GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: CraigW on 14 August 2015, 00:03
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Apologies if this is a bit long winded :grin:
So two weeks ago I was lucky enough to win a competition which gave me access to run around in a golf R for a week. I collected the car on Sunday and it's given me a great opportunity to compare the R to my GTI. I always kind of regretted rushing in to buying the GTI when I saw the R being released 6 months later and at a price point which was surprisingly not that much greater than the GTI. So after 5 days of driving the R backwards and forwards to work and then having some real time to play with it today I thought I would share some thoughts.
Firstly, the spec of the car is as follows
5 -Door DSG
Lapis Blue
Cadiz Wheels
Keyless Entry
Pano Roof
DCC
Vienna Leather
Looks
This is always going to be a very subjective topic. Personally, I find the front end to be a little too subtle however the double DRL’s are very nice and I really like the silver accents especially the strip that runs along the front lip of the car. Apart from that the front is just a little bland. I would still say I prefer the front of the GTI.
I love the rear. The quad exhausts just give it that aggressive presence that’s missing from the front and they are actually much larger than I thought they were. On a side note, I can’t believe how many R’s I see on the road with pipes that are filthy and look like they’ve never been cleaned. I also really lie the smoked rear lights that blend in nicely especially with the darker colours.
The cadiz wheels are ok but nothing special. To be honest I don’t think any of the wheels on offer are that great. I would probably be tempted to spec the prets if I was placing an order but it wouldn’t be high up on my priority list.
What really makes the car stand out on the road is the colour and I’m specifically referring to the lapis blue. The majority of R’s I see on the road are this colour and I can understand why. If you know your cars then when you see this colour approaching then you know immediately that it’s an R. I don’t think this applies to any of the other colours. Some people like the stealth look but I want the car to stand out and be easily differentiated from any other Golf. The blue is lovely and depending on the sunlight can really change your perception of it. I would definitely spec this colour but it would be nice if there were more unique colours to just the R.
The panoramic roof is a nice addition to the car but not necessarily required. For a change the weather was lovely up here today but I don’t think I had the sunroof open once. Not an option I would add unless it was ridiculously cheap.
DSG v Manual
This was a major eye opener having never driven an automatic before. After driving about for five days I’m starting to become more comfortable with it but my opinions remain conflicted.
The first issue is the car’s tendency to creep forward when the footbrake isn’t applied. If you’re not fully paying attention I could see that it would be quite easy to roll into the person in front of you. Then in slow moving traffic you feel like you’re having to apply the footbrake all the time which I take it means that the brake lights are constantly on when in stationary traffic?
The second issue with the DSG box is that it seems to be rather hesitant when setting off in first gear. When you apply a bit of pressure to the accelerator it just seems to take a few seconds to get going. Then once on the move it feels like it goes through the gears too quickly and only when you get to 4th doing about 40mph does it begin to feel smooth.
Where the conflict arises is when you put the gear shift into sport mode. Bloody Hell!! What a transformation. The revs go up, a low growl comes into the cabin even when static and then when you take off – wow just wow!! The acceleration and the noise (admittedly there’s a bit of fakery going on with the sound) with the pops and bangs coming from the exhaust is just so addictive. When the turbo kicks in it really does accelerate a fair bit quicker than the GTI but it’s the noise that’s so different to the GTI. The GTI is just so quiet in comparison. Then of course there’s the 4wd which just gives you so much confidence to get of the line without any tramping issues.
So would I opt for a DSG box? Difficult one as I’ve not driven a manual R but I’m tempted to say yes just to hear those pops and bangs. Yet, if I was reordering a GTI I think I would stick with the manual.
Other Observations
Another observation with the engine is that when just driving in non lunatic mode the engine makes this really annoying constant metallic ringing type noise. The only way I can kind of describe it is thats its almost akin to having loose cutlery vibrating/rattling on top of a washing machine if that makes sense,
One aspect that seemed quite noticeable to me was the difference that DCC had on the car. In my GTI I’ve never felt much difference between any of the different modes but the change between Race and comfort in the R is quite impressive. Moving from comfort to Race you can definitely feel the suspension stiffen along with the steering which becomes a lot sharper.
