GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: dubber36 on 14 February 2015, 13:55
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I saw this in VW Driver mag this morning and really like the look of it. It's based on a GT with added R Line styling. Dare I say I think it's the better looking than the GTI/D and .:R.
I'll find some pictures to post later on unless someone beats me to it.
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I saw that too (my copy came today). Looks a very nice car, like the alloys (even if they are diamond cuts).
Your next car perhaps?
Course it's just an R wannabe ; )
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Just had a quick look on the vw website, looks pretty smart tbh, the only thing i find a bit disappointing is the wheels having no options, not a fan of the standard wheels but the standard interior looks decent, seems like the same colours as the R but the other way round? Much better imo.
I really like the 150ps diesel engine as well cos it's a great all rounder imo, enough shove for the average joe, very economical and nicely refined. :cool:
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I saw this in VW Driver mag this morning and really like the look of it. It's based on a GT with added R Line styling. Dare I say I think it's the better looking than the GTI/D and .:R.
I'll find some pictures to post later on unless someone beats me to it.
All show and no go :grin: :grin:
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problem is, spec a DSG TDI with 3 nice options + metallic and its £30k.. ouch, whatever way you look at it thats a hell of a price for a run of the mill tdi golf..
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And personally I think the Mk6 TDI GT with the 17 inch alloys or optional 18 inchers looks like a much nicer car, and you can pick up a TDI DSG with leather for easily £15k
Just had a look on their used cars website and there is a 17k mile 62 plate 140 TDi DSG sport with leather for £15k, why pay double ??
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Yeah, I don't really see the point of it price wise. Just add xenon/drl's, and the diesel is only £100 less than a GTD!! That's before you compare any other differences in spec also.
I didn't check the gtv figure but I expect it's not as good either, meaning its more expensive on VW finance.
It's like it's literally a car for buyers who wouldn't buy a GTD or GTI because they don't want a "sporty car".
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VAG are experts at this value added up pricing spec bo**ocks..
Even excluding the GTi, GTD and R they have -
S
SE
MATCH
GT
R Line
what next ?
R Line Plus
R Line Black & Silver Edition Sport + Extra
Audi did it with the S line, Black editions etc... personally I think it just dilutes the top end models, imagine someone with a nice Golf R, and then you have someone with a 1.4 or diesel R line in your mirror that has the same R badge in the front grill, would nark me tbh..
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Imagine someone with a nice Golf R, and then you have someone with a 1.4 or diesel R line in your mirror that has the same R badge in the front grill, would nark me tbh..
Yes, but they won't be in your mirror for long :D
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It's like it's literally a car for buyers who wouldn't buy a GTD or GTI because they don't want a "sporty car".
This sums it up.
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SE no longer available,Match taken its place.
I would still just get the GT as you get sat nav as standard,you don't with the R-line.GT looks better IMO.
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It may well be my next car, well the car for my wife to ride around in anyway. I certainly wouldn't buy a new one, so the near £30k price tag is irrelevant. I can see used ones being around the £20k mark this time next year.
I really like the styling and think that the performance is acceptable. I'm really not that fussed about going quickly theses days. Our current 140 GT is a cracking all rounder, so this car with the correct amount of pedals (i.e. 2) would make a perfect replacement.
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We are thinking of a Mk6 gt 140 dsg as a daily runner / workhorse actually I like the look of them more than any of the non gti golfs and prefer the wheels to the gtd
Pleased with yours ? Decent mpg ?
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I had a mk6 gt 140. Best car I have ever owned. (Including my GTI) amazing cars. I got an average of 56-60mpg per tank.
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It may well be my next car, well the car for my wife to ride around in anyway. I certainly wouldn't buy a new one, so the near £30k price tag is irrelevant. I can see used ones being around the £20k mark this time next year.
I really like the styling and think that the performance is acceptable. I'm really not that fussed about going quickly theses days. Our current 140 GT is a cracking all rounder, so this car with the correct amount of pedals (i.e. 2) would make a perfect replacement.
So in 5 door DSG form could be just what you're looking for then. But that R badge on the front will have to come off :tongue:
I'm really not keen on the current vw approach with the R line which does does undermine the identity of the .:R
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Those that know will always know and always give an appreciative not to the real thing. Those that don't wouldn't know what an .:R is anyway.
Dresser, our GT is a manual, but I also have a 140 DSG Passat which has converted me two 2 pedals. The Golf is a cracking car. It will do mid 60's mpg on a long steady run and sees an average of high 50's day in day out. Those are real figures worked out with maths. The computer would suggest it's better.
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First things first: The R line mock ups make the wheels look like they fill the arches nicely and the suspension nice and low. The car doesn't look quite like this in the flesh.
The R line has been available on the continent for yonks - it's just the modern equivalent of the Driver model which was popular for years and years. Sporty looks but slow and soggy compared to contemporary GTIs.
The current GT is an insult to the GT badge. Just a Highline model with a GT badge. The motoring equivalent of a muddy puddle. Dull to look at and 'just another Golf' to drive.
I think the R line will sell well. Looks good, should drive ok and will be cheapish to run.
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I guess those of us that choose to spend less of our money on a car lower down the ranks, should expect.to be looked down on from those who have to have the best.
I hope they do sell well as this time next year there will be plenty of used ones to choose from. That will do me nicely.
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Don't get me wrong, I'm looking solely at the mk7 here.
The GT looks dull as crap.
I actually prefer the GT in mk6 guise externally to most of the range especially when kitted out with 18" wheels.
Same with the late 'big bumper' mk5 GT and GT Sport, they looked sharp.
The mk7 needs an R line, just like the mk1, 2 and 3 needed a Driver model to visually lift the looks.
Fortunately the mk5 and later Golfs have better suspension as standard across the range.
As for engines, well how much power can you actually use on UK roads? Not a lot!
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totally agree
in mk5 and 6 form I think a nicely specced GT in either petrol or diesel form looks really nice, along with the benefits of lower running costs... they had a bit of identity.. and looked decent as an alternative to GTi
In Mk7 format the GT model seems to have lost any appeal in my view, the Match is better value. Partly down to the awful choice of alloys you seem to be able to get on std Golfs, generally speaking.
Even the standard 17 inch Portos on the Mk6 GT or optional 18inch vancouvers which I think look great, are better than the current choice of Mk7 alloys, apart from the GTi std ones which I like.
