's a 4-pot diesel. Chug! Chug!


I have to stick up for the C250CDI, I've got one and it's superb the torque in it is fantastic.  :laugh:

I have to stick up for the R. The 2.0-litre L4 is lighter than the V6 lump so it handles better than an R32 while going faster. When you've had a BMW E46 M3 in-line 6 developing 343 bhp, then the VR6 feels puny anyway. From what I've seen of the Golf R, it is properly quick and beautifully built.

My problem is that the wife is not keen on me getting an S5 or new M3 coupe. Thinks we should get something practical - like a Golf. So be it. I love the fact that the R is so Q. (Just wait till she finds out its got 265 bhp!) (http://eppsnet.com/images/angry-wife.jpg)
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: SilverChariot on 11 January 2010, 17:39
Excatly and if it were my £30k i'd want more than 4 pistons under the bonnet too.

Well, you won't want the Merc C250CDI as that's a 4-pot diesel. Chug! Chug!


I have to stick up for the C250CDI, I've got one and it's superb the torque in it is fantastic.  :laugh:

I'll let you know - my wife has a C250CDI Sport Auto. True - it goes welll enough. But, I don't think it has the same sense of occasion as the R.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: am1w on 11 January 2010, 20:34
Too expensive and looks more like a boy racer's car.

I don't know what you've been sniffing, but the R is the least 'boy racer' looking hot hatch on the market.  As all the reviews so far say its a wolf in sheeps clothing - ie. very discreet about what its hiding underneath

Seems I have struck a nerve!
Ok: the Golf R is more 'boy racer' looking than the Golf GTi and less 'boy racer' looking than a Ford Focus RS.
A wolf in sheep's clothing? Naah!
More like mutton dressed up as lamb!
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: evo1986 on 11 January 2010, 20:39
We have a New golf r 5 door dsg at Cheltenham VW rising blue. First one anywhere!
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: am1w on 11 January 2010, 20:42
Not according to the MB website it isnt! If you are going to state figures, at least check they are correct.


Welcome btw..
[/quote]

Thanks for letting me know!
Still think it is too expensive for a very fast medium size family hatch.
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: evo1986 on 11 January 2010, 20:49
mb website? whats that?
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: p3eps on 11 January 2010, 21:04
mb website? whats that?

Mercedes Benz I would imagine?
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: SilverChariot on 11 January 2010, 22:10
We have a New golf r 5 door dsg at Cheltenham VW rising blue. First one anywhere!

What colour wheels? Please say black. We NEED photos. :evil:
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: p3eps on 11 January 2010, 22:33
He answered that in another thread... I'm afraid they're silver.  It looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer for a rising blue with black wheel combo!
Title: Re: Times Review of Golf R
Post by: SilverChariot on 12 January 2010, 08:18
He answered that in another thread... I'm afraid they're silver.  It looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer for a rising blue with black wheel combo!

Damn! Looks like I could be the guinea pig!!!!