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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: am1w on 03 July 2013, 20:13

Title: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: am1w on 03 July 2013, 20:13
I am really struggling to get an answer pro Mk7 GTI on looks alone.

There are design details that I feel impact negatively on its aesthetics:
(1) Its nose, where I find the extra protuberance of the front bumper is very Bruce Forsyth
(2) the continuation of the red design detail through the headlights is a bit kitsch
(3) the ultra narrow profile of the grille gives the car a very tight lipped odd look
(4) the rear tail lights look very Audi Q5 and seem too narrow to suit the chunky rear that is a Golf. (The LED tails on the Mk6 GTI are certainly better looking and more Golflike).

From the many reviews, the Mk7 Golf and the Mk7 GTI in particular are purported to be better to drive than the Mk6. This is termed as progress and one should expect this. (However, Evo Mag felt that the Mk6 GTI was more involving).

Now you can imagine if I posted this on the Mk7 Forum, they will be apoplectic with rage.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Booth11 on 03 July 2013, 20:30
I am really struggling to get an answer pro Mk7 GTI on looks alone.

There are design details that I feel reduce its aesthetics:
(1) Its nose, where I find the extra protuberance of the front bumper is very Bruce Forsyth
(2) the continuation of the red design detail through the headlights is a bit kitsch
(3) the ultra narrow profile of the grille gives the car a very tight lipped odd look
(4) the rear tail lights look very Audi Q5 and seem too narrow to suit the chunky rear that is a Golf. (The LED tails on the Mk6 GTI are certainly better looking and more Golflike).

From the many reviews, the Mk7 Golf and the Mk7 GTI in particular are purported to be better to drive than the Mk6. This is termed as progress and one should expect this. (However, Evo Mag felt that the Mk6 GTI was more involving).

Now you can imagine if I posted this on the Mk7 Forum, they will be apoplectic with rage.


1.  Don't mind bumper itself but find the bonnet looking a little too long.  It'll soon be as long as a bmw 1 series :evil:
2.  Agree
3.  Think it looks fine, but hate the ADC sensor
4.  Totally agree.  I was driving behind a mk7 (not a gti) yesterday for a few miles and got a good look at it.   The tail lights look very small and undersized.  I am surprised at how small the entire rear of the car looks and this is emphasised by the tiny lights.  Quite liking the sharper lines though.

Also looks quite a bit lower at the rear than the mk6, which I like.

Yes, you'll be upsetting the mk7'ers  :grin:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Ess_Three on 03 July 2013, 20:50
I'd need to see a Mk7 GTI next to my Mk6 GTI to compare...

But my old man has just picked up a Mk7 GT and every time I see it, I think what a cracking looking car it is.
I never thought that of a 'cooking' Mk6 Golf.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: mkviken on 03 July 2013, 20:58
I don't like the pictures of it but saw a red one on the road 2 weeks ago and it looked really good in the flesh.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: AAddict on 03 July 2013, 21:14
http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Snoopy on 03 July 2013, 21:27
My reply is in the mk7 forum.

But Asker I agree totally.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: RocketRossUK on 03 July 2013, 22:29
All in my opinion**

MK7 rear end looks very week and too small. When i think of Golf i think of good strong manly car.

The New MK7 looks a bit weedy and girly. The front line look sharper, but i also hate the red lines through the head lights.

And to be honest, there is not big enough leap from the MK6 to splash that cash. Think ill wait for the MK8
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: wigit on 03 July 2013, 22:30
think some of the finer detailing is lost in photos of the mk7, for me i like the fin details on the front fogs, and like the rear, the rear lights add to the illusion of width as does the roof taper

only thing that doesn't float my boat are the stock wheel choice which is easily altered

just need to produce one with a man size turbo for me to twitch
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Philip James on 03 July 2013, 23:11
.

The New MK7 looks a bit weedy and girly. The front line look sharper, but i also hate the red lines through the head lights.
You know the way they design pubs to appeal to women? Same with cars. :smiley:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: andykram on 04 July 2013, 00:23
I agree with Rocket? There's not enough of a difference between 6 and 7 to warrant buying a new one. I too may well end up waiting for a Mk8!!!
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Ess_Three on 04 July 2013, 01:30
And to be honest, there is not big enough leap from the MK6 to splash that cash. Think ill wait for the MK8

That's also my thinking.
Much as I like the Mk7...I'm not sure I like it enough to spend almost £20k to get from my spec of Mk6 into a similar spec Mk7 GTI!

