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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Gung-Ho on 15 May 2013, 20:35

Title: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Gung-Ho on 15 May 2013, 20:35
The wait is killing me & we're slowly running out of things to discuss so I'm proposing a hypothetical question.

Ok...so the Mk7 GTi/ GTD is pretty much perfect in every way. But if you were to change it in any way be it looks, styling, power, option availability etc etc what would you change? (I appreciate we have yet to drive it or see it in the 'flesh' so, hypothetically speaking).

I for one would have preferred an old fashioned handbrake as opposed to an electronic one. It would also have been nice to have the option of speccing the alcantara/ tartan seats. It would also have been nice to have more "trim" options to choose from & an additional less 'expensive' 18" wheel upgrade option. An oil temperature gauge would have been a nice touch as well (but not a necessity).

From a styling point of view I love the understated look of the Mk7, but not a big fan of the GTi badges on the front wings. To me they look a bit tacky. I could do without the ADC as well as it ruins the looks of the lower grille. I also wished they had been more creative with the standard Austin Wheels as they are too similar to the old Monza's. It's also a shame that the DSG shift selector looks pretty ordinary as well.. Some subtle GTi badging wouldn't have gone a miss.

I'm being very picky here and some of you may think its pretty much perfect as it is...  but nonetheless it would be interesting to hear what others think.

(I appreciate some of these topics have been discussed in other posts, but I thought I would bring it under one thread)
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: AAddict on 15 May 2013, 20:44
Pop out rear windows on the 3-door, that's about it  :smug:
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Hawaii-Five-O on 15 May 2013, 21:10
200 bhp on the new GTD.

Just because....... :evil:
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 15 May 2013, 21:16
£3k cheaper?  :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 15 May 2013, 21:24
Ok seriously?


And now nitpicking?


Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: CraigW on 15 May 2013, 21:26
The car is terrific value in terms of the base spec you get however a few things spring to mind:-

A better choice of different interiors
A broader range of colours
I'm not so keen on the gear stick for the manual
Wish the 19" alloys were cheaper -
It would have been nice if the PP offered more than 10bhp - an extra 30bhp to take it up to 250bhp would have been good  :evil:

Apart from that the car is pretty much perfect
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: AAddict on 15 May 2013, 21:28
Red tartan leather

(http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Michael_Scott_ewww.gif)
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: AAddict on 15 May 2013, 21:30
The car is terrific value in terms of the base spec you get however a few things spring to mind:-

A better choice of different interiors
A broader range of colours
I'm not so keen on the gear stick for the manual
Wish the 19" alloys were cheaper -
It would have been nice if the PP offered more than 10bhp - an extra 30bhp to take it up to 250bhp would have been good  :evil:

Apart from that the car is pretty much perfect

I have a feeling there will be more than the advertised 10hp difference, a couple of reviewers have commented on it feeling more than 10hp more.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 15 May 2013, 21:32
250bhp would have been good

Yeah exactly.

Bump the power to 250 PS

Great minds think alike?  Or is it fools fail to differ?  I'm never quite sure.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: matchboy on 15 May 2013, 21:36
Agree with you boys - bump the bhp up to 250. Apart from that I'm happy!  :laugh:
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: JoeGTI on 15 May 2013, 21:36
Better choice of colours for sure. I wanted to make a change from white but the metallics are so dreary by and large (IMO) that I ended up sticking with white. And don't get me started on the Oryx white! A grand and I can barely tell the difference.
Audi and BMW do some lovely shades of grey... The VW greys aren't a patch on those IMO.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: CraigW on 15 May 2013, 21:37
250bhp would have been good

Yeah exactly.

Bump the power to 250 PS

Great minds think alike?  Or is it fools fail to differ?  I'm never quite sure.

Probably the latter one  :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Gung-Ho on 15 May 2013, 21:44
What if they offered a "Sports Exhaust" option? Would people go for that or would it be too Max-Powerish & lower the tone of the Golf?
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: CraigW on 15 May 2013, 21:49
What if they offered a "Sports Exhaust" option? Would people go for that or would it be too Max-Powerish & lower the tone of the Golf?

Very good point. It's an option I would definitely have added.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Chriscav on 15 May 2013, 21:49
There was thoughts of a carbon roof wasn't there?
Bring that out!
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: AAddict on 15 May 2013, 21:57
There was thoughts of a carbon roof wasn't there?
Bring that out!

They'll prbably save it for the R now.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 15 May 2013, 22:05
250bhp would have been good

Yeah exactly.

Bump the power to 250 PS

Great minds think alike?  Or is it fools fail to differ?  I'm never quite sure.

Probably the latter one  :grin: :grin:

Dammit!  I feared as much. :angry:
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 15 May 2013, 22:19
Red tartan leather

(http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Michael_Scott_ewww.gif)

Why not?  Virtually everyone gets it but us.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: AAddict on 15 May 2013, 22:23
Red tartan leather

(http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Michael_Scott_ewww.gif)

Why not?  Virtually everyone gets it but us.

Not quite sure what you have in mind but the picture you're painting is this:

(http://www.scorpioshoes.com/womens-3/high-heels-55/company-w760-womens-tartan-leather-heeled-11802-4234.jpg)
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 15 May 2013, 22:34
No no no.  The half cloth half leather stuff...  Its the tartan on the seats and leather on the bolsters.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: dirvy on 15 May 2013, 23:16
Gti specific paint colour.

Pop out rear windows

Heated screen should be in winter pack

A build week
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Gryzor on 15 May 2013, 23:50
For me and my GTI, not much:

- Agree heated screen should be part of the winter pack
- "Axes" on the wheels should point the same direction on both sides of the car
- Would have liked to see Candy White as an option as well as the Pure White
- Half Alcantara seats with the tartan cloth
- LSD as standard

OK, so a few things then! ;)
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: AAddict on 16 May 2013, 07:15
No no no.  The half cloth half leather stuff...  Its the tartan on the seats and leather on the bolsters.

Thank god for that  :grin:
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: JoeGTI on 16 May 2013, 08:00

- Would have liked to see Candy White as an option as well as the Pure white


Is there a difference? I assumed they were the same or at least very similar!
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Gryzor on 16 May 2013, 08:36
Is there a difference? I assumed they were the same or at least very similar!

Yes, Pure White is brighter.  Candy White is a more off-white.  Both nice, and happy with either, but given the choice I'd have gone for Candy White again I think.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Sootchucker on 16 May 2013, 08:41
A proper big brake option (using drilled discs and Brembo callipers for instance), like Ford and Renault offer, and offer it to us GTD owners (as we have more weight to stop).

And aside from a few points others have made, a couple of minor things.

Would have like to have seen the Red "submarine" overhead ambient lighting retained for the GTI and GTD models, as I currently find this really pleasing at night.

Would have liked to have seen the lower door reflectors as proper door opening lights (as retro fitted to my Scirocco).

Get rid of the stupid Cup holders in the rear central armrest and replace it with a padded cover. My mate has a standard MK7 and he says it's really uncomfortable.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 16 May 2013, 10:26
A proper big brake option (using drilled discs and Brembo callipers for instance), like Ford and Renault offer

By all accounts the brakes are more than adequate on both PP and non-PP cars, I don't think there is anything to worry about.

Would have like to have seen the Red "submarine" overhead ambient lighting retained for the GTI and GTD models, as I currently find this really pleasing at night.

Would have liked to have seen the lower door reflectors as proper door opening lights (as retro fitted to my Scirocco).

Not having had a GTI before, how easy is it to retrofit ambient lighting, door opening lighting etc...???
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Sootchucker on 16 May 2013, 10:44
A proper big brake option (using drilled discs and Brembo callipers for instance), like Ford and Renault offer

By all accounts the brakes are more than adequate on both PP and non-PP cars, I don't think there is anything to worry about.