I don’t think I would bother speccing the leather if I was placing an order. Yes it’s quite nice but it’s not worth the money imo. I would rather have the keyless entry and the DCC in this car.
Verdict
Difficult one. I would still like to try the likes of the BMW M235i especially to experience how the autobox in the Beemer compares. Then we are now hearing rumours of possible mk8’s in 2018/19 so is it worth trading in just now? After trying the R I definitely regret not waiting for it when it was first released. I’m relatively happy with the GTI, I just wish it sounded as good as the R. I know that’s fixable by getting an aftermarket exhaust but ive never been massively into modding cars, I’d rather save up for the next car. All I can say is that those who are waiting on an R will not be disappointed.
I just want to say a massive thanks to the guys at GTI world in Edinburgh who made this possible and a particular shout out to Dean who is a top bloke. I'll be sad to see the car going back on Sunday.
(http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx40/CraigW_01/Mobile%20Uploads/33C952E1-0544-43AE-ABD7-E09774FBFC4D.jpg) (http://s739.photobucket.com/user/CraigW_01/media/Mobile%20Uploads/33C952E1-0544-43AE-ABD7-E09774FBFC4D.jpg.html)
(http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx40/CraigW_01/Mobile%20Uploads/CC509D45-264B-4E86-B228-4AEA1D430222.jpg) (http://s739.photobucket.com/user/CraigW_01/media/Mobile%20Uploads/CC509D45-264B-4E86-B228-4AEA1D430222.jpg.html)
(http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx40/CraigW_01/Mobile%20Uploads/22446A83-0CA0-4C2D-9C1C-2E7F5DD252B1.jpg) (http://s739.photobucket.com/user/CraigW_01/media/Mobile%20Uploads/22446A83-0CA0-4C2D-9C1C-2E7F5DD252B1.jpg.html)
(http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx40/CraigW_01/Mobile%20Uploads/677FFC34-58D9-4246-954B-DFA9F8BEF3D6.jpg) (http://s739.photobucket.com/user/CraigW_01/media/Mobile%20Uploads/677FFC34-58D9-4246-954B-DFA9F8BEF3D6.jpg.html)
(http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx40/CraigW_01/Mobile%20Uploads/D9DD3298-16AF-48BE-8064-FEDD917AC948.jpg) (http://s739.photobucket.com/user/CraigW_01/media/Mobile%20Uploads/D9DD3298-16AF-48BE-8064-FEDD917AC948.jpg.html)
(http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx40/CraigW_01/Mobile%20Uploads/C07F4A8B-2713-48CD-B51E-E3B2202C0D32.jpg) (http://s739.photobucket.com/user/CraigW_01/media/Mobile%20Uploads/C07F4A8B-2713-48CD-B51E-E3B2202C0D32.jpg.html)
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Good review and great pics. Sounds like you had a blast with it.
I'm picking my GTI up tomorrow afternoon. I'll try and do a similar review of first impressions.
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If the car is creeping forward then either you have auto hold turned off or your not pressing the foot brake hard enough. You shouldn't be moving anywhere.
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On the metalic noise, that's a common warranty issue with the sound actuator buzzing.
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Really appreciate the write up Craig. Sounds like your torn.
I totally adore the car they lent you. Exactly what I would spec apart from the pano roof.
I tell you what it's so hard reading about all the GTI converters and hugely impressive R reviews. Makes me want to chop my GTI for an R. Must resist!!!
The trouble with VW making the R7 so good, stealthy and not that much more expensive, is that they have started to damage the GTI's brand. Some will say 'so what' but I feel it's important to protect the GTI's iconic status. After all it has taken VW 40 years to build this reputation. With the R brand they are in danger of undermining that position. Please don't read this as sour grapes, it's not, I'm simply saying that VW have made the R so good that people no longer desire the GTI. My personal view is that VW should have made the R but branded it GTI-R or GTI-S or GTI-300 to help preserve the GTI's iconic status. Just a thought. [going to write a new thread about this soon]
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Unfortunately I don't think the gti has iconic status in today's market. It's just another car to most people (apart from proper VW golf people).
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Unfortunately I don't think the gti has iconic status in today's market. It's just another car to most people (apart from proper VW golf people).
But it could be.
It's just there are too many models chipping away (GTD, GTE, Clubsport, ED40, R and possibly R400). Christ, is it possible for VW to squeeze in any more niche models?
In my simple universe there should be two models atop of the VW Golf tree: GTI-R and the GTD-R (or other imaginative naming conventions)
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I think VW are living off this famous iconic thing and its money orientated. No corporations these days no matter how big can escape the money/profit merry go round. Vw are doing it to the detriment of the golf gti. The gti,gtd and r aren't special anymore in an ever increasing market. They feel like just another golf but this has gone on for years, you can't tell me the mk4 gti was iconic :whistle:
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I think VW are living off this famous iconic thing and its money orientated. No corporations these days no matter how big can escape the money/profit merry go round. Vw are doing it to the detriment of the golf gti. The gti,gtd and r aren't special anymore in an ever increasing market. They feel like just another golf but this has gone on for years, you can't tell me the mk4 gti was iconic :whistle:
I hear ya :cry:
Maybe I'm just living in a rose tinted, parallel universe. It's nice up here. Even the Mk4 GTI is regarded a classic :laugh:
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:grin: :grin: it's the people on our forums that suffer in the end as VW will dilute the gti brand as far as possible.
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I'm a bit of a purist too like others but unfortunately money talks.
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Be selecting my next vehicle early into 2016 and have a few on my list with the R at the top of that list to be shot at by others to convince me their way.
But the closer the time to choose comes the more the R is stretching its lead and your review has maybe added to that a little more.
Not many can stay in same car for 6 years they like a change but think my experience with the GTD convinces me even more to stay in same vehicle but enhanced by in my case 4WD and 300BHP as outside of them my specification would be pretty much the same.
Comments that did resonate:
1. Was toying with staying with Pure White as it contrasts the trim really well, in a storm trooper way but do agree that if having an R it has to be Lapis Blue as its such a great colour and says R instantly.
2. The Cadiz wheels. Originally thought preferred these but now really leaning towards the Pretoria and more so as DCC is a must option for me.
3. Think you summed up the styling really well as it does look awesome from the rear but could do with a tweak to front end to just make bit more of a statement, maybe beef up the intakes a little bit. Though the dual DRL are first thing you see coming towards you :) love them, really stand out from all other makes that have DRL.
4. Only seen in 3 Door previously and would likely go 5 door as have now and think those photos support still that out of all hatches the MK7 supports the 5 door best of everything else out there in keeping its lines.
5. 4WD in getting off the line. Its been very wet this week and though new tyres have made a huge difference there is still that yellow light flashing away at me at times!
With regards the DSG and creeping. Think that is just familiarisation and managing the auto hold as you can let it creep if it suits but also it will hold solidly if wish it to also. Just having a feel for the pressure on the brake.
My DSG took a little while to bed in as it is smoothly seamless now where as out of the box you did notice some minor delays.
DSG + Auto Hold + DCC = the most effortless of drives for those times of peak traffic.
The one thing rarely use is the Sat Nav and though its an option on the R from what understand then will likely bin that for the Pretoria's this time around.
If leather was half way reasonable then maybe, even half leather! but they ridiculously priced and no way option them
Loved the review and photos and think just convinced me even more of direction be taking when change next
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Mjh I'm in the same boat as you. I'm fighting over spec and car. My last two cars have been dsg. I would definitely like to drive the R in auto and manual guise to decide.
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Great write up Craig, and awesome pictures!