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PS Dubber, thanks for the info.
I am seriously going to start looking for a Mk6, 5 Door DSG, GT TDi with the 18 inch alloys for my monday to friday drive. Thats really decent real world MPG you are getting
I recently managed to secure a lovely low mileage 2004 BMW 330ci (had one before only car I ever really regret selling, was truly the best all round car I have ever had) to run about in at weekends, and it was better value to buy this at £6k and then spend £12k or so on a golf to hack to work and back in than go an blow 20k+ on just one car.
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The only standard wheel on the mk 7 that's nice is the gtd nogaros. The axehead gti ones look rubbish. Previous wheels were much nicer.
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The only standard wheel on the mk 7 that's nice is the gtd nogaros. The axehead gti ones look rubbish. Previous wheels were much nicer.
Got to agree. The GTD is the nicest looking standard model in the lineup by a long way.
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Saw an R-line Scirocco in Pulman Sunderland yesterday (after popping past between Mill car clinic to pick up my fixed GTD, and dropping the Skoda rental car off at Europcar by the Stadium of Light) - looked amazing in Ultra-violet. The Talladegas of the R-line looked better than the Scirocco R's 19" Cadiz (IMO).
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Don't get me wrong, I'm looking solely at the mk7 here.
I'm glad you said that. I thought I might have strayed onto the .:R forum for one moment :grin: Talking of which, I wonder how the R Line is being received over there?
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Saw an R-line Scirocco in Pulman Sunderland yesterday (after popping past between Mill car clinic to pick up my fixed GTD, and dropping the Skoda rental car off at Europcar by the Stadium of Light) - looked amazing in Ultra-violet. The Talladegas of the R-line looked better than the Scirocco R's 19" Cadiz (IMO).
There's an Ultra-Violet R Line Scirocco in a dealer near me too. The colour certainly looks amazing.
Quite an expensive car next to a Golf but then again you get 19's, leather and nav but lose Xenons, foldy mirrors and the radar with all its features. I'll leave the MQB platform differences out of it as again, you gain some things and lose others (mk7 definitely seems to be a bit flimsier built than mk5/6/Scirocco in sheet metal terms but is lighter and handles amazingly plus has latest generation electronics).
On another note (but related to the Scirocco too I guess!), seeing as the R-Line has the 150 TDI does it have smaller brakes than a GTD? Does a GT have smaller brakes than a GTD?
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Don't get me wrong, I'm looking solely at the mk7 here.
I'm glad you said that. I thought I might have strayed onto the .:R forum for one moment :grin: Talking of which, I wonder how the R Line is being received over there?
I've tidied the post up a bit now that I'm on a proper keyboard and not in such a rush. Hopefully my thoughts are a bit clearer.
I would imagine the stereotypical mk7 R owner will be having kittens at the thought of it over there but at the end of the day this forum used to be a bit like that.
I guess now that the GTI has dropped off the radar of the boy racers we're spared most of the nonsense and snobbery on here nowadays.
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I mentioned this a while ago, confusion between R and R line on some models. Now it's the Golfs turn.
At least a GTI is still a GTI.....
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Talking of which, I wonder how the R Line is being received over there?
Oh, I bet they just love it :grin: Might go and have a snoop later just to see how it ranks on the outrage-o-meter.
I'm sure there is a snobbery element to it for some (Rforum members perhaps :whistle:), but imo disliking the apparent dilution of the R brand isn't being snobby or looking down on the other golf models or those who buy and drive them, it's about respecting and valuing the brand heritage and there's nothing wrong with that.
The R line is miles better looking than the mk7 GT, the car the GT it should have been??
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Saw an R-line Scirocco in Pulman Sunderland yesterday (after popping past between Mill car clinic to pick up my fixed GTD, and dropping the Skoda rental car off at Europcar by the Stadium of Light) - looked amazing in Ultra-violet. The Talladegas of the R-line looked better than the Scirocco R's 19" Cadiz (IMO).
Like this
(http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b632/Jlb01/imagejpg1_zps16bffd2f.jpg) (http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/Jlb01/media/imagejpg1_zps16bffd2f.jpg.html)
:cool:
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JB-GTI: Exactly like that. If you could get Haldex and 300PS on a Scirocco R, i'd possibly get the Scirocco to get that colour.
R-line Golf diluting the R? Not a care on my part, front end on, my current GTD looks better than an R, i'm not buying the R for it's sporting looks. It's mainly traction and a little more poke that i'm after (maybe it would have been cheaper to keep the GTD, keep the DTUK box and just get a set of 4 Michelin PS3s or SS).
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JB-GTI: Exactly like that. If you could get Haldex and 300PS on a Scirocco R, i'd possibly get the Scirocco to get that colour.
R-line Golf diluting the R? Not a care on my part, front end on, my current GTD looks better than an R, i'm not buying the R for it's sporting looks. It's mainly traction and a little more poke that i'm after (maybe it would have been cheaper to keep the GTD, keep the DTUK box and just get a set of 4 Michelin PS3s or SS).
The R doesn't have sporting looks :grin:
I was referring more to diluting the identity of the R rather than its look. I'm not buying the R for looks either. I'm not that shallow, thanks :wink:
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We've all just got to let VW do what they do - sell cars. Audi have done S-line for years, VW doing the same with the R-line is not unexpected.
If they can sell far more "ordinary" Golfs by making them look more sporting than they really are then they'll be all over it. They're just bypassing the Halfords makeover by doing it themselves from the off and charging more for it.
Ironic considering all those old adverts with the crying VWs that have been subjected to the Halfords boy-racer treatment. :grin:
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Oh I know why vw are doing it, doesn't mean you have to like it though :wink: :laugh:
Maybe Halfords will be p!ssed off sales of their plastic bits of tat (sorry, I mean 'quality' body kits) will take a hit :grin:
As dubber said earlier in this thread, the educated will know a real R when they see one and if not, who cares, I know what I'm driving and why I'm driving it.
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As dubber said earlier in this thread, the educated will know a real R when they see one and if not, who cares, I know what I'm driving and why I'm driving it.
This exactly. At the end of the day who cares what other people think of your car, whatever it is - it's what the owner thinks that's important! One of my mum & dad's neighbours said to me the other day "new car, bit of a step down isn't it (from the GTI PP)" - clearly a moron as it isn't (and I couldn't help in true childish fashion retorting with 0-60 times :grin:), but I didn't let it bother me as I couldn't care less what a random thinks of my car!