I do like the shape though...the cooking models look better than the Mk6, so I'll look closely at the Mk7 R, as it may be just the ticket.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: am1w on 04 July 2013, 13:47
And to be honest, there is not big enough leap from the MK6 to splash that cash. Think ill wait for the MK8

That's also my thinking.
Much as I like the Mk7...I'm not sure I like it enough to spend almost £20k to get from my spec of Mk6 into a similar spec Mk7 GTI!

I do like the shape though...the cooking models look better than the Mk6, so I'll look closely at the Mk7 R, as it may be just the ticket.

With this I agree. A cooking model in Silver is ace.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Running Man on 04 July 2013, 14:07
They both look great but the GTI 7 more planted, sporty and sleeker  :smiley:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Exonian on 04 July 2013, 14:08
Do people still remember the mk6?

C'mon, move with the times....


 :tongue: :laugh: :kiss:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: joe6 on 04 July 2013, 15:58
They both look great but the GTI 7 more planted, sporty and sleeker  :smiley:

I agree the overall MK 7 GTI package looks good after seeing one in the flesh rather than pictures but think the front end lacks 'presence'.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: C3PO on 04 July 2013, 18:19
To be honest after all the hype, I was disappointed with the Mark 7 once I had seen it in the flesh, didn't really stand out. plus it looks squashed at the front and too long, so I will wait for the Mark 8, or the edition 40 which ever comes first.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Jimble on 04 July 2013, 18:57
To be honest after all the hype, I was disappointed with the Mark 7 once I had seen it in the flesh, didn't really stand out. plus it looks squashed at the front and too long, so I will wait for the Mark 8, or the edition 40 which ever comes first.


The edition will come first.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Raffe on 04 July 2013, 20:03
Other than the awful red stripe through the headlights I think it's a good looking car, no chance of my wallet twitching to buy one though as it does look far too much like the MK6 IMO.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Booth11 on 04 July 2013, 21:02
Still prefer the mk6 looks-wise but think the sleeker lines of the mk7 are a natural evolution of the mk6 and it's a good looking car.  Let's face it, they weren't going to go more rounded again as that would be too mk5 like and been there done that!   When the mk6 came out I wasn't keen compared to mk5 but now I love it. 

By the time I am ready for my next car (ED40??), I expect it will have grown on me. 
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Ess_Three on 04 July 2013, 22:02
Other than the awful red stripe through the headlights I think it's a good looking car, no chance of my wallet twitching to buy one though as it does look far too much like the MK6 IMO.

Similar opinion here...I'm not a fan of the stripe.
Or the bling wheels - standard or optional.
So that's an additional £1000 right there for new wheels...and I'd still be stuck with the stripe.

So the R option is looking like it may solve both of those 'problems'. Time will tell.

Or maybe I'll just buy a motorbike instead of changing the car!
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Buck on 04 July 2013, 22:40
I agree with most of the sentiments here particularly around the styling - it's not a bad car but as I posted in the Mk7 forum, when I was followed by a Mk7 GTI last week I didn't go "wow" and to put £20-25k into the equivalent upgrade I'd need to do that.

I'm waiting for the R then will decide if I stay in the Mk6 or make my next car something non-VW....
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: am1w on 05 July 2013, 20:01
I agree with most of the sentiments here particularly around the styling - it's not a bad car but as I posted in the Mk7 forum, when I was followed by a Mk7 GTI last week I didn't go "wow" and to put £20-25k into the equivalent upgrade I'd need to do that.

I'm waiting for the R then will decide if I stay in the Mk6 or make my next car something non-VW....

Saw a 3 door Mk7 GTI today in white with its signature red lipstick which looked most odd. Looked quite ordinary but at least not as ordinary and frumpy as the new A3.  :sad: :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Snoopy on 05 July 2013, 20:41
I actually quite like the new A3 saloon in S3 spec.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: am1w on 05 July 2013, 21:23
I actually quite like the new A3 saloon in S3 spec.

Hmmm. Looks like a bread van. The new A3 saloon is more pleasing IMO.
Anyway, I'm bored with VAG cars and designs.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Raffe on 06 July 2013, 07:59
Anyway, I'm bored with VAG cars and designs.

Not that bored if you want to come on here discussing their merits.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Booth11 on 06 July 2013, 08:10
Anyway, I'm bored with VAG cars and designs.

Not that bored if you want to come on here discussing their merits.

You took the words out of my mouth  :laugh:

Is life a bit dull on the bimmer forum!!
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Snoopy on 06 July 2013, 08:12
I actually quite like the new A3 saloon in S3 spec.

Hmmm. Looks like a bread van. The new A3 saloon is more pleasing IMO.
Anyway, I'm bored with VAG cars and designs.
Each to there own mate. I myself dont like BMW styling many others like yourself do. It would bw a boring world if we all liked the same.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: am1w on 06 July 2013, 20:06
Anyway, I'm bored with VAG cars and designs.

Not that bored if you want to come on here discussing their demerits.

Corrected. :laugh:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Rossc0 on 06 July 2013, 21:07
I have to say I've been sorely tempted by some deals on drivethedeal for the MK7 gti.

Pretty much £3500 off the performance pack with all the extras. DSG etc...Very tempting...
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: The Doc on 08 July 2013, 23:27
The MK5 is better than both and the MK2 is better than them all.

IMHO of course.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Snoopy on 31 July 2013, 23:11
Ive been trying to like the mk7 and even popped into the dealers on the way home a few times to get more accustomed to it.
Im still finding the interior red stipes tacky but have come round to the looks of the outside rear and sides. The front im working on lol. Still not liking the line in the front lights though.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: RocketRossUK on 31 July 2013, 23:13
Ive been trying to like the mk7 and even popped into the dealers on the way home a few times to get more accustomed to it.
Im still finding the interior red stipes tacky but have come round to the looks of the outside rear and sides. The front im working on lol. Still not liking the line in the front lights though.

Yeah im kinda the same, i might feel different when i see a CSG in the flesh.

Still think ill miss this one and get MK8
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Snoopy on 31 July 2013, 23:26
Ive been trying to like the mk7 and even popped into the dealers on the way home a few times to get more accustomed to it.
Im still finding the interior red stipes tacky but have come round to the looks of the outside rear and sides. The front im working on lol. Still not liking the line in the front lights though.

Yeah im kinda the same, i might feel different when i see a CSG in the flesh.

Still think ill miss this one and get MK8
I still keep thinking I should have bought a ed35 its a known quantity mechanical wise.
I dread to think what they have cost cut this time as well...
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Raffe on 01 August 2013, 07:13
I went and looked at the new GTD at the weekend and it looks ok, but certainly didn't excite me at any level.

Next car will be something different, probably the M135i pending the outcome of my test drive this weekend.. :whistle:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: MAW73 on 01 August 2013, 11:44
I went and looked at the new GTD at the weekend and it looks ok, but certainly didn't excite me at any level.

Next car will be something different, probably the M135i pending the outcome of my test drive this weekend.. :whistle:

I'm sure you will be impressed with the M135i.... discount wise around 10-12% is achievable :wink:

The dealers generally have a few well spec'd ones in production that they source for you (so no silly waiting times like the Mk7).

Give me a shout if you want a hand with spec.

Ps Good source of info here on deals

http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=40339

Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: am1w on 01 August 2013, 11:47
I went and looked at the new GTD at the weekend and it looks ok, but certainly didn't excite me at any level.

Next car will be something different, probably the M135i pending the outcome of my test drive this weekend.. :whistle:

There is a certain blandness to the external design of the Golfs which does give them a timeless appeal. It could have been a step change, but like all manufacturers, they tinker a bit here and there with the design without a radical change. It's too much of a risk if they produced such a car as there is a risk they might lose sales. The worst offender is Audi, especially with the A3.

You'll love the M135i. There is an LCI version (facelift) coming out next year around July when the front end will be re-designed and look more like the new 2 Series. BTW Birds Garage can also do an ECU update and wring 370 bhp from the engine and add a Quaife LSD for £3069 inc VAT. There has been a mini review of this in last weeks Auto Car Mag.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Organisys on 01 August 2013, 12:46
The MK5 is better than both and the MK2 is better than them all.

IMHO of course.

 :cool:

 :whistle:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Raffe on 01 August 2013, 12:48
I went and looked at the new GTD at the weekend and it looks ok, but certainly didn't excite me at any level.

Next car will be something different, probably the M135i pending the outcome of my test drive this weekend.. :whistle:

There is a certain blandness to the external design of the Golfs which does give them a timeless appeal. It could have been a step change, but like all manufacturers, they tinker a bit here and there with the design without a radical change. It's too much of a risk if they produced such a car with as there is a risk they might lose sales. The worst offender is Audi, especially with the A3.

You'll love the M135i. There is an LCI version (facelift) coming out next year around July when the front end will be re-designed and look more like the new 2 Series. BTW Birds Garage can also do an ECU update and wring 370 bhp from the engine and add a Quaife LSD for £3069 inc VAT. There has been a mini review of this in last weeks Auto Car Mag.

Sounds good....not looking to move the Golf on until plate change next year, but I have known to be a touch impulsive, we'll see how much it excites :evil:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Raffe on 01 August 2013, 12:56
I went and looked at the new GTD at the weekend and it looks ok, but certainly didn't excite me at any level.

Next car will be something different, probably the M135i pending the outcome of my test drive this weekend.. :whistle:

I'm sure you will be impressed with the M135i.... discount wise around 10-12% is achievable :wink:

The dealers generally have a few well spec'd ones in production that they source for you (so no silly waiting times like the Mk7).

Give me a shout if you want a hand with spec.

Ps Good source of info here on deals

http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=40339

Thanks for heads up, have had a little nosey on there but not registered yet, might do soon though :smiley:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: AndyG on 01 August 2013, 16:18
In my opinion,the mk7 is no better looking or worse looking than the mk6.Its just slightly different.In fact,the mk6 doesn't look dated as the mk5 did as soon as the 6 came along.I might give this one a miss and wait for the mk8.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Running Man on 01 August 2013, 23:11
I went and looked at the new GTD at the weekend and it looks ok, but certainly didn't excite me at any level.

Next car will be something different, probably the M135i pending the outcome of my test drive this weekend.. :whistle:

Ugly is forever,  quicker is momentarily.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Running Man on 01 August 2013, 23:13
Ive been trying to like the mk7 and even popped into the dealers on the way home a few times to get more accustomed to it.
Im still finding the interior red stipes tacky but have come round to the looks of the outside rear and sides. The front im working on lol. Still not liking the line in the front lights though.

Yeah im kinda the same, i might feel different when i see a CSG in the flesh.

Still think ill miss this one and get MK8

Understandable
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: JoeGTI on 01 August 2013, 23:19
I honestly can't see any signs of cost cutting in the mk7. Quite the opposite. The interior is leaps ahead of the mk6 and on a different planet to the MKV. All round, inside and out, it feels like a quality well screwed together motor. The attention to detail is second to none. I love all the new interior ambient lighting and all the new tech like the stop/start, keyless start and electric parking brake.
I've owned every MK of Golf since the 4 and this one is definitely the best in terms of fit, finish and quality. The MKV still holds fond memories though, possibly with rosé tinted glasses, I think that car is hard to beat. It was brilliant. I think VW got the looks spot on with the MKV and the MK6 and 7, while handsome motors, do not look quite as "right" IMO.
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: wigit on 01 August 2013, 23:30
looking forward to having a mk7 for a weekend in August so will have mk5, 6 and 7 on the drive which should confuse the neighbours
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Raffe on 02 August 2013, 05:31
I went and looked at the new GTD at the weekend and it looks ok, but certainly didn't excite me at any level.

Next car will be something different, probably the M135i pending the outcome of my test drive this weekend.. :whistle:

Ugly is forever,  quicker is momentarily.

This is true, albeit you won't have to worry too much as all the GTi will ever see is the tailpipes in the distance  :grin:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: am1w on 02 August 2013, 18:46
Blue and White Roundel for me. :drool:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Running Man on 06 August 2013, 19:43
I went and looked at the new GTD at the weekend and it looks ok, but certainly didn't excite me at any level.

Next car will be something different, probably the M135i pending the outcome of my test drive this weekend.. :whistle:

Ugly is forever,  quicker is momentarily.

This is true, albeit you won't have to worry too much as all the GTi will ever see is the tailpipes in the distance  :grin:

Fair point  :laugh:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Running Man on 06 August 2013, 19:50
Blue and White Roundel for me. :drool:

Each to their own, I guess our desires do change for cars like anything else in life.  Will I stay with the GTI for the mark 8, 9, 10...... Who knows.  Would have been seriously tempted by the M135i but I can't get past the looks, that's how I feel.

Variety is the spice of life  :undecided:
Title: Re: Is the Mk7 GTI REALLY better looking than the Mk6 GTI?
Post by: Raffe on 07 August 2013, 06:50

Variety is the spice of life  :undecided:

Amen to that  :cool: