GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: am1w on 10 July 2013, 20:35
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Probably the definitive review of the Mk7 GTI with P Pack.
After Steve Sutcliffe's glorious feelings, I was a bit surprised by this lower than expected rating.
The Focus ST3 (awful button fest interior) is the better handler in both wet and dry.
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I'd rather rely on the Chris Harris review which taken from his tweet I quote
@harrismonkey: Golf GTI review now live on @drive http://t.co/Pw5limzVuM I could happily have one as my only car.
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I'd rather rely on the Chris Harris review which taken from his tweet I quote
@harrismonkey: Golf GTI review now live on @drive http://t.co/Pw5limzVuM I could happily have one as my only car.
100% agree with you Craig. Harris is about the only jurno I respect these days.
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Probably the definitive review of the Mk7 GTI with P Pack.
No, that'll be when I get mine! :smiley:
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Probably the definitive review of the Mk7 GTI with P Pack.
After Steve Sutcliffe's glorious feelings, I was a bit surprised by this lower than expected rating.
The Focus ST3 (awful button fest interior) is the better handler in both wet and dry.
Obviously ford coughed up this week, next time they mention the cars the GTI will be the best.
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Probably the definitive review of the Mk7 GTI with P Pack.
After Steve Sutcliffe's glorious feelings, I was a bit surprised by this lower than expected rating.
The Focus ST3 (awful button fest interior) is the better handler in both wet and dry.
Obviously ford coughed up this week, next time they mention the cars the GTI will be the best.
Totally agree. It's been said on here before about two faced Mat Watson raving about the GTI when it came out in June and gave it 5 out if 5! Then a month later he was involved in the three car head to head in AutoExpress by which time the GTI slipped into 2nd place only got 4 out of 5. Knobhead :angry:
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Probably the definitive review of the Mk7 GTI with P Pack.
After Steve Sutcliffe's glorious feelings, I was a bit surprised by this lower than expected rating.
The Focus ST3 (awful button fest interior) is the better handler in both wet and dry.
Obviously ford coughed up this week, next time they mention the cars the GTI will be the best.
I see your point. Only a couple of months ago the M135i was a 5* car. :rolleyes:
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Now the M135i is a 3.5* car. Funny lot are reviewers. :rolleyes:
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One good point though they make
" it's absurdly easy to drive this car at up to 9 10 th's effort level. Therein lies the appeal.
I would also agree with their " spec advice". Manual, 3 door and PP is a no brainer" :lipsrsealed:
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Just read the review in full, I agree with most of the review. One point even although they had a performance pack car it only managed 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and 0-100 in 16.4 which if memory serves me this is slightly slower than the MK5 & MK6 GTI to 100. The DSG version also appears, going by my test drive of a manual where 75mph appeared on the digital speedo in 2nd, to have different gear ratios to the manual.
I have been lucky enough to drive every car in the top 5, I would have also placed the RS265 first as a hot hatch as it is superb in the corners but as a all round car it is not as good as the rest. It gets difficult after this as it depends how you want to rate them, the M135 is on a completely different performance level and offers very good value for what you get (like for like spec is around 3.5k ish more than a GTI but you get almost 50% more power), the GTI is still the best all rounder in my mind but the ST is very good also.
All I need is someone to make a hot hatch with the M135's engine and 8 speed auto box, the GTIs body shell/interior and the RS265 handling and it would be my perfect car, sounds easy when you type it out !
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When something you are passionate about gets a great review that you agree with, the reviewer is great. When the same thing gets a not so great review that you disagree with, the reviewer isn't so great. End of the day, it changes nothing - I bought the GTI for a number reasons, none of which can be satisfied by the other cars, regardless of how well they handle in the wet and dry when driven like they are on a track...
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I haven't read the review, but for me the RS265 and ST would both cost more to buy and run (total cost of ownership) than the MK7 GTI i've ordered which was a big factor (not to mention the interiors!).
I did consider the M135i - but it got expensive very quickly once you started looking at the options list.
I also wish these tests would include like-for-like price points i.e. it should have been the BMW 125i, not the M135i which cost £££££s more than the GTI.
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I'd take these reviews with a pinch of salt. I quite like the Focus ST but I wouldn't have a Renault Anything if I got it for free.
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Chris Harris is top of my list in terms of reviews. His review of the GTI was very positive and also very fair in my opinion. He didn't take it anywhere near a track and noted this, which I think is spot on. I took my Mk6 on track and within a few laps I realised the suspension and brakes needed a fair amount of tweaking before it would be suitable.
Instead he treated it as a quick, practical hatch that served up thrills when you fancied but remained faithful when needed. And I think that's spot on. The RS265 has had the podium for a while and that's fine. The new VXR seems to be a fantastic step up over the old car and the ST seems to be decent enough. I think looks wise the GTI is now firmly behind the others (although I'm not as keen on the ST), but the GTI somehow still looks very stylish and very GTI-ish on the road. I just wish they had kept the Monza Shadows.
But where I think they have improved the GTI is in terms of excitement. The Mk6 I found (being honest) a tad dull to drive and so I turned to a remap to liven it up. The remap was spot on and I'm sure pretty much anyone who remapped their GTI would agree it was how the car should have been built.
But if the handling of the new GTI is as good as the reviews suggest, I'm not sure a remap will be quite the necessity it previously has been on GTI's. Which in my books would be very good indeed.
Still to test drive the Mk7. But having sat in one my initial disappointment is the steering wheel. It's too big and not thick enough.
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It's too big and not thick enough.
That's what she said :lipsrsealed:
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It's too big and not thick enough.
That's what she said :lipsrsealed:
:grin: :grin:
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Chris Harris is top of my list in terms of reviews. His review of the GTI was very positive and also very fair in my opinion. He didn't take it anywhere near a track and noted this, which I think is spot on. I took my Mk6 on track and within a few laps I realised the suspension and brakes needed a fair amount of tweaking before it would be suitable.
Instead he treated it as a quick, practical hatch that served up thrills when you fancied but remained faithful when needed. And I think that's spot on. The RS265 has had the podium for a while and that's fine. The new VXR seems to be a fantastic step up over the old car and the ST seems to be decent enough. I think looks wise the GTI is now firmly behind the others (although I'm not as keen on the ST), but the GTI somehow still looks very stylish and very GTI-ish on the road. I just wish they had kept the Monza Shadows.
But where I think they have improved the GTI is in terms of excitement. The Mk6 I found (being honest) a tad dull to drive and so I turned to a remap to liven it up. The remap was spot on and I'm sure pretty much anyone who remapped their GTI would agree it was how the car should have been built.
But if the handling of the new GTI is as good as the reviews suggest, I'm not sure a remap will be quite the necessity it previously has been on GTI's. Which in my books would be very good indeed.
Still to test drive the Mk7. But having sat in one my initial disappointment is the steering wheel. It's too big and not thick enough.
Agree with that 100%
Mind you, a couple of years down the line and once you're bored of the standard performance a remap would have to be added to the mk7 too, surely? :laugh:
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Just bought the mag and read it... wish I'd saved my coins. I'm left with the feeling I've read a lot of words, yet learned practically nothing. My comments:
The usual refrain of "its good, but not exciting enough" is peppered throughout. I think this goes hand in hand with their assessment of the Megane and Focus getting the no.1 and no.2 spots. By being tailored for just one task (Megane, track) or just being a bit crap at handling (Focus) those two cars will be more "exciting" if you run them around a track a couple of times. However, if you do the track repeatedly I'll bet the Focus becomes annoying. And if you do anything but the track I'll bet the Megane becomes annoying.
I really can't see that they could rank the GTI or the BMW below these 2 cars unless the criteria is "couple of goes around a track". In all other respects both GTI and BMW are miles ahead of the Megane or Focus. Just seems ridiculous to me. They're putting all the weight into one specific and rare use for the car and none into the many other uses that happen everyday.
Another problem (slightly related to the above) is that every aspect of the car is described as good, but not great. Engineering wise I think these guys need to realise that modern cars are highly refined and you're just not going to see the kind of gains you would have with say the mk5 GTI over the mk4. We are beyond the days of huge increases in power and sitting in the days of minor refinements to improve efficiency or reliability. So its no good hoping that each part of the car will be revolutionary and blow them away, that's not going to happen unless some new kind of engine is invented or something.
They did say the e-diff is not very noticeable, which almost classes as learning something if it didn't go against what has been said in previous tests. I dunno what to make of that review really. What is the point of just listing all the "handling is poised" "ride is good" "shifts are sharp" buzz words into a massive 6 page spread which leaves you with just a heap of buzz words that could apply to almost any car with no problems. I guess that is all you can say from this review, there is nothing wrong with the GTI worth mentioning. End.
So yeah, its 100x more helpful to hear the comments of you guys on here than this kind of journalism.
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Here are my points;
1. Not surprising after last week's Autoexpress test (ST first, Golf second, R265 third)
2. Where did the extra 50Kg come from?
3. VW Driver got 6.3 for the MK6 2dr manual
6.5 for the MK6 DSG 5dr
6.0 for the MK5 2rd manual!
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Here are my points;
1. Not surprising after last week's Autoexpress test (ST first, Golf second, R265 third)
2. Where did the extra 50Kg come from?
3. VW Driver got 6.3 for the MK6 2dr manual
6.5 for the MK6 DSG 5dr
6.0 for the MK5 2rd manual!
Car and Driver 5.6s MK7 GTI 220 (non PP) 0-60
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Here are my points;
1. Not surprising after last week's Autoexpress test (ST first, Golf second, R265 third)
2. Where did the extra 50Kg come from?
3. VW Driver got 6.3 for the MK6 2dr manual
6.5 for the MK6 DSG 5dr
6.0 for the MK5 2rd manual!
Car and Driver 5.6s MK7 GTI 220 (non PP) 0-60
Are not 0-60 times *highly* dependant on the conditions of the test? Some factors that might impact are (off the top of my head):
Air temperature
Engine and tyres warmed up or not
Altitude
Flatness of the test route
Fuel octane number
Type of tyres
0-60 or 0-62
Also if they were doing it properly I think they should run the test down both directions of the course then take an average in order to discount wind speed and flatness of the track. Its rare to see the tests treated as scientific so variation in results is to be expected.
EDIT:
Didn't mention weather as I assume its a given they're not performing these tests in the wet or on ice!
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I always find the 0-60 time is basically a 'pub boast' tool (and I am guilty of doing that I admit) - the amount of times you actually pull away and nail it to achieve that time is minimal - unless you come across some chav in a "suped" up Peugeot 106/Corsa who you want to put back in their place. The real test should be the 30-70 and 70-100 bracket, as that pulling power is what differentiates the cars. Even so, I have a real issue with these reviews banging on about how the car performs around a track - zero interest to me, I'm never going to go round a track in mine!!
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Even so, I have a real issue with these reviews banging on about how the car performs around a track - zero interest to me, I'm never going to go round a track in mine!!
My point exactly, and nor do I drive like I think I'm on one either, so these reviews mean absolutely nothing. Well, apart from confirming that it's "not exciting enough", because that's my main decider right there!
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Probably the definitive review of the Mk7 GTI with P Pack.
After Steve Sutcliffe's glorious feelings, I was a bit surprised by this lower than expected rating.
The Focus ST3 (awful button fest interior) is the better handler in both wet and dry.
Obviously ford coughed up this week, next time they mention the cars the GTI will be the best.
Spot on :wink:
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Chris Harris is top of my list in terms of reviews. His review of the GTI was very positive and also very fair in my opinion. He didn't take it anywhere near a track and noted this, which I think is spot on. I took my Mk6 on track and within a few laps I realised the suspension and brakes needed a fair amount of tweaking before it would be suitable.
Instead he treated it as a quick, practical hatch that served up thrills when you fancied but remained faithful when needed. And I think that's spot on. The RS265 has had the podium for a while and that's fine. The new VXR seems to be a fantastic step up over the old car and the ST seems to be decent enough. I think looks wise the GTI is now firmly behind the others (although I'm not as keen on the ST), but the GTI somehow still looks very stylish and very GTI-ish on the road. I just wish they had kept the Monza Shadows.
But where I think they have improved the GTI is in terms of excitement. The Mk6 I found (being honest) a tad dull to drive and so I turned to a remap to liven it up. The remap was spot on and I'm sure pretty much anyone who remapped their GTI would agree it was how the car should have been built.
But if the handling of the new GTI is as good as the reviews suggest, I'm not sure a remap will be quite the necessity it previously has been on GTI's. Which in my books would be very good indeed.
Still to test drive the Mk7. But having sat in one my initial disappointment is the steering wheel. It's too big and not thick enough.
Penguin brings up some good points. Both GTI's I've had are much better with an aftermarket map. The stock maps are quite linear.
The cars really benefit from it, it's probably the same across the VAG range and these reviews obviously don't account for this.
At the end of the day it's just a review, buy whatever floats your boat.
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If this review was the only one raising these issues I'd dismiss it as an outlier, but the "uninvolving" comments reflect a theme common to several reviews lately. It's starting to look like other options may better meet the needs of someone for whom engaging, smile-on-your-face driving is the main priority.
As to Chris Harris's review - contrast it to his review of say either the new Fiesta ST or the GT86 - he displays nowhere near the same level of enthusiasm for the GTI. In the other two reviews he's all gleeful fun; with the GTI he delivers a serious lecture on the ACC and hardly mentions the handling at all.
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If this review was the only one raising these issues I'd dismiss it as an outlier, but the "uninvolving" comments reflect a theme common to several reviews lately. It's starting to look like other options may better meet the needs of someone for whom engaging, smile-on-your-face driving is the main priority.
As to Chris Harris's review - contrast it to his review of say either the new Fiesta ST or the GT86 - he displays nowhere near the same level of enthusiasm for the GTI. In the other two reviews he's all gleeful fun; with the GTI he delivers a serious lecture on the ACC and hardly mentions the handling at all.
Have you had a test drive of the GTI though? Trust me you really can't believe this crap about boring or uninvolving or anything. The reviewers seem to want a car that if you drop concentration on while flinging it around a track you'll spin out. That is a stupid way to assess a car.
You also have to remember that the GTI is being reviewed not just against the competition but against itself and its legacy. So even if it beats the competition it can still produce less enthusiasm if its not a massive leap forward over previous generations too. I think this is why the Fiesta ST and the GT86 seem more fun, their performance was far from guaranteed before the review!
Also remember that even if the GTI can be beaten in performance by a Focus ST (which I think is far from a proven thing) then that isn't the main reason for buying anyway. Take into account the looks and the practicality. Many people may prefer the Focus or the BMW or the R265 or whatever, but I would not make judgements based on these reviews. Listen to the owners and take a test drive.
EDIT:
Oh and remember that a month ago Mat Watson said the GTI was absolutely the best hot hatch money could buy. So there isn't really a common theme at all, the reviews are all pretty much random in their results.
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If this review was the only one raising these issues I'd dismiss it as an outlier, but the "uninvolving" comments reflect a theme common to several reviews lately. It's starting to look like other options may better meet the needs of someone for whom engaging, smile-on-your-face driving is the main priority.
As to Chris Harris's review - contrast it to his review of say either the new Fiesta ST or the GT86 - he displays nowhere near the same level of enthusiasm for the GTI. In the other two reviews he's all gleeful fun; with the GTI he delivers a serious lecture on the ACC and hardly mentions the handling at all.
Have you had a test drive of the GTI though? Trust me you really can't believe this crap about boring or uninvolving or anything. The reviewers seem to want a car that if you drop concentration on while flinging it around a track you'll spin out. That is a stupid way to assess a car.
You also have to remember that the GTI is being reviewed not just against the competition but against itself and its legacy. So even if it beats the competition it can still produce less enthusiasm if its not a massive leap forward over previous generations too. I think this is why the Fiesta ST and the GT86 seem more fun, their performance was far from guaranteed before the review!
Also remember that even if the GTI can be beaten in performance by a Focus ST (which I think is far from a proven thing) then that isn't the main reason for buying anyway. Take into account the looks and the practicality. Many people may prefer the Focus or the BMW or the R265 or whatever, but I would not make judgements based on these reviews. Listen to the owners and take a test drive.
EDIT:
Oh and remember that a month ago Mat Watson said the GTI was absolutely the best hot hatch money could buy. So there isn't really a common theme at all, the reviews are all pretty much random in their results.
It's quite easy for them to be flinging around a car that isn't theirs, for fun and burn though £600 worth of tyres in a sitting, in the pursuit of fun. Not real world driving for 99% of us, but they'll hang a dour review on a car that won't kill you the first mistake you make in it. The "Evo" influence always makes it's way into hot hatch reviews (and a lot of normal car reviews too).
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personally the reason I ordered the GTi was that in addition to all the good traits of quality engineering, residuals, cool understated looks, great seats, economy, low tax, low weight, sensible if not cheap price...
I honestly thought it was one of the best sounding, fastest, best handling front drive cars I have driven. PERIOD. I have not interest in spending £25k on a megane that is worth 12k in 2 years jsut so I can corner on a track 4% faster.
While I am no road tester, but I have owned or drive a good number of decent handling, fast coupes and hot hatches and i was left under no uncertain thoughts that it is the best car in the real world that does everything well, a mantle held by my current BMW 330 ci Coupe as far as I am concerned and it would have taken something special to get me out of that (Find me a megane or focus with 100k miles on the clock that feels as tight and new as my 10 year old BMW)
The sum of all those arguments made me splash out, I wouldnt have done on any other of those cars in the test except maybe the 135 but its pig ugly and a used 135 coupe gives 95% performance for 50% price.
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Drisser, have to agree with you.
I don't want to fault the reviewers, as I think some of them do a great job and certainly keep me entertained (even if they don't always provide useful consumer information), but... I do recognise that the reviews influence my purchase very lightly, if at all.
The GTI may be as dull-as-dishwater compared to the light-footedness and liveliness of an RS265, and it might not slap you in the back like the VXR, but at the end of the day it's a Golf and it's a GTI and I like the boxy look and I like the tartan seats. I like the materials inside and I like the fact that it feels well put together (even if sometimes it isn't).
Am I being a fanboy, perhaps. I think the problem comes from people wanting a track car they can take their mother-in-law out in. The GTI is not that type of car. It's a Golf, but it can also go pretty quickly.
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Unfortunately it will be a year before we can test drive the new GTI over the pond, and in the meantime we have to rely on second-hand assessments.
I do agree that the UK reviewers' biases towards sport/performance over livability do not reflect the priorities of the large majority of general buyers, and even enthusiasts are not going to be driving the nuts off their cars 95% of the time. Obviously a lot of other important considerations come into play besides driving pleasure for most prospective purchasers, such as those mentioned by several of you above. But as someone who does not have to commute, the factors that weigh most heavily for me are not the practical or comfort ones but the engagement generated by the responsiveness, eagerness and feelsomeness of the car. Cars with these qualities aren't necessarily dangerous or unstable - they can be thrilling while at the same time being predictable and safe (Cayman, etc).
In the reviewers' defense, they are using criteria for their assessments in these comparisons that are appropriate for specialty hot-hatches like the GTI that are designed and marketed as performance, fun-to-drive vehicles. We're not talking Ford Mondeo estates here. If the Autocar comparison was totally track-based, though, they need to balance that out with a street-drive review.
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The fact that the reviewers say 'its not exciting' enough blah blah blah means nothing to me because when I had my test drive I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. And given the cars I've driven previously commented upon in another thread, that's the biggest compliment I can give to the car.
It has more than enough excitement for me!
(I am an accountant though so read into that what you will! :laugh:)
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It's strange how one's taste can change. I never thought I'd ever want any car but a Golf GTI and I was convinced I should stay the course and change from my wonderful Mk6 GTI to a Mk7 GTI. Then one day I drove a BMW F30 33Od M Sport and it just blew me away: literally. The car was totally frictionless, its ride and handling were simply sublime, its performance devastating and it was everything all the road testers said and much, much more. A 5* car. So we bought two! But I still hung on for a couple of months to my trusty GTI as I tried to get my head around the BMW tech and the fact the car was a bit dimensionally large in comparison to the Golf. But once in the driver's seat the car simply shrinks around one, something the GTI never could do and still does not in it's latest guise. And then there was the amazing comfort of the beautifully appointed sport leather seats, the beauty of the simple dash, the terrific torque from the engine, the 8 speed sport gearbox with its seemless shifts and so much more. So I felt a bit sad that my torrid affair with my Mk6 GTI was no more but happy that I had found an ideal partner in this BMW.
I say all the above because today I drove a German Registered Mk7 GTI with PP. It was all very familiar and it was like visiting an old friend. Unfortunately, the sparkle in the relationship could not be rekindled. The car felt a bit old in design, especially on the inside, the paintwork on the door frames was still visible from the inside, it felt slow, rattled a bit on our roads and drank fuel at an alarming rate. I felt quite sad as I really wanted to love this car. But I could not anymore. Yes, the Mk7 GTI is a very good car, but no longer a car I can feel passionate about. Perhaps the Mk7 R will tug at my heart strings a bit more.
All-in-all, a bitter-sweet day for me.
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It's so blatant you can almost taste it.
That rag went downhill years ago.
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It's strange how one's taste can change. I never thought I'd ever want any car but a Golf GTI and I was convinced I should stay the course and change from my wonderful Mk6 GTI to a Mk7 GTI. Then one day I drove a BMW F30 33Od M Sport and it just blew me away: literally. The car was totally frictionless, its ride and handling were simply sublime, its performance devastating and it was everything all the road testers said and much, much more.
The problem I have with Bimmers and their ilk is their high level of reliance on electronics to sort out the drive characteristics together with the relative unreliability of said electronics and the sky-high cost of high-end German maintenance (at least in North America). No problem if you go with a lease or sell before your warranty is up, but as a low mileage driver I would be holding on to a car for a decade, and the potential for high repair costs is scary.
Hasn't stopped me from seriously considering the new C7 Vette which is packed with tech, though... ::)
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As regards to f30 330d, my friend has one and I have driven it a few times and it never came close to my ed35 gti with the remap I had, in corners it could never keep up with me and it is horrible looking, the bonnet is disgusting looking and the amount of problems he has had with the last 3 bmws have been horrific. Not the most reliable cars.
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The fact that the reviewers say 'its not exciting' enough blah blah blah means nothing to me because when I had my test drive I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. And given the cars I've driven previously commented upon in another thread, that's the biggest compliment I can give to the car.
It has more than enough excitement for me!
(I am an accountant though so read into that what you will! :laugh:)
Matchboy I am totally with you. The gti was one of the most fun cars I have driven since 1998 when I first drove a fiat coupe 20v turbo ( find me a 220 bhp front drive car today that does 0-100 in 14.5 secs ? ) and I had a huge grin on my face with the golf. Couple that with the need to have day to day usability and good residuals and I can't think of another car like it.
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Ps, also an accountant ! :laugh:
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The fact that the reviewers say 'its not exciting' enough blah blah blah means nothing to me because when I had my test drive I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. And given the cars I've driven previously commented upon in another thread, that's the biggest compliment I can give to the car.
It has more than enough excitement for me!
(I am an accountant though so read into that what you will! :laugh:)
Matchboy I am totally with you. The gti was one of the most fun cars I have driven since 1998 when I first drove a fiat coupe 20v turbo ( find me a 220 bhp front drive car today that does 0-100 in 14.5 secs ? ) and I had a huge grin on my face with the golf. Couple that with the need to have day to day usability and good residuals and I can't think of another car like it.
Exactly! Ticks all the boxes!
Is am1w still droning on about his 330d? Clearly not getting any love on the BMW forums. I wouldn't mind but its not even the best 3 series you can buy, it's mid range at best. :rolleyes:
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The fact that the reviewers say 'its not exciting' enough blah blah blah means nothing to me because when I had my test drive I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. And given the cars I've driven previously commented upon in another thread, that's the biggest compliment I can give to the car.
It has more than enough excitement for me!
(I am an accountant though so read into that what you will! :laugh:)
Matchboy I am totally with you. The gti was one of the most fun cars I have driven since 1998 when I first drove a fiat coupe 20v turbo ( find me a 220 bhp front drive car today that does 0-100 in 14.5 secs ? ) and I had a huge grin on my face with the golf. Couple that with the need to have day to day usability and good residuals and I can't think of another car like it.
Exactly! Ticks all the boxes!
Is am1w still droning on about his 330d? Clearly not getting any love on the BMW forums. I wouldn't mind but its not even the best 3 series you can buy, it's mid range at best. :rolleyes:
Lol it might not be the best but it is certainly the ugliest lol
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The fact that the reviewers say 'its not exciting' enough blah blah blah means nothing to me because when I had my test drive I couldn't wipe the smile from my face. And given the cars I've driven previously commented upon in another thread, that's the biggest compliment I can give to the car.
It has more than enough excitement for me!
(I am an accountant though so read into that what you will! :D )
Matchboy I am totally with you. The gti was one of the most fun cars I have driven since 1998 when I first drove a fiat coupe 20v turbo ( find me a 220 bhp front drive car today that does 0-100 in 14.5 secs ? ) and I had a huge grin on my face with the golf. Couple that with the need to have day to day usability and good residuals and I can't think of another car like it.
Exactly! Ticks all the boxes!
Is am1w still droning on about his 330d? Clearly not getting any love on the BMW forums. I wouldn't mind but its not even the best 3 series you can buy, it's mid range at best. ::)
Yup, unfortunately nobody wants his opinion anymore! The only reason he comes on here these days is to ruffle feathers which is strange considering he had the best GTI in the country! ::) Nobody wants to hear how fantastic his BMW saloon is and how poor he thinks the mk7 GTI is.
Yawn........
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Hi Guys, First post here so go easy. I read the Autocar review over a bit of toast on Wednesday morning and had e-mailed them by 9 o'clock! Let's see if it gets published.
p.s. take the other car selections mentioned with a pitch of salt, I just wanted to demonstrate how one dimensional most car mags are in their comparison tests.
p.p.s. actually ordered a GTD this week (20K plus miles a year, I just couldn't do the GTI :sad:)
Dear Autocar,
I've just rolled my eyes and let a out a little sigh after reading your disappointingly predictable road test of the Golf GTI. As someone who has a GTI high on their next purchase list, I can promise you that the Focus ST and the Megane 265 are not on there, mostly because I don't want to be mistaken for a 19-year-old. Other considerations for me are the new A3 Saloon, or maybe a low-level Evoque. To put the GTI in the horsepower and cocked-wheel bracket is missing the point of it's appeal. 2-hours wanging round a track, I would probably pick the Ford too, but living with it for 3 years? You're off your rocker. And didn't the GTI comprehensively beat the Focus ST a few issues back anyway? So I can also add fickleness to the reasons not to believe.
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Dear Autocar,
I've just rolled my eyes and let a out a little sigh after reading your disappointingly predictable road test of the Golf GTI. As someone who has a GTI high on their next purchase list, I can promise you that the Focus ST and the Megane 265 are not on there, mostly because I don't want to be mistaken for a 19-year-old. Other considerations for me are the new A3 Saloon, or maybe a low-level Evoque. To put the GTI in the horsepower and cocked-wheel bracket is missing the point of it's appeal. 2-hours wanging round a track, I would probably pick the Ford too, but living with it for 3 years? You're off your rocker. And didn't the GTI comprehensively beat the Focus ST a few issues back anyway? So I can also add fickleness to the reasons not to believe.
Couldn't of put it better myself!
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Hi Guys, First post here so go easy. I read the Autocar review over a bit of toast on Wednesday morning and had e-mailed them by 9 o'clock! Let's see if it gets published.
p.s. take the other car selections mentioned with a pitch of salt, I just wanted to demonstrate how one dimensional most car mags are in their comparison tests.
p.p.s. actually ordered a GTD this week (20K plus miles a year, I just couldn't do the GTI :sad:)
Dear Autocar,
I've just rolled my eyes and let a out a little sigh after reading your disappointingly predictable road test of the Golf GTI. As someone who has a GTI high on their next purchase list, I can promise you that the Focus ST and the Megane 265 are not on there, mostly because I don't want to be mistaken for a 19-year-old. Other considerations for me are the new A3 Saloon, or maybe a low-level Evoque. To put the GTI in the horsepower and cocked-wheel bracket is missing the point of it's appeal. 2-hours wanging round a track, I would probably pick the Ford too, but living with it for 3 years? You're off your rocker. And didn't the GTI comprehensively beat the Focus ST a few issues back anyway? So I can also add fickleness to the reasons not to believe.
Welcome to the forum Kingsley :smiley: Remember to add you new GTD order to the Spec no spam stickie at the top of the Mk7 forum.
Good luck with your letter to Autocar however, I fear it will fall on deaf ears.
I'm fed up with the GTI receiving 5* reviews one week then 4* the other. Make your mind up chaps!
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@ Kingsley, Love it! :grin: :grin: :grin:
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Funnily enough I had that edition of Autocar in my office this morning and I quote ..
Front Cover " How brilliant new VW leaves Fords hero training in its wake !"
"The VW is razor sharp to drive and also the most comfortable GTi there has ever been"
"Then there is what happens in the corners.....the way it took the focus apart-on just about whatver kind of roads we drove on - was something of an eye opener"
"At a stroke Volswagen has transformed the GTi into a proper weapon of a car on roads that matter, and one that can take care of the once mighty Focus ST without having to shed much in the way of sweat"
" The steering was so much more accurate but also less fidgety"
" Its ride quality as in a different league from the Fords"
Want me to go on ?! :rolleyes:
Overall they rated it 4.5 stars and " the most convincing GTi for a very long time, possibly ever" and the Focus " Still great, but soundly beaten by the new Golf GTi"
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It's strange how one's taste can change. I never thought I'd ever want any car but a Golf GTI and I was convinced I should stay the course and change from my wonderful Mk6 GTI to a Mk7 GTI. Then one day I drove a BMW F30 33Od M Sport and it just blew me away: literally. The car was totally frictionless, its ride and handling were simply sublime, its performance devastating and it was everything all the road testers said and much, much more. A 5* car. So we bought two! But I still hung on for a couple of months to my trusty GTI as I tried to get my head around the BMW tech and the fact the car was a bit dimensionally large in comparison to the Golf. But once in the driver's seat the car simply shrinks around one, something the GTI never could do and still does not in it's latest guise. And then there was the amazing comfort of the beautifully appointed sport leather seats, the beauty of the simple dash, the terrific torque from the engine, the 8 speed sport gearbox with its seemless shifts and so much more. So I felt a bit sad that my torrid affair with my Mk6 GTI was no more but happy that I had found an ideal partner in this BMW.
I say all the above because today I drove a German Registered Mk7 GTI with PP. It was all very familiar and it was like visiting an old friend. Unfortunately, the sparkle in the relationship could not be rekindled. The car felt a bit old in design, especially on the inside, the paintwork on the door frames was still visible from the inside, it felt slow, rattled a bit on our roads and drank fuel at an alarming rate. I felt a quite sad as I really wanted to love this car. But I could not anymore. Yes, the Mk7 GTI is a very good car, but no longer a car I can feel passionate about. Perhaps the Mk7 R will tug at my heart strings a bit more.
All-in-all, a bitter-sweet day for me.
:laugh: Richard Head
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Then one day I drove a BMW F30 33Od M Sport
:laugh: Richard Head
Its not often I agree with you Running Man but this is one of them!! :grin:
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Funnily enough I had that edition of Autocar in my office this morning and I quote ..
Front Cover " How brilliant new VW leaves Fords hero training in its wake !"
"The VW is razor sharp to drive and also the most comfortable GTi there has ever been"
"Then there is what happens in the corners.....the way it took the focus apart-on just about whatver kind of roads we drove on - was something of an eye opener"
"At a stroke Volswagen has transformed the GTi into a proper weapon of a car on roads that matter, and one that can take care of the once mighty Focus ST without having to shed much in the way of sweat"
" The steering was so much more accurate but also less fidgety"
" Its ride quality as in a different league from the Fords"
Want me to go on ?! :rolleyes:
Overall they rated it 4.5 stars and " the most convincing GTi for a very long time, possibly ever" and the Focus " Still great, but soundly beaten by the new Golf GTi"
I think I might write an email to them asking for a refund for the mag I bought yesterday (or was it the day before?) on the basis of these quotes. :laugh:
Here is another one by the way "The £980 Performance pack transforms the car" Whereas the recent review said (not in front of me) something about not really noticing the e-diff.
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I think I might write an email to them asking for a refund for the mag I bought yesterday (or was it the day before?) on the basis of these quotes. :laugh:
Here is another one by the way "The £980 Performance pack transforms the car" Whereas the recent review said (not in front of me) something about not really noticing the e-diff.
Well that shows that the 2nd review is utter b0llocks, as we all know the PP is a no brainer! :laugh: :lipsrsealed:
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You guys are hyper sensitive. I never said the Mk7 GTI was a bad car. I think it is a very good car, but it is certainly not the great car I expected it to be.
I don't mind one bit if you think the BMW F30 is ugly, drives like a sack of potatoes, etc, etc. I accept your views and take it on the chin and with a pinch of salt as you should my take on the Mk 7 GTI if you are solidly certain of your selected purchase. Also, there is no need to be abusive. It just shows I've struck a nerve of doubt which was certainly not my intention.
At the end of the day it is what you like that counts. After all it is only a car, a heap of depreciating metal, albeit an expensive one, which you'll replace as soon as something newer and better comes along much as you would with a smartphone.
Enjoy your very good Mk7 GTIs.
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I'm not being abusive i'm being honest, if you look through some of your recent threads they are clearly only there to wind people up! Why?... ???
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I'm not being abusive either. I'm just bored of reading about your 330d. Its not a ferrari, its a mid range 3 series (in fact in the range of bmw's available its not even mid range as its just above the poor man's bmw the 1 series).
You can have your opinion about the GTI, after all even a fool is entitled to an opinion.
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I'm not being abusive i'm being honest, if you look through some of your recent threads they are clearly only there to wind people up! Why?... ???
You were not being abusive, but might have thought it! Someone else was, but I can't be bothered to check. I put it down to a passionate response.
I post on this forum at times because I am still very passionate about the iconic VW Golf GTI brand. I care about how this car evolves and express a point of view. I expect great things from every new GTI model. Maybe I expect too much. Whether you agree with what I express or not is a matter that is up for discussion. That's fine. But just because you don't agree with what I post does not mean it is a wind up. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I hope this answers your question. All the best when your new car arrives.
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I'm not being abusive either. I'm just bored of reading about your 330d. Its not a ferrari, its a mid range 3 series (in fact in the range of bmw's available its not even mid range as its just above the poor man's bmw the 1 series).
You can have your opinion about the GTI, after all even a fool is entitled to an opinion.
(http://gifwall.net/gif/clint-nod.gif)
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I'm not being abusive either. I'm just bored of reading about your 330d. Its not a ferrari, its a mid range 3 series (in fact in the range of bmw's available its not even mid range as its just above the poor man's bmw the 1 series).
You can have your opinion about the GTI, after all even a fool is entitled to an opinion.