I do think it's a shame VW are diluting the R brand, but they're in the business of selling cars, that's life. Until the Golf R-line is quicker than the R I won't be losing any sleep over it :grin:
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TBH that would really annoy me if someone said that having swapped a GTI for an R !
2 ways to look at it though - on one hand, shows the strength and broad appeal of the GTI brand, on the other hand the R brand is less well known and no doubt will be for a long time - just the way some like it. I suspect some people who have an R golf like the fact that only those in the "know" understand it but no doubt some will see that as a downside..
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Matchboy: What do the neighbours drive? Would you look a fool for saying "it's still better than yours! :tongue:" or would you have looked a bit foolish saying that to an RS6 owner? :grin:
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TBH that would really annoy me if someone said that having swapped a GTI for an R !
2 ways to look at it though - on one hand, shows the strength and broad appeal of the GTI brand, on the other hand the R brand is less well known and no doubt will be for a long time - just the way some like it. I suspect some people who have an R golf like the fact that only those in the "know" understand it but no doubt some will see that as a downside..
:grin: Which is why I made the 0-60 comment to him; and then he shut up :grin: (He's a douche anyway!)
The GTI is far more recognisable and always will be - the lay man doesn't know what an R is, but they do know what a GTI is - so no point letting it irritate. It's a bit like when someone says 'all BMW's look the same' - unless you know the difference between the variants then you can understand these sorts of comments. And I like the understated nature of it - if I didn't I'd have bought a Focus RS :smiley:
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Matchboy: What do the neighbours drive? Would you look a fool for saying "it's still better than yours! :tongue:" or would you have looked a bit foolish saying that to an RS6 owner? :grin:
He drives a 1.6 Astra - so I could turn up on a bicycle and I'd still be able to say 'this is better than yours' :grin:
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That's the problem with the R as I see it. It's so understated that it doesn't raise any eyebrows or draw any attention. Some will see that as a good thing but for me personally if i'm paying £30k plus for a hot hatch I would want it to stand out from the crowd, not as brash as the new Focus RS or Civic Type R but something that is more aggressive and says to others that this car means business.
The Mk6 R stands out from the crowd where the MK7 does not. Perhaps VW will rectify this when there's a mid-life facelift.
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Perhaps VW will rectify this when there's a mid-life facelift.
Then you'll buy one, mine will look out of date, and that's when I start to let it bother me :grin: :grin:
The front end is the problem with the R, apart from the DRL's it's too plain - the GTI is far better looking.
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Perhaps VW will rectify this when there's a mid-life facelift.
Then you'll buy one, mine will look out of date, and that's when I start to let it bother me :grin: :grin:
The front end is the problem with the R, apart from the DRL's it's too plain - the GTI is far better looking.
When it comes to trading in I think it will be a tough choice Mark. Obviously the 300bhp and AWD is a huge turn on but could I live with looking at the same interior for another 3 years (albeit a very nice interior) or would I get bored after 6 months? Honestly, I don't know
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Perhaps VW will rectify this when there's a mid-life facelift.
Then you'll buy one, mine will look out of date, and that's when I start to let it bother me :grin: :grin:
The front end is the problem with the R, apart from the DRL's it's too plain - the GTI is far better looking.
When it comes to trading in I think it will be a tough choice Mark. Obviously the 300bhp and AWD is a huge turn on but could I live with looking at the same interior for another 3 years (albeit a very nice interior) or would I get bored after 6 months? Honestly, I don't know
If you're anything like me, you'll go for something different - as after 3 years you want to be looking at something different inside the cabin - and the R is pretty much identical to the GTI inside bar a couple of bits of trim. I'm thinking the new Ford Mustang for £30k :laugh:
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Perhaps VW will rectify this when there's a mid-life facelift.
Then you'll buy one, mine will look out of date, and that's when I start to let it bother me :grin: :grin:
The front end is the problem with the R, apart from the DRL's it's too plain - the GTI is far better looking.
When it comes to trading in I think it will be a tough choice Mark. Obviously the 300bhp and AWD is a huge turn on but could I live with looking at the same interior for another 3 years (albeit a very nice interior) or would I get bored after 6 months? Honestly, I don't know
If you're anything like me, you'll go for something different - as after 3 years you want to be looking at something different inside the cabin - and the R is pretty much identical to the GTI inside bar a couple of bits of trim. I'm thinking the new Ford Mustang for £30k :laugh:
The Mustang would definitely give that wow factor but knowing Ford the interior will probably not be up to scratch. Plus to have the real Mustang experience you would have to go for the 5.0ltr V8 rather than the 2.3ltr Ecoboost and I would dread to think what the fuel consumption would be on that :grin: :grin:
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I've just looked on the configurator at the R Line and xenons are optional. £1200 if you want GTI like DRL's. Climate control is extra too and they are only showing 17" wheels on there with no 18" upgrade.
Perhaps as a petrol with a manual gearbox it looks OK as a new buy, but spec up a diesel DSG and it's really close to GTD money. I expect the residuals to be far lower than the GTD, so it's to be hoped that there will be a few nicely speced cars at reasonable prices in a years time.
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I looked at a GT TDi before I went for the GTD... start adding the stuff to it to match the GTD spec and it quickly becomes more expensive.
The "bundles" like the GTD is are always cheaper than fitting the same options (even if you can) to a lower model.
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The Mustang would definitely give that wow factor but knowing Ford the interior will probably not be up to scratch. Plus to have the real Mustang experience you would have to go for the 5.0ltr V8 rather than the 2.3ltr Ecoboost and I would dread to think what the fuel consumption would be on that :grin: :grin:
Totally the V8! And then a lot of money in the bank to pay for that petrol :grin: Looks immense, especially in yellow however :evil:
Sorry for the OT posts!
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TBH that would really annoy me if someone said that having swapped a GTI for an R !
2 ways to look at it though - on one hand, shows the strength and broad appeal of the GTI brand, on the other hand the R brand is less well known and no doubt will be for a long time - just the way some like it. I suspect some people who have an R golf like the fact that only those in the "know" understand it but no doubt some will see that as a downside..
:grin: Which is why I made the 0-60 comment to him; and then he shut up :grin: (He's a douche anyway!)
The GTI is far more recognisable and always will be - the lay man doesn't know what an R is, but they do know what a GTI is - so no point letting it irritate. It's a bit like when someone says 'all BMW's look the same' - unless you know the difference between the variants then you can understand these sorts of comments. And I like the understated nature of it - if I didn't I'd have bought a Focus RS :smiley:
Never mind the R being a bit bland and all BMW's looking the same (which they unfortunately do) it could be worse - the S3 is almost invisible it's that subtle.
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That's the problem with the R as I see it. It's so understated that it doesn't raise any eyebrows or draw any attention. Some will see that as a good thing but for me personally if i'm paying £30k plus for a hot hatch I would want it to stand out from the crowd, not as brash as the new Focus RS or Civic Type R but something that is more aggressive and says to others that this car means business.
The Mk6 R stands out from the crowd where the MK7 does not. Perhaps VW will rectify this when there's a mid-life facelift.
The MK8 will be the facelift, and it's only a few years away. I quite like the subtle looks. Get a DBP, put black mirrorcaps on it and it will be a real wolf in sheep's clothing. If you want everyone to know it's an R then get Lapiz. I picked Lapiz purely because I liked the colour - I'd have gotten a Lapiz GTD if it had been available. MK5 had the best looking front end IMO.
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Perhaps VW will rectify this when there's a mid-life facelift.
Then you'll buy one, mine will look out of date, and that's when I start to let it bother me :grin: :grin:
The front end is the problem with the R, apart from the DRL's it's too plain - the GTI is far better looking.
I must be the only one who thinks the R has a better looking front than the GTI, i also think the GTD has a better looking front and wheels than the GTI, but i'm now glad about red stripe as it makes mine stand a bit as it's not one of those company/ GTD cars, they're bloody everywhere. No offence private GTD owners.
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Hi Carl, well I agree the GTD is the best looking re front end and wheels - as for 'they are everywhere' comment - goodness me, they are a rare sight around N London, Herts and Essex...obviosuly not the case in your neck of the woods.
Obviously a very desirable and popular vehicle! :wink:
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The GTD is a great looking car but most time iv'e been out i see a few and the other day i saw around 10 different one's on a 10 mile round trip. R's are starting to appear more now tho, i think GTI owners are a dying breed, i don't think iv'e seen 10 different GTI's in a year.
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GTD is a great company car.... high residuals, loaded with kit and falling just below a tax band threshold.
Cheap to lease, cheaper to pay company car tax on... providing you don't have DSG.
That's why you see lots of GTD's!
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I must be the only one who thinks the R has a better looking front than the GTI, i also think the GTD has a better looking front and wheels than the GTI, but i'm now glad about red stripe as it makes mine stand a bit as it's not one of those company/ GTD cars, they're bloody everywhere. No offence private GTD owners.
You're not the only one. I like the front end of the R (and the GTD's) much more than the GTI. The red stripe across the lights just doesn't do it for me.
As for it looking too bland? Maybe to some but for others, less is more! Depends whether you need your car to scream it's sporting intent or if you're content to go under the radar.
As I said before you know what it is you're driving.
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That's the problem with the R as I see it. It's so understated that it doesn't raise any eyebrows or draw any attention. Some will see that as a good thing but for me personally if i'm paying £30k plus for a hot hatch I would want it to stand out from the crowd, not as brash as the new Focus RS or Civic Type R but something that is more aggressive and says to others that this car means business.
The Mk6 R stands out from the crowd where the MK7 does not. Perhaps VW will rectify this when there's a mid-life facelift.
The MK8 will be the facelift, and it's only a few years away. I quite like the subtle looks. Get a DBP, put black mirrorcaps on it and it will be a real wolf in sheep's clothing. If you want everyone to know it's an R then get Lapiz. I picked Lapiz purely because I liked the colour - I'd have gotten a Lapiz GTD if it had been available. MK5 had the best looking front end IMO.
Choice of paint colour is not going to change the fact that the R is bland from the front. Only those in the know will realise that lapiz blue means they are looking at an R. Your average daily driver will not be any the wiser and will not even give it a second glance. As I said some will like the wolf in sheeps clothing approach but I want more aggression on the front. :evil:
Regarding the front end of the GTD being the best looking am I missing something here? Apart from a different colour stripe at the front which is barely noticeable is there any difference? :huh:
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GTD is a great company car.... high residuals, loaded with kit and falling just below a tax band threshold.
Cheap to lease, cheaper to pay company car tax on... providing you don't have DSG.
That's why you see lots of GTD's!
This is the main reason I have one... I have a manual, 3 door... the lease cost is well within the monthly allowance and the tax was around £150 per month...
When I was using the Porsche as a daily driver just the servicing was way more than that... if you add the cost of tyres, insurance etc. on it made having a company car a no-brainer and the GTD was ideal... I mean, I could have gone for a Prius (or some other hybrid)... but I couldn't bring myself to do it!
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. I mean, I could have gone for a Prius (or some other hybrid)... but I couldn't bring myself to do it!
Keeping the last vestiges of self respect ;-)
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Regarding the front end of the GTD being the best looking am I missing something here? Apart from a different colour stripe at the front which is barely noticeable is there any difference? :huh:
The point is the GTI/GTD front end is considered by many to look better - and some (me included) don't like the red strip going through the headlamps. The GTD does not have that which makes it the winner!
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Silver/chrome colour strip and gtd wheels definitely look better than the gti although with a red gti the red strip kind of blends in nicely. Colour of car definitely has a lot to do with how they look to people. Gtd and gti are great cars though :grin:
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Regarding the front end of the GTD being the best looking am I missing something here? Apart from a different colour stripe at the front which is barely noticeable is there any difference? :huh:
The point is the GTI/GTD front end is considered by many to look better - and some (me included) don't like the red strip going through the headlamps. The GTD does not have that which makes it the winner!
It also has twin exhaust pipes as opposed to split pipes at the back which makes it a loser :wink: :wink:
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Regarding the front end of the GTD being the best looking am I missing something here? Apart from a different colour stripe at the front which is barely noticeable is there any difference? :huh:
The point is the GTI/GTD front end is considered by many to look better - and some (me included) don't like the red strip going through the headlamps. The GTD does not have that which makes it the winner!
It also has twin exhaust pipes as opposed to split pipes at the back which makes it a loser :wink: :wink:
Whereas the GTI looks like a wheelbarrow :whistle:
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Regarding the front end of the GTD being the best looking am I missing something here? Apart from a different colour stripe at the front which is barely noticeable is there any difference? :huh:
The point is the GTI/GTD front end is considered by many to look better - and some (me included) don't like the red strip going through the headlamps. The GTD does not have that which makes it the winner!
It also has twin exhaust pipes as opposed to split pipes at the back which makes it a loser :wink: :wink:
Whereas the GTI looks like a wheelbarrow :whistle:
And the GTD drives like a tractor, whats your point? :whistle:
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I do think the GTI is better at the back than the GTD regarding exhaust split. So that's one thing i prefer on the car i bought, also the red is growing on me regarding the badges on the wings and even the line on the front a little. I have always liked the red GTI badges on the front and rear as mine is a Met Black PP, i think those make it look just that little bit special.
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Never had any issues with the R-Line range, the Golf looked great in the flesh when I took a gander at Frankfurt, I do not see any real heratige to the R brand either and really don't lose sleep over it given its not as if its been around for ages
VW diluted the GTI brand on the mk4 especially given the TDi and in reality the mk5, 6 and 7 have helped restore that
Personally for me the GTI is the more iconic brand, the fact that everyone asks if i have a R32 says it all really, I always wished they had badged it GTI-R
I like they they differentiated GTD from GTI but really annoys me that VW won't do a PP GTD
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Regarding the front end of the GTD being the best looking am I missing something here? Apart from a different colour stripe at the front which is barely noticeable is there any difference? :huh:
The point is the GTI/GTD front end is considered by many to look better - and some (me included) don't like the red strip going through the headlamps. The GTD does not have that which makes it the winner!
It also has twin exhaust pipes as opposed to split pipes at the back which makes it a loser :wink: :wink:
Whereas the GTI looks like a wheelbarrow :whistle:
And the GTD drives like a tractor, whats your point? :whistle:
I thought I was at the R forum for a second there. :grin:
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Never had any issues with the R-Line range... I do not see any real heratige to the R brand either and really don't lose sleep over it given its not as if its been around for ages...
There's truth in this, but, if the .:R is to really establish proper brand heritage (like the R32), then additions such as lthe R-line may only cause confusion. As you say not likely to lose sleep over it but still...
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It could be said that the GTD is the R-Line of the GTI, same body kit etc. Obviously the performance gap is a lot closer on GTD/GTI and a different planet on the R/R-line. Was the performance gap a lot back in the mk1 days between the GTD/GTI, just a thought.
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The GTD has always had a heritage as dates back to the Mk2 an thats why I like it
The likes of Merc, Audi and BMW have been diluting the AMG, S and M brands by sticking these on some dreary often woefully underpowered derv cars in order to meet the aspirations of the CO2 strangled company car driver so he can get one up on his mates at the drive through Costa
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The GTD has always had a heritage as dates back to the Mk2 an thats why I like it
The likes of Merc, Audi and BMW have been diluting the AMG, S and M brands by sticking these on some dreary often woefully underpowered derv cars in order to meet the aspirations of the CO2 strangled company car driver so he can get one up on his mates at the drive through Costa
There was a MK1 GTD too...
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I find this all very interesting as I'm beginning the process of looking for the replacement for my Mk6 GTi. I now need 5 doors and I'm also not car sharing to work anymore so will be doing a lot more miles so I have started to consider going to the dark side and buying a GTD. Purely out of necessity with fuel cost.
Test drove one last week and I must say (it had literally just come off the transporter and still had all its wrapping on) I really liked it. It had the 19 inch upgrades on and, in red, it looked really smart to me. I had been considering a GT and I think it would work out a couple of grand cheaper but think I'd struggle with a "mere" 150hp!. I didn't see any point to the R Line as it's just cosmetic differences. As people have said I may as well buy a GTD.
And then today, I walked into the local Skoda dealer and looked at the diesel Octavia VRS. Well, that was really smart too. Missing some little chrome bits of the GTD and the lined door pockets but other than that, it was all standard VW fare inside. It would b £2.5k cheaper tan a GTD of the same spec.
And for a complete left field option, I'm off to look at that new Jaguar XE tomorrow night at a preview event. Yes, that would be more than a GTD but it's a gorgeous looking thing in my eyes and certainly worth a look.
Choices, choices, eh? Do I fancy a change or not?
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The GTD is just as much fun as a GTI on the daily grind I reckon. I've done a fair few miles now in both and aside from I still can't get on with DSG I do like the GTD just as much as my GTI.
One of the guys I work with has an XE Jag, or at least I think he's got that model. One with a big diesel engine anyway and goes really well but is a bit of a barge in the corners. A nice bit of kit if you want to show off at the local Golf club which I'm sure is the only reason he has one.
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You don't quite get the same on a vrs as a gtd but nearly. Some options are not available from skoda like dcc either.
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You don't quite get the same on a vrs as a gtd but nearly. Some options are not available from skoda like dcc either.
They do come in a nice shade of blue though.
I'd think a vRS would be a great company car purchase?
On a side note, they're not planning on making a face lifted Fabia vRS which is a shame.
A nice blue one with the 190PS Polo GTI engine would be a cracking car.
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Cheaper to lease probably but slightly higher co2's I think than VW.
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slightly off topic maybe, but considering cars for the daily grind etc..
I drove the new Mini Cooper 1.5 T 3 cylinder yesterday as the Mrs has a 1.6 Cooper she is thinking of changing. Was expecting sluggish wheezy and slow, god was i wrong.
If anyone is after a small runabout, go and drive one of these, its a simply amazing engine, similar to the I8 the dealer was saying albeit in higher output. It pulls like a diesel from 1000 rpm (max torque I think at 1250 rpm - in a petrol !?), 136 BHP or so, 0-60 under 8 seconds, sounds fizzy and great, 45 MPG, £20 road tax. Really well built too, feels bigger than the previous mini, great fit and finish. £15k basic price and yes you can go silly on options but add a couple of nice bits and bobs, would be a cracking little car.
I drove the Cooper D straight after and was left confused how a 1.5 petrol has nearly as much torque for a small engine. I was in 6th gear, 35mph going uphill, put foot down and it pulled no problem. Absolutely brilliant little car.
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slightly off topic maybe, but considering cars for the daily grind etc..
I drove the new Mini Cooper 1.5 T 3 cylinder yesterday as the Mrs has a 1.6 Cooper she is thinking of changing. Was expecting sluggish wheezy and slow, god was i wrong.
If anyone is after a small runabout, go and drive one of these, its a simply amazing engine, similar to the I8 the dealer was saying albeit in higher output. It pulls like a diesel from 1000 rpm (max torque I think at 1250 rpm - in a petrol !?), 136 BHP or so, 0-60 under 8 seconds, sounds fizzy and great, 45 MPG, £20 road tax. Really well built too, feels bigger than the previous mini, great fit and finish. £15k basic price and yes you can go silly on options but add a couple of nice bits and bobs, would be a cracking little car.
I drove the Cooper D straight after and was left confused how a 1.5 petrol has nearly as much torque for a small engine. I was in 6th gear, 35mph going uphill, put foot down and it pulled no problem. Absolutely brilliant little car.
Could be one of these or a Polo GTI for the missus when she finally commits to getting on with her test. She'll have no choice shortly if she doesn't want to get the bus to work, as i'll be in a job that's unlikely to have compatible hours and be not far from her place.
So is this 1.5T a replacement engine for the old Cooper 1.6, or will it slot in just below?
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funnily enough we were also looking at the Polo GTi.. however the mini running costs will be way lower I think.. for starters the insurance group I think is 17 for mini and 30 ish for Polo.
This is the replacement for the 1.6 cooper - both the cooper and cooper D now have 3 cylinder engines that I believe will also drop into the revised 1 series lower end BMW models. I drive my gf's 1.6 cooper all the time and believe me this 1.5 T is 100% better, it feels like a cooper S in comparison.
Go and drive one, trust me if you aren't impressed I will be very surprised. The low down torque for a small capacity small cylinder petrol engine is simply amazing - and that was the 5 door I drove as they didnt have the 3 door, and it is even lighter..
To be honest it has gone straight to the top of our "runabout to work and back car" list. When you factor in the performance, economy, low insurance and tax, superb build quality, residuals and sensible list price (just add pepper or chili pack, some better wheels and you pretty much have all you need) its pretty hard to see anything else as better value. I think they also do the 5 year service pack on mini's for about £150.
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stats -
136 BHP
0-60 7.9
max 220NM torque at 1250 RPM !
107g Co2
61 MPG combined (yea ok ! - dealer said he gets 45-48 real world all day long)
basic price £15,300
Very compelling combination
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today, I walked into the local Skoda dealer and looked at the diesel Octavia VRS. Well, that was really smart too. Missing some little chrome bits of the GTD and the lined door pockets but other than that, it was all standard VW fare inside. It would b £2.5k cheaper tan a GTD of the same spec.
Or you could have an Audi, which at the same spec as the GTD base spec is 5k more expensive...
Or a SEAT with similar GTD spec for, ironically, more than the GTD (about 3k more)
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Drisser,
MPG wouldn’t be massively up the list of priorities for the wife’s car if my next job (following redundancy in June) isn’t so far away that I consider splitting the mileages between 2 cars. On the assumption I’m close enough to be driving the R all the time, she’d be going 9 miles to work and back, and maybe popping to her mam’s 16 miles away once a week in it. I doubt it would do more than 7k miles in a year.
I did have a look in a Mini Cooper recently (in the Mini shop by Leidesplein in Amsterdam (we were there for New Year). It looked massive when I was next to it, I had to do a double take and make sure I wasn’t standing next to one of the fat Mini variants. Funky layout, but the one thing that I didn’t like (such a daft little thing) – plastic door catches for opening the door from the inside. From a tactile point of view it felt like it wouldn’t last 5 minutes before it would snap in your hand, opening the door to get out (yes it sounds really daft to me too once I see it typed out). Everything else seemed reassuringly solid, and I’m sure it’ll drive more composed than a Polo that probably isn’t more than 3 years from moving to MQB and all that brings (better handling and composure, but really thin body panels).
I looked into the costs of the Mini at the start of the year, and a lack of decent discount with lower residuals (presumed, based on GFV – perhaps BMW’s have low GFVs but higher equity for actual p/x?) made the Polo GTI look better value (I couldn’t believe the Polo GTI had a GFV of around 50%, Polos used to have quite poor residuals for a German brand car). There wasn’t much in the actual costs of expected depreciation between the 2, but it was like comparing a £16k car to a £19k car and them coming out at the same cost to run…you’d think you were getting better value for money losing £7k over 3 years on a £19k car that cost you £16k (due to discounts and dealer contribution), than losing £7k on a £16k car that cost you £15k (if you’re lucky – I couldn’t find more than £800 off a Mini Cooper, perhaps that has changed 3 months down the line).
I would have to drive both to have an opinion on whether I’d rather be driving (albeit occasionally) the Mini or the Polo. Could the better handling (presumed) overcome the 55ps deficit? Still puzzled by the DCC being a £300 option on the GTI. If it’s as all singing and dancing as the the MK7 version, it may well tidy up the pre-MQB Polo chassis. Been trying to get a test drive in a Polo GTI to find out but absolutely no-one has one as a demo.
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I think if you are going to trade it after 2 years or so you might be right, but I think Mini real world (not paper) residuals are without question the best in the business, hence the low discount - its swings and roundabouts. I had a couple of trade in quotes for my partners Cooper Graphite, its nearly 6 years old now, lowish mileage and cost around £16k new, and I got 2 offers straight away of £6,500 so i reckon ready to sign I would be pushing £7k, thats nearly 45% residual after nearly 6 years..
Have you driven a previous Polo GTi (1.4 TSi) ? I actually prefer the look of that one to the new shape, but never driven one.. also wonder about long term reliability of turbo + supercharged + DSG out of warranty.. But there are a few approved used ones for around £16k so price wise its a fair comparison.. As for a new shape Polo, would have thought its pushing £20k easily ?
Mini isnt without faults and some of the interior stuff is a bit OTT, but it was such a good steer when i drove it, I couldnt help but be impressed..
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@ drisser: the new new Polo GTI is a turbo only 1.8T with a manual so should have better residuals long term away from the fears that killed the 1.4 twin charged residuals.
The Mini 1.5T sounds a really good package.
How heavy are they compared to older Minis? Not original Minis obviously!!!
@ MH: the Polo GTI is still a little way from actual release and it seems very few dealers will get demos as the predicted uptake is low. It's a shame vw don't push this car a bit more.
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@ MH: the Polo GTI is still a little way from actual release and it seems very few dealers will get demos as the predicted uptake is low. It's a shame vw don't push this car a bit more.
Low uptake = low demand or rare and sought after 3 or 4 years down the line? I’m doubting it’ll be quite as sharp on the handling as its main competitor (Fiesta ST), but the perception of better German build quality and it having a quicker 0-62 time could get the Halfords crowd drooling when it is old enough to be in the average 18-20 year old’s pricepoint. Or at 5 years old it might look horrendously expensive next to the ST?
I would imagine that from Drisser’s comments above that GFVs for minis are very detached from what these cars can actually sell for, with BMW showing extreme caution regarding PCP exposure (or are out to lowball you at trade-in time). 45% residual after 6 years is as good as it gets. My missus would be keeping it for the longhaul, she won’t get itchy feel after 2 years.
How long for a Polo GTI is the real question, are they going to make us wait 6-8 months like they do for an R? You could probably have a Mini in under 10 weeks if the turnaround of other BMWs are anything to go by.
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Yep the dealer said 4-6 weeks for a new Mini order, less if there is something in the system obviously..
I def wouldnt wait 8 months for a Polo I am afraid. By the way why dont they seem to be offering the monza shadow alloys on the new Polo GTi ? really like the mini-golf GTi look.
I think as a total ownership cost / proposition with the TLC pack for Mini i think gives 5 years servicing and cover for £349.. so you pay maybe £17500 for a nice spec car, get back maybe 50% of your cash after 5 years, and have no hidden maintenance costs at all in those 5 years, you can see why the Mini is so popular..
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Drisser: Yes the whole package does seem good, especially on the services, VW seem to be getting a bit tight with service packs. I've seen 3 year service packs for £199 before where you didn't have to take out finance, now it's 2 years for £149 if you take out finance, or do the monthly plan that will save you very little (whether financed or not).
The Mini is a bit of a girly car though - I definitely wouldn't buy one for myself as a daily driver.
Although I have a good and (relatively) honest relationship with my chosen salesman at Pulman (which was maybe strained a bit when I got all but his kidneys out of him while negotiating for the R! :grin:), when you have to deal with the others because he is on holiday, you realise he's the exception rather than the rule.
Being at the Mill car clinic the other week with my GTD (part of the BMW Cooper group), there was a whole new level of customer service. Every person there couldn't do enough for you, even going sofar as to try and persuade my insurance company not to take an excess from me, and when that failed, they rang Aviva and tried to persuade them to pay it directly so I didn't have to. If BMW dealers are all like that, some of us are seriously missing out.
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I have found generally BMW and Mini service to be really good, with some exceptions - Cooper actually in another dealership where the salesman really did mis-sell me finance ( given I am a commercial accountant, not a good plan!) - I asked for a 24 month PCP quote with max deposit and he gave me a 48 month PCP quote, minimum deposit and £5k cashback from the mini trade in !?? You can imagine the conversation when I rang up and said why would I want to pay interest on cash I dont need !?
I think it varies from showroom to showroom tbh and def from salesman to salesman.
Of course there is another benefit to mini showrooms, almost always one or two attractive young ladies around :lipsrsealed:
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The guy who fixes my old runabout bought an older Cooper S that needed a bit of work off someone he knew (on the cheap obviously) for his wife to run around in.
Within hours of it turning up he'd had about half a dozen firm offers on it from customers.
That's why Minis have fantastic resale value, 80% of the female population love Minis and an awful lot of blokes too.
If I was to say to my wife tomorrow I was buying another Golf she'd roll her eyes and start putting up a dozen reasons why I shouldnt (all the while knowing she was on to a losing battle), yet if I said I was off to buy a Mini she'd be on her way down to the showroom to look at colour charts...
Only once I'd got it home would she ask how I was supposed to fold up two lanky teenage sons into the rear.
My step sis sold her Mini recently which she bought new and kept years and it fetched really strong money in part ex.
The new next door neighbours have a Mini. I assumed it was hers but no, she gets the bus to work - it's his and he loves it.
Need I go on?
Everyone loves a Mini.
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Another mini lover signing in!
I've always fancied an S works, but I'll have to be willing for some practicality trade off if I ever did.
My wife and I visited some friends in Denver, Colorado, a couple of years ago and they lent us their convertible Copper S. Bombing around canyon roads in the Rockies with the roof down under the Coloradan sun... it doesn't get much better than that! Cracking cars.
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The cooper convertible I had as a loan car was a right bone rattler. God awful car I couldn't wait to hand back!
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Lol! :grin:
Well yes, it was a bit of a supermarket trolly in terms of comfort, but that was half the fun (on holiday at least).
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I suppose it becomes a different car in a better climate and surroundings instead of the dreary uk :whistle:
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I never was a fan of driving the original shape mini when I passed my test early '93. Tiny, cramped, noisy, and you could feel every stone on the road. Might've been top of it's game in the 60s, but 30-odd years of tech hadn't moved the mini on all that much. When it was a choice between taking my mam's mini out or my dad's Granada Ghia 2.8i Estate, it was the Ford every time for me.
The new one really only shares a badge. I'll be willing to give it a fair go when the missus is picking a car that i'll be paying for.
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My girlfriend had the Mini Cooper S a few years ago and it was a cracking little car. It handled brilliantly and it had enough punch to keep you happy. However, it suffered from carbon build up after only 2 years and the engine had to be stripped and rebuilt. The ride was also rock hard due to the insufferable run flat tyres.
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Drisser,
MPG wouldn’t be massively up the list of priorities for the wife’s car if my next job (following redundancy in June) isn’t so far away that I consider splitting the mileages between 2 cars. On the assumption I’m close enough to be driving the R all the time, she’d be going 9 miles to work and back, and maybe popping to her mam’s 16 miles away once a week in it. I doubt it would do more than 7k miles in a year.
I did have a look in a Mini Cooper recently (in the Mini shop by Leidesplein in Amsterdam (we were there for New Year). It looked massive when I was next to it, I had to do a double take and make sure I wasn’t standing next to one of the fat Mini variants. Funky layout, but the one thing that I didn’t like (such a daft little thing) – plastic door catches for opening the door from the inside. From a tactile point of view it felt like it wouldn’t last 5 minutes before it would snap in your hand, opening the door to get out (yes it sounds really daft to me too once I see it typed out). Everything else seemed reassuringly solid, and I’m sure it’ll drive more composed than a Polo that probably isn’t more than 3 years from moving to MQB and all that brings (better handling and composure, but really thin body panels).
I looked into the costs of the Mini at the start of the year, and a lack of decent discount with lower residuals (presumed, based on GFV – perhaps BMW’s have low GFVs but higher equity for actual p/x?) made the Polo GTI look better value (I couldn’t believe the Polo GTI had a GFV of around 50%, Polos used to have quite poor residuals for a German brand car). There wasn’t much in the actual costs of expected depreciation between the 2, but it was like comparing a £16k car to a £19k car and them coming out at the same cost to run…you’d think you were getting better value for money losing £7k over 3 years on a £19k car that cost you £16k (due to discounts and dealer contribution), than losing £7k on a £16k car that cost you £15k (if you’re lucky – I couldn’t find more than £800 off a Mini Cooper, perhaps that has changed 3 months down the line).
I would have to drive both to have an opinion on whether I’d rather be driving (albeit occasionally) the Mini or the Polo. Could the better handling (presumed) overcome the 55ps deficit? Still puzzled by the DCC being a £300 option on the GTI. If it’s as all singing and dancing as the the MK7 version, it may well tidy up the pre-MQB Polo chassis. Been trying to get a test drive in a Polo GTI to find out but absolutely no-one has one as a demo.
We have one as the wife's car - she didnt like the Golf GTi so I had to inherit that and buy her a Mini (she had a 1.6 Cooper before, now the 1.5T). Its a bit more than £15k (Chilli, Media, Pano roof, LED lights etc took the list beyond £20k. Its on the same lease terms as the Golf was and is £15 a month more than the Golf (which was a bit of steal as a stock car at a VERY good discount). Think I managed about £2k off the Mini - but we did buy a car in UK stock and took delivery just before xmas.
Inside I would say that the Mini feels every bit as special as the Golf, I dont think it is built quite as well but the materials are good and it has impressed me. Hoot to drive and pretty nippy. Wife says sat nav is better than the (base) version in Golf.
She is MORE than happy with it, cant see her wanting anything else. We looked at the A1 - not interested. Wasnt bothered about a Polo of any description. If you want a happy wife, best let her choose and I suspect the Mini could be right up there.
I am quite happy to have inherited the Golf - PP, Winter Pack, Discover Nav, 3 doors. Shame at the moment I have a company Volvo (XC60) to get me to work and back on my 700 miles a week commute, the Golf doesnt come out a great deal. Will get more use come June when job change comes along....
Ian
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The wife has always liked VAG cars, her driving instructor years ago had a Lupo GTI for giving the lessons in. She really likes the look of the A1, but as they come with nigh-on no practical equipment in any guise (you get all the sporty stuff in the S-line, but none of the things you might really need), she’d need a lot of extras, which makes it a poor buy in the residual stakes. She’s always liked the Polo too and a Polo GTI really appeals to her after I dissuaded her from an S1 + £4k options. She likes the look of the Mini, but she’s not hung up on wanting one over a Polo or A1.
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The wife has always liked VAG cars, her driving instructor years ago had a Lupo GTI for giving the lessons in. She really likes the look of the A1, but as they come with nigh-on no practical equipment in any guise (you get all the sporty stuff in the S-line, but none of the things you might really need), she’d need a lot of extras, which makes it a poor buy in the residual stakes. She’s always liked the Polo too and a Polo GTI really appeals to her after I dissuaded her from an S1 + £4k options. She likes the look of the Mini, but she’s not hung up on wanting one over a Polo or A1.
She'll never know unless she goes for a test drive in one
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The wife has always liked VAG cars, her driving instructor years ago had a Lupo GTI for giving the lessons in. She really likes the look of the A1, but as they come with nigh-on no practical equipment in any guise (you get all the sporty stuff in the S-line, but none of the things you might really need), she’d need a lot of extras, which makes it a poor buy in the residual stakes. She’s always liked the Polo too and a Polo GTI really appeals to her after I dissuaded her from an S1 + £4k options. She likes the look of the Mini, but she’s not hung up on wanting one over a Polo or A1.
I just sorted out a deal for a new Polo GTi for my mum.
5 door / DSG / Pure White / Jacara Cloth
Options:
Voice activation for audio and navigation - £185.0
Discover navigation + European map data - £700.0
Climatronic air conditioning - £380.0
Rear view camera - £240.0
Winter pack - Polo - £360.0
Electric folding door mirrors - £160.0
Light and sight pack A - Polo - £150.0
Cruise and Park Pack - Polo - £400.0
Front centre armrest with storage compartment - £110.0
Sport Performance Kit with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) - £ 250.00
List price with option £ 23,915
Got 13.4% off this price, saving £3,205 off (note: includes £1,000 VW finance contribution)
So price after discount £ 20,710-00
Used Carwow.co.uk to do the negotiationg! Superb website, would certainly use again. Went with the second best dealer offer which was only 27 miles from home. The best offer was 14.4% off but the dealer was 114 miles from mum and dads house.
I'll be interested in having a shot in the baby gti when mum gets. Delivery is around 3-4 months.
I might have to get one of these for the wife when her A1 PCP comes to an end.
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Nice one Martin, we're looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the Polo GTI.
White really suits it from the pics and vids I've seen, I'm sure your mum will love it.
It's a bit of a :shocked: moment when you look at the full retail price after options though! Thank goodness for brokers/Carwow!
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Even with the discount 21k is a lot for a Polo.
Does look nice though :whistle:
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MAW73: You will have to let us know how the £350 DCC system gets on. Whether it is less sophisticated than the £800 Golf system or whether VW are just taking a lend of Golf owners who spec it. I'd say you're more likely to want/need it on a non-MQB Polo than a MK7 Golf.
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The polo DCC isn't the same as the golf DCC.
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The polo DCC isn't the same as the golf DCC.
I'd like to know how different they are for the extra £500, just out of interest. Maybe it is the old version one (on Scirocco and MK6)?
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You don't get individual mode for a start so you can't choose your own settings. I'm sure I read somewhere it doesn't do anything to the actual suspension but looking at the polo on the vw website it says it does.