Yeah, but they would look awesome  :laugh:

Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Exonian on 16 May 2013, 14:11
I'm going to be greedy:
260 bhp and 280-290 lb ft from the PP to give the diff a workout.
19's at a more sensible and realistic price.
Nav as standard and a few hundred on the base price a la GT

PP on the GTD would have sealed a Derv order for me.

Apart from that they're both pretty ok.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: AAddict on 19 May 2013, 20:47
I'm going to be greedy:
260 bhp and 280-290 lb ft from the PP to give the diff a workout.
19's at a more sensible and realistic price.
Nav as standard and a few hundred on the base price a la GT

PP on the GTD would have sealed a Derv order for me.

Apart from that they're both pretty ok.

Wonder if any of the German owners have had their performance models on a rolling road yet?
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Exonian on 19 May 2013, 21:17
It'll be interesting to see what Abt and oettinger get out of them! I'm sure the German tuners will be working on them.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: linc-dub on 19 May 2013, 22:25
PP for the GTD would have been great - slight power increase now - but it could have been more!
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Jimble on 06 August 2013, 17:06
Bump just for Norbreck21a! ;)
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: linc-dub on 06 August 2013, 17:37
GTD - more power, better side skirts (think the Mk7 ones look a bit feable) and option for alcantara trim.  But most of all I want it now!! :angry:
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: CraigW on 06 August 2013, 18:26
I can confirm that the windscreen wipers are lousy. I had them on for a short period on Saturday and they were shuddering badly. It's annoying as it catches your eye.  :angry: . VW need to try and find a solution to this. They also look sh!t when they are at the top of the wipe because they get very close to each other if that makes sense.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: DougL on 06 August 2013, 18:30
That's bad news about the wipers Craig. I hope that they sort them out, looks like a new wiper blade design is needed there. I think we all need to complain to VW once we get our cars.

I'm also a fan of the leather/alcantara/tartan seats. Every time I see a video with them in, I am pretty sure I would have paid the extra for them, they just look so classy!
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: JoeGTI on 06 August 2013, 18:35
I confirm that the windscreen wipers are lousy. I had them on for a short period on Saturday and they were shuddering badly. It's annoying as it catches your eye.  :angry: . VW need to try and find a solution to this. They also look sh!t when they are at the top of the wipe because they get very close to each other if that makes sense.

Craig, mine were the absolute pits for the first week or two but have improved a little bit. They definitely don't judder and squeak as much, but the well known streak on the drivers side is still there. I used autoglym glass polish on the screen, maybe that helped.  Can't say it's bothered me too much, but then again it hasn't rained very much either!

Agreed on the alcantara seats - definitely one of my favourite features in my car.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: CraigW on 06 August 2013, 18:59
I confirm that the windscreen wipers are lousy. I had them on for a short period on Saturday and they were shuddering badly. It's annoying as it catches your eye.  :angry: . VW need to try and find a solution to this. They also look sh!t when they are at the top of the wipe because they get very close to each other if that makes sense.

Craig, mine were the absolute pits for the first week or two but have improved a little bit. They definitely don't judder and squeak as much, but the well known streak on the drivers side is still there. I used autoglym glass polish on the screen, maybe that helped.  Can't say it's bothered me too much, but then again it hasn't rained very much either!

Agreed on the alcantara seats - definitely one of my favourite features in my car.

That's good to know Joe. I just don't like the design of them. My Audi had a far nicer wiping motion and I never had any issues
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: monkeyhanger on 06 August 2013, 21:03
sh!tty wipers are a problem across the MK7 range. Same happened with both my Sciroccos. I changed the crappy Valeo ones for Bosch Aerotwin, but there doesn't seem to be a suitable set out for the MK7 yet.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Snoopy on 07 August 2013, 00:20
These are all personal taste things so please no one get upset.
As a GTI fan and an owner of at least one GTIs for over 22 years.
I dont like.
The quarterlight windows.
How wide the car is.
ADC not hidden somehow.
Silly polished wheel finish that corroded have they learned nothing...
The follow just make me think peugeot 205 or Astra GTE style
The red line in the front lights
The red illuminated lights in the doors and sills.
The plastic finish on the dash.

I could live with its why I prefer the GTDs looks its actually more in keeping with the GTI oeiginal style in my own view.

As I said all my own view so no need for anyone to get upset.


Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: monkeyhanger on 07 August 2013, 08:25
These are all personal taste things so please no one get upset.
As a GTI fan and an owner of at least one GTIs for over 22 years.
I dont like.
The quarterlight windows.
How wide the car is.
ADC not hidden somehow.
Silly polished wheel finish that corroded have they learned nothing...
The follow just make me think peugeot 205 or Astra GTE style
The red line in the front lights
The red illuminated lights in the doors and sills.
The plastic finish on the dash.

I could live with its why I prefer the GTDs looks its actually more in keeping with the GTI oeiginal style in my own view.

As I said all my own view so no need for anyone to get upset.

I agree with you for the wheels (I had lots of bother with the last set of polished and lacquered wheels I had, which were on my MK5 GT TDI, they were wick with white worm after 2 years), and the quarterlight windows which look better suited to a people carrier - luckily they are very small.

I think the best looking dash materials were on the Lup and the Polo from about 99. Instead the the customary "elephant arse" grain, they had a hexagonal pattern of uniform raised dots - don't know why VW ever abandoned that pattern - looked very classy. I assume it cost too much either via initial cost or through quality control as a uniform finish will highlight manufacturing defects whereas a random grain finish will hide them.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 07 August 2013, 09:49
I agree with you for the wheels (I had lots of bother with the last set of polished and lacquered wheels I had, which were on my MK5 GT TDI, they were wick with white worm after 2 years), and the quarterlight windows which look better suited to a people carrier - luckily they are very small.

Does warranty cover problems with the alloys?  VW seem stubbornly unable to tell me what is and is not covered by warranty.  However, since I've specifically asked for a list of what is not covered (via email) and the reply never mentioned anything I can only assume everything is covered.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: monkeyhanger on 07 August 2013, 10:29
Does warranty cover problems with the alloys?  VW seem stubbornly unable to tell me what is and is not covered by warranty.  However, since I've specifically asked for a list of what is not covered (via email) and the reply never mentioned anything I can only assume everything is covered.

It does, but getting action depends on the dealership.

The affected Golf was from Benfield, and i'd not had any interaction with Pulman before, so it seemed natural to go to Benfield. The warranty manager outright refused, blaming stone chips that had penetrated the lacquer. There were no stone chips, no scrapes and the lacquer was intact. Not only did I show the warranty manager this, I shhowed him that most of the whiteworm was sprreading from the sharp machined edge by the tyre rim overhang and that the overhang of the tyre had protected it from any chips, but by paint's nature to draw away from sharp edges I summised that the paint on that edge was probably very thin. I put it to him that with that reasoning, a paint defect had allowed the oxidation to occur. He still refused to budge, even after I showed him that all the used Golf GTs on the approved used lot at least 18 months old also had it - were they all faulty? Still a refusal to budge, but a confession - he feared that VW wouldn't pay up for replacements should he supply me with them.

I went to Pulman. Straight away the warranty manager was like "we've seen this plenty of times, we'll get the replacements ordered today and get them fitted next week for you". So began my VW relationship with Pulman. My car also needed a new rear badge/boot handle and new wheel centre caps as the foil used also developed white worm. The centre caps on my Scirocco haven't gone yet, so maybe a lesson has been well learnt there.

Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: p3asa on 07 August 2013, 10:50
My dealer changed my wheel when I only asked him to look at it. Result.
I also had whiteworm on the foil on the front badge and wheel centre caps but didn't know that it was actually whiteworm and changed these myself.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Misterp on 13 August 2013, 09:28
12 way electric seats as standard. Is something I would surely like or atleast an upgrade if and when u upgraded to leather trim.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Gryzor on 13 August 2013, 09:33
12 way electric seats as standard. Is something I would surely like or atleast an upgrade if and when u upgraded to leather trim.

The only time I'd value electric seats is if they had driver memory, otherwise how often do I adjust my seat apart from at service intervals?  Rarely, if ever.  Nice to have for sure, but way down the priority list for me.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Misterp on 13 August 2013, 09:53
12 way electric seats as standard. Is something I would surely like or atleast an upgrade if and when u upgraded to leather trim.

The only time I'd value electric seats is if they had driver memory, otherwise how often do I adjust my seat apart from at service intervals?  Rarely, if ever.  Nice to have for sure, but way down the priority list for me.

With the memory seats   :cool: my dad drives my car a fair bit so it would be useful. I was surprised it wasn't even an option
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Gryzor on 13 August 2013, 09:58
With the memory seats   :cool: my dad drives my car a fair bit so it would be useful. I was surprised it wasn't even an option

Totally agree, if you have different people driving, memory seats are almost a must as it can be a pain getting your seating position just right again!  Like I implied though, manual or electric, adjusting them back is just as awkward.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: virtual camper on 28 January 2015, 21:25

Get rid of the stupid Cup holders in the rear central armrest and replace it with a padded cover. My mate has a standard MK7 and he says it's really uncomfortable.

Waiting to get my car still, due March 2015, but during the test drive the rear armrest was the one thing my passenger commented on and asked if there was some way to fill them in?

We need an after market infill of some kind. It would easily lock into place in the two cup holders.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: BigD on 28 January 2015, 22:23
LED front indicators
LED tails smooth instead of individual LEDs
+30bhp PP
20mm lower ride height
8" wide wheels
20mm wider track
Easiest of all... Paint colours available in Germany blues, greens, purple and ginster etc.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Zayvin on 28 January 2015, 23:44
Would love the euro half suede seats option!
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: gazmondo35 on 29 January 2015, 18:48
I wish it had a BIG acc off button,It seems to always cut in to early & spoil the fun.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: JamesR27 on 29 January 2015, 21:41
I think for me it would be

Wheels - now on my 3rd GTI with polished alloys and previous 2 GTI's had to all 4 replaced under warranty. Current one has 1 wheel already going.

Colour choice, would have liked a few more choices.

Apart from that and having a Friday car which seems to develop a new rattle every few months. Been back 4 times in a year for different rattles it's well specced and great to drive.
Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: Dully on 30 January 2015, 09:06
Without moaning on too much ..........

Alittle more bhp for the PP option

Wheels!!!!! My god I hate cleaning and drying that stupid groove
Wheels!!!!! I have nightmares thinking of when the dreaded worm is going to appear
Wheels!!!!! Could do with hub spacers as standard to just move them out slightly

VW to have spent a couple of quid extra to make sure the hubs have a good coat of paint (3k in 16 months and never seen rain this car and the hubs are red rust)

Happy with 2 exhausts but would have rather seen them bigger diameter and closer together, aka the new TT

Next time they design a car, never mind wind tunnels, get someone in to wash the dam thing and sort out all those places where water hides and blurts out everytime you turn your back

Would have liked to see it sit a little lower too as standard

Title: Re: What would you change about the Mk7 GTi/GTD? If anything...
Post by: fredgroves on 30 January 2015, 09:34
Next time they design a car, never mind wind tunnels, get someone in to wash the dam thing and sort out all those places where water hides and blurts out everytime you turn your back

I dunno about that, but similarly, the ledge created by the rear bumper fills up with road muck after about 200yds after you have washed it.

I know its caused by the squared off rear creating a vacuum but *scream*

Quite what its like for you super detailing obsessives, I don't care much for car cleaning, but it even drives me MAD.