(http://gifwall.net/gif/clint-nod.gif)
Classic, can you get a Dirty Harry one holding the Magnum ' Go on Punk make my day' ?
am1w - you drive a reps car, it's so funny :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
When you get a proper motor come back and let me know :rolleyes:
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I'm not being abusive i'm being honest, if you look through some of your recent threads they are clearly only there to wind people up! Why?... ???
You were not being abusive, but might have thought it! Someone else was, but I can't be bothered to check. I put it down to a passionate response.
I post on this forum at times because I am still very passionate about the iconic VW Golf GTI brand. I care about how this car evolves and express a point of view. I expect great things from every new GTI model. Maybe I expect too much. Whether you agree with what I express or not is a matter that is up for discussion. That's fine. But just because you don't agree with what I post does not mean it is a wind up. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I hope this answers your question. All the best when your new car arrives.
Mm, ok.
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Can anyone explain to me what "reps car" means? Sadly I find myself ignorant yet again. :sad:
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Can anyone explain to me what "reps car" means? Sadly I find myself ignorant yet again. :(
It used to refer to Mondeo's and Vectra's when sales reps used to blast up and down the motorway but times have changed! Audi's and BMW's are rep fodder these days.. ;D
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Im sure the mk7 GTI and GTD will have lots and lots of reps and company car owners. The same as the 6 and 5 did before it.
Its why I personally think there should be a law past that any company car HAS to be sign written to show its a company car.
Also cars on contracts should be labeled as such etc etc.
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Reps higher up the food chain tend to drive cars like the A4, A6, 3 Series, 5 Series, C Class, E Class, with Audi gradually making headway over BMW. Most of these are cooking versions. Those lower down the food chain are in Golfs, Focuses, A3s, Vectras, Mondeos, Kias, Hyundais etc. Again cooking versions. But it all matters not a jot. One buys the car one likes and is most comfortable with. If what you like and buy is a repmobile, then so be it.
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Reps higher up the food chain tend to drive cars like the A4, A6, 3 Series, 5 Series, C Class, E Class, with Audi gradually making headway over BMW. Most of these are cooking versions. Those lower down the food chain are in Golfs, Focuses, A3s, Vectras, Mondeos, Kias, Hyundais etc. Again cooking versions. But it all matters not a jot. One buys the car one likes and is most comfortable with. If what you like and buy is a repmobile, then so be it.
You are so deluded its unreal :grin:
No 1 reps car = BMW 3 series. You know it, I know it, everyone on here knows it. Now haven't you got a 200 mile drive up the M1 to get to? :grin:
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@matchboy:
And you my dear chap are quite the fool (in the nicest sense of the word). :laugh:
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@matchboy:
And you my dear chap are quite the fool (in the nicest sense of the word). :laugh:
Thanks!
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More complaints, didn't take long for the rot to set in now did it. :whistle:
Behave all, I have my magic post deleting, thread locking wand on standby.
Any fairy comments welcome :wink:
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More complaints, didn't take long for the rot to set in now did it. :whistle:
Behave all, I have my magic post deleting, thread locking wand on standby.
Any fairy comments welcome ;)
Hehe ya big fairy! :-*
I too have a deleting wand that hath been waved!! :)
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Reps often get a choice what they can have.
Our reps at work non have BMWs but they could have had them, some use to have C class mercs but now have passat cc's the rest have Audi A3s theres also one A4 and some prius. All in base colours mind so white, black or red. I think they shoukd all have vans but thats just my opinion because of the type of buisness we are.
The company next door there reps have a white polo GTI, theres a red and a black golf GTI and a grey GTD and lots of ford focus.
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More complaints, didn't take long for the rot to set in now did it. :whistle:
Behave all, I have my magic post deleting, thread locking wand on standby.
Any fairy comments welcome ;)
Hehe ya big fairy! :-*
I too have a deleting wand that hath been waved!! :)
Saw all that on the MOD LOG - hard work.
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Great thread :grin:
I am a 'rep' and drive an '13 Estoril Blue 320d M-Sport.....the other 7 sales people in our team also all have variations on a 3 series Bimmer.....our boss has a 5 series. BMW and the VAG cars make great company cars due to their low emissions and high residuals meaning great monthly payments on lease vehicles....the old school Fords/Vauxhalls are the polar opposite and a bad fleet choice...simple economics :whistle:
Very few reps I know are lucky enough to have a GTi, but there are lots of GTD's i know of which would have been my choice if it wasn't for the 3 series company car policy :sad:
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Could all the hyper sensitive please leave this thread...it's providing some entertainment. :laugh:
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:grin:
Typical journo review ... short term & track biased :smiley:
If you ask them what they would actually prefer to BUY themselves and OWN long term ... I suspect the GTi would rise to the top :wink:
Three years from now I think the GTi will be by far the most desirable to buy secondhand !
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Do car journo's actually buy a car or do they only use the test cars? I know some magazines have the long term tests but not all of them.
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:grin:
Typical journo review ... short term & track biased :smiley:
If you ask them what they would actually prefer to BUY themselves and OWN long term ... I suspect the GTi would rise to the top :wink:
Three years from now I think the GTi will be by far the most desirable to buy secondhand !
The key word is desirable. The GTI has that in spades.