That's why I went for Lapiz Blue, as that's the only colour that's R specific. I like the stealthy side of it, but also I like other VW owners knowing what's coming up behind them :laugh:
With regards the rolling forward with the DSG, you soon get used to that, and the pressure you need to apply on the brake. Took me a while to get used to it but its second nature now.
Did you slap it into Sport and Race then move the lever to the left and have a go driving "manually" with the paddles? Is great fun, it really is.
Options wise, for resale and for comfort I'd recommend the DNS Pro (buyers will expect the top of the range stuff in an R) and the Carbon Nappa Leather (it's ridiculously expensive at over £2.5k, but its a massive step up over the normal leather). Reversing camera is also very useful!
I'd highly recommend the R, totally different kettle of fish to the GTI (and I loved my GTI, great car!). I took one of my mates out in it the other day, he doesn't really know much about cars and would take the p!ss saying its just a Golf etc etc - he absolutely loved it and couldn't believe the speed (took him down some nice country lanes :evil:) - he now wants me to drive him everywhere :grin:
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Mjh I'm in the same boat as you. I'm fighting over spec and car. My last two cars have been dsg. I would definitely like to drive the R in auto and manual guise to decide.
Not entirely sure what the standard R list is and will not even bother to look till early 2016 as it may just change in what is standard and what is not but do have definite, maybes and excluded
Definite
1. 5 Door: Moving from 3 door to 5 door has made carrying passenger something not even think about where the huffing and puffing and squeezing in of folk used to really do my head in :)
2. DCC: Divides many but having come from S Lines and for me noticeably feeling the difference in modes a must have really and maybe more so in the R
3. DSG: The real decider for me was that wife drives the car fairly regularly and 170BHP of my previous manual S Line used to make her a little nervous with its nothing then go! nature. So she loves the DSG in the GTD and with 300BHP think staying with DSG makes sense as even though I was toying with manual again really do love DSG and that's it now, decision made.
4. Winter Pack: Think standard now but a must for them heated seats :) though so wish add the windscreen to this!!
5. Colour: Lapis Blue - Obviously lots in this colour but as everyone states for very good reason and happy to be instantly recognisable as an R
Maybe
1. Pretoria: The more so for DCC comes with fact that thinking of these over Cadiz. Be weighing up pennies.
2. Park assist: Happily park as sensors are a great aid but if cheap and have pennies left then maybe
3. Keyless: think maybe standard?
Excluded
1. Leather Seats: Would love some half leather if they were even available but cannot justify the cost of leathers.
2. Sat Navigation: From what understand an option on R still and given how much use maybe ££ want to spend elsewhere and get self a battery charged Garmin or something for Glove Box. Think the upgraded units look amazing but as tend to mainly listen to radio and rarely use Navigation its a lot of ££ for very little use. So unless becomes free I will be passing on this.
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Thanks for the comments guys. Really had a great day yesterday getting to know the car. I will try and answer any questions when I get a chance. Just snowed under at the moment :sad:
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Thanks for the comments guys. Really had a great day yesterday getting to know the car. I will try and answer any questions when I get a chance. Just snowed under at the moment :sad:
It's Friday Craig - the clients can wait until Monday! :laugh:
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Good review Craigw, nice car - shame you couldn't find anywhere scenic to drive it!
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Mjh-056 - Sadly few of the items you mentioned such as Winter Pack and Keyless are standard on the R - only the GTD and the GTI (along with navigation which is still an option on the R)....
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Thanks for the comments guys. Really had a great day yesterday getting to know the car. I will try and answer any questions when I get a chance. Just snowed under at the moment :sad:
Just imagine, snowing in summertime in Glasgow. Shockingly depressing. I suppose you have blizzards for Christmas. :laugh:
I do love Glasgow and its people. Great city.
Super write-up. Being snowed-in does help prose and poetry. :grin:
As for the M235i, it is a terrific car and I wish I had one. Just can't get BMW out of my veins.
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Great write up Craig. I was waiting for this as I'd seen you'd won this on Facebook!
I'm picking up my R next weekend. Similar ish spec to that one but I'll have the prets. Can't wait!
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Lovely write up Craig, some interesting and thoughtful observations. And what a great competition prize, and a very handsomely specced car too. Sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed your dirty weekend with the R :laugh: Photos are stunning, what a backdrop. :cool:
DSG - always divisive, but I'm a big DSG convert. The R will be my third Golf with DSG, and I'm in no doubt that the R and DSG are perfect partners. You do learn to drive in a slightly different way, but after a few weeks it becomes second nature.
Anyway, I wonder how you will feel after a few weeks back in you GTI? The GTI is a superb car, but the R even better?
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On the metalic noise, that's a common warranty issue with the sound actuator buzzing.
Definitely not the waste gate rattle?
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On the metalic noise, that's a common warranty issue with the sound actuator buzzing.
Definitely not the waste gate rattle?
Could be, either way a warranty issue and not a characteristic of the car
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Thanks for all the kind comments guys. It's going to be a sad day tomorrow when I have to return the car but it's been a lot of fun. I will have had it for 7 days and I think I've washed it 6 out of the 7 days - slight OCD me thinks :grin: :grin:.
@ Hawaii I think you've hit the nail on the head when you talk about VW having shot themselves in the foot by making the R so good. It's definitely diluted the GTI brand in my opinion. I think with this new car being so good that the R will start to become an iconic mark in its own right.
@ Matchboy yeah I tried the flappy paddle a few times pal and it's a great option to be able to have that bit more control over the gear changes. The only thing is I don't know how often you would actually use the paddles. The DSG is fast becoming a favourite with me despite its slight hesitancy, it's just so relaxing to drive. I would definitely go down this route for the next car.
@ Watts yeah there's very few decent scenic views or good driving roads up here :grin: :grin:. In all seriousness if anyone is looking for some fantastic roads to drive and for some spectacular views on the way then I recommend looking at the NC500. It's our equivalent of Route 66
@joe thanks very much pal. I'm very jealous that you and booth will soon own one of these beauties. You will absolutely love it!!
@ Booth I think it will take me a while to get over the R effect. The acceleration is amazing but it's the noise that I will miss the most, it's just so dam addictive. However, with first child on the way in a few weeks this will help take my mind of it - maybe :grin:
@am1w :grin: :grin: living up here you wouldn't be surprised if you saw snow during the cough cough summer months. I think the M235i looks fantastic and I would really like to try one and especially compare the 8 speed auto to the DSG.
Cheers Guys
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@ Booth I think it will take me a while to get over the R effect. The acceleration is amazing but it's the noise that I will miss the most, it's just so dam addictive. However, with first child on the way in a few weeks this will help take my mind of it - maybe :grin:
Congratulations on impending Fatherhood Craig. :cool: Yeah, that should definitely take your mind off the R......maybe. :whistle:
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Thanks for the review Craig. You must have been having a blast in it the last week.
How did you find the fuel consumption compared to the GTI? Obviously you would have been testing out the R more so I'd expect the results to be a bit skewed.
With your impending arrival, congratulations, you might be better off with leather in the car :laugh:
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Thanks Craig, l googled the NC500, that looks like a great holiday in the making! For anyone else interested, this website appears useful: http://www.northcoast500.com/home.aspx
And congratulations! Hope all goes well.
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Just to echo what everyone else has said: great review and excellent pics Craig.
Having had my R almost exactly 2 months after swapping from a PP GTI it's really good to read your thoughts.
And obviously congratulations on your impending fatherhood (although as there's a bun in the oven I guess technically you're already a dad, minus the nappies and bags under your eyes... ) :grin:
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Not too bad p3asa. On a 147 mile journey on twisty back roads I averaged exactly 35mpg and that was with a few naughty blasts thrown in. :evil:
Thanks for all the kind comments re impending fatherhood. Life is never going to be the same :grin: :grin: :grin: