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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Daz Auto on 01 May 2016, 00:19

Title: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Daz Auto on 01 May 2016, 00:19
I was in my local dealers this week looking at a 2015 red Mk7 GTI PP. I had to say that I was not interested because the car didn't have DCC. (most of the roads I drive on are poor)

This got me thinking (excluding paint) what is the 1 optional extra your car must have? What is the one thing in you current car that you would really miss, if it was not in your next car?
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Watts on 01 May 2016, 00:33
I'd be happy with a standard GTI, there's nothing extra that I'd deem essential but I do like my 19" alloys and the PP. Of the two the PP would be first choice for the painted calipers alone :smiley:
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: 2014GTi on 01 May 2016, 01:00
I agree, on the GTI the PP would be my only choice if I was only allowed one pick.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: andrewparker on 01 May 2016, 08:02
I'd be happy with a standard GTI, there's nothing extra that I'd deem essential but I do like my 19" alloys and the PP. Of the two the PP would be first choice for the painted calipers alone :smiley:

Don't all GTIs have painted brake calipers...
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: caprigreen on 01 May 2016, 09:38
I'd be happy with a standard GTI, there's nothing extra that I'd deem essential but I do like my 19" alloys and the PP. Of the two the PP would be first choice for the painted calipers alone :smiley:

It sounds ridiculous but it's the GTI logo on the calipers that made me tick the PP option. I don't drive hard enough to notice the diff but the brakes are superb. I love the stopping power and the reassurance they give. I have not driven the non PP GTI so do not know if there is a noticeable difference.  Can anyone offer an opinion ?
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: CraigW on 01 May 2016, 10:58
I purely ticked the PP box because at the time I wanted my GTI to be the best it could be. Without the PP to me it would have been inferior. I also believe that GTI with the PP will be more sought after in the second hand market.

PP aside the best option by far has to be keyless entry. Just a complete touch of class.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Watts on 01 May 2016, 11:02
I'd be happy with a standard GTI, there's nothing extra that I'd deem essential but I do like my 19" alloys and the PP. Of the two the PP would be first choice for the painted calipers alone :smiley:

Don't all GTIs have painted brake calipers...

From memory the red calipers with GTI logo are only with the PP. Unless this has changed recently?
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: kalimon on 01 May 2016, 11:16
Another vote for keyless. I know there are security issues with it but it's very cool in operation, especially the push button start/stop feature.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Brenbo on 01 May 2016, 11:29
It would be performance pack for me, hands down.  :smiley:
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Exonian on 01 May 2016, 11:44
If it's a GTI we're looking at then the PP has to be the one option to tick.
On a GTD then I'd say park pack as that is cheap and can get you out of some very tight situations.

These two models already come with most things as standard such as nav and Arse warmers along with the ultimate lazy option of keyless (designed for those who carry handbags and employ people to wipe their derrières  :whistle: )

I'm not sure if it's actually an option on a Golf yet but I was extremely sceptical about heated steering wheels until I had a lift home from the pub in a corsa yesterday that had this as a standard feature.
It did make me chuckle and I can see it being popular with delicate ladies and Scandinavians.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Watts on 01 May 2016, 12:42
If it's a GTI we're looking at then the PP has to be the one option to tick.
On a GTD then I'd say park pack as that is cheap and can get you out of some very tight situations.

These two models already come with most things as standard such as nav and Arse warmers along with the ultimate lazy option of keyless (designed for those who carry handbags and employ people to wipe their derrières  :whistle: )

I'm not sure if it's actually an option on a Golf yet but I was extremely sceptical about heated steering wheels until I had a lift home from the pub in a corsa yesterday that had this as a standard feature.
It did make me chuckle and I can see it being popular with delicate ladies and Scandinavians.

Although neither of the above, I'd like a heated steering wheel. My poor dainty digits do suffer from the cold :wink:

The skidoos we had on a holiday in Finland a few years back had heated grips but that was essential at around -30c!
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Mk7-GTD on 01 May 2016, 12:47
If you drive a lot at night then active high beam.

If not then sunroof as most of the other stuff can be added later.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Exonian on 01 May 2016, 13:52
If you drive a lot at night then active high beam.

If not then sunroof as most of the other stuff can be added later.
How does high beam assist work with dual carriageways with armco in the middle? I often drive on a pitch black dual carriageway like that at silly o'clock and wish I had HBA but wonder how it would cope with the cars the other side of the armco that would still be dazzled if you had full beam on.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: kalimon on 01 May 2016, 15:02
I paid for high beam assist but to be honest, I couldn't tell you if it's installed or not. I can't see anything about it in the manual and there is no indication of it on the stalk that I'm aware of.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: vw spur on 01 May 2016, 16:11
HBA works fine on dual carriageways with Armco barriers, the sensor is infront of the rear view mirror so works as it should when there might be obstructions low to the ground such as Armco etc etc


Kalimon just push the stalk forward and then you'll see a light sign appear on the dash with an a in it, that means lights on auto
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: kalimon on 01 May 2016, 16:17
HBA works fine on dual carriageways with Armco barriers, the sensor is infront of the rear view mirror so works as it should when there might be obstructions low to the ground such as Armco etc etc


Kalimon just push the stalk forward and then you'll see a light sign appear on the dash with an a in it, that means lights on auto
Thanks. I'll give it a whirl later :smiley:
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Mk7-GTD on 01 May 2016, 16:57
HBA works fine on dual carriageways with Armco barriers, the sensor is infront of the rear view mirror so works as it should when there might be obstructions low to the ground such as Armco etc etc


Kalimon just push the stalk forward and then you'll see a light sign appear on the dash with an a in it, that means lights on auto
Thanks. I'll give it a whirl later :smiley:

The lights also need to be in auto and will only work at speeds over 32mph or something like that.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Mk7-GTD on 01 May 2016, 17:04
If you drive a lot at night then active high beam.

If not then sunroof as most of the other stuff can be added later.
How does high beam assist work with dual carriageways with armco in the middle? I often drive on a pitch black dual carriageway like that at silly o'clock and wish I had HBA but wonder how it would cope with the cars the other side of the armco that would still be dazzled if you had full beam on.

It works really well. I only have high beam assist on my CC but most of the other cars I drive have active high beam and I have never had another person flash me in years of driving. The Audi matrix lights take it to another level though.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: vw spur on 01 May 2016, 17:15
HBA works fine on dual carriageways with Armco barriers, the sensor is infront of the rear view mirror so works as it should when there might be obstructions low to the ground such as Armco etc etc


Kalimon just push the stalk forward and then you'll see a light sign appear on the dash with an a in it, that means lights on auto
Thanks. I'll give it a whirl later :smiley:

The lights also need to be in auto and will only work at speeds under 32mph or something like that.

Do you mean over 32mph?? I use HBA all the time and at speeds way above 32mph
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Mk7-GTD on 01 May 2016, 17:18
HBA works fine on dual carriageways with Armco barriers, the sensor is infront of the rear view mirror so works as it should when there might be obstructions low to the ground such as Armco etc etc


Kalimon just push the stalk forward and then you'll see a light sign appear on the dash with an a in it, that means lights on auto
Thanks. I'll give it a whirl later :smiley:

The lights also need to be in auto and will only work at speeds under 32mph or something like that.

Do you mean over 32mph?? I use HBA all the time and at speeds way above 32mph

Yeah sorry, I meant over. Amended now.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: JoeGTI on 01 May 2016, 17:50
The GTI / R is so well equipped as standard, it's hard to think of anything that's really really essential. Most of them are "nice to haves" imo.

That said... I think the GTI needs PP for the brakes upgrade alone - it would cost ££££ more to retro fit.

In Ireland, the pretroria wheels on the R are just 130 euro, which makes them an essential choice imo.

Keyless is a lovely feature and now that I'm used to it, it would annoy me not to have it.

I paid a lot for leather and I don't think it's worth it tbh... not great quality at all, although I do love the bum warmers that comes with it.

I have Discover Nav (came free) and I wouldn't pay for it. Never use it. App-Connect (CarPlay / Android Auto) is far more useful.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Mark V GTD on 01 May 2016, 18:06
keyless is standard on the GTI & GTD is it not?
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: JoeGTI on 01 May 2016, 18:15
keyless is standard on the GTI & GTD is it not?

Not sure about UK but it's virtually free (part of a gimmie "technology pack") here in Ireland now. Also on the R too. For some reason VW no longer allow it on a 3 door though.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Hawaii-Five-O on 02 May 2016, 07:50
This is an easy one. DSG!
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: vw spur on 02 May 2016, 09:47
keyless is standard on the GTI & GTD is it not?

Yes keyless became standard on 5 door models in October 2015 I think it was, keyless is no longer available on 3 door models for some reason
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Eccie on 02 May 2016, 10:42
I had 3 must have options/deal breakers on my list when I was shopping - PP, DSG & a sunroof........and I'm afraid they'd all be on my list of requirements again - I wouldn't compromise- sorry :rolleyes:

I know some people will see them as unnecessary - but to me they are essential  :whistle:
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Finglonga on 02 May 2016, 11:06


From memory the red calipers with GTI logo are only with the PP. Unless this has changed recently?

They are significantly bigger calipers on the PP as well as bigger vented disc on the rear. The PP would my choice again if I had to choose, but saying that it is all I chose anyway. Didn't want DCC as didn't like it on the car I test drove and the various assist systems I dislike as I like to be in control and I am able to park a car myself.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Exonian on 02 May 2016, 11:37


From memory the red calipers with GTI logo are only with the PP. Unless this has changed recently?

They are significantly bigger calipers on the PP as well as bigger vented disc on the rear. The PP would my choice again if I had to choose, but saying that it is all I chose anyway. Didn't want DCC as didn't like it on the car I test drove and the various assist systems I dislike as I like to be in control and I am able to park a car myself.
One good thing with park assist is that it can get you out of really tight parking spots when some ignoramus has left you only a few inches to play with.
Plus it's highly amusing.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: JoeGTI on 02 May 2016, 12:12


From memory the red calipers with GTI logo are only with the PP. Unless this has changed recently?

They are significantly bigger calipers on the PP as well as bigger vented disc on the rear. The PP would my choice again if I had to choose, but saying that it is all I chose anyway. Didn't want DCC as didn't like it on the car I test drove and the various assist systems I dislike as I like to be in control and I am able to park a car myself.
One good thing with park assist is that it can get you out of really tight parking spots when some ignoramus has left you only a few inches to play with.
Plus it's highly amusing.

I find the rear camera brilliant for this. Only for the rear end obviously, but it definitely is really useful when you need to get in or out of a tight spot.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Mk7-GTD on 02 May 2016, 15:01


From memory the red calipers with GTI logo are only with the PP. Unless this has changed recently?

They are significantly bigger calipers on the PP as well as bigger vented disc on the rear. The PP would my choice again if I had to choose, but saying that it is all I chose anyway. Didn't want DCC as didn't like it on the car I test drove and the various assist systems I dislike as I like to be in control and I am able to park a car myself.
One good thing with park assist is that it can get you out of really tight parking spots when some ignoramus has left you only a few inches to play with.
Plus it's highly amusing.

I find the rear camera brilliant for this. Only for the rear end obviously, but it definitely is really useful when you need to get in or out of a tight spot.

You don't need the camera if you park in two bays Joe :whistle: sorry but I had to.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: JoeGTI on 02 May 2016, 15:04
 :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Exonian on 02 May 2016, 17:28


From memory the red calipers with GTI logo are only with the PP. Unless this has changed recently?

They are significantly bigger calipers on the PP as well as bigger vented disc on the rear. The PP would my choice again if I had to choose, but saying that it is all I chose anyway. Didn't want DCC as didn't like it on the car I test drove and the various assist systems I dislike as I like to be in control and I am able to park a car myself.
One good thing with park assist is that it can get you out of really tight parking spots when some ignoramus has left you only a few inches to play with.
Plus it's highly amusing.

I find the rear camera brilliant for this. Only for the rear end obviously, but it definitely is really useful when you need to get in or out of a tight spot.

You don't need the camera if you park in two bays Joe :whistle: sorry but I had to.
The rear camera is ideal for lining the line up to park dead central between two bays!!  :whistle:
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: dickt on 02 May 2016, 17:39
Park assist is a hoot. It makes me smile each time I use it.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Bungleaio on 02 May 2016, 18:39
Forget high beam assist,  Dynamic high beam is where it's at. Country roads especially are brilliant with it.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: Mk7-GTD on 02 May 2016, 18:57


From memory the red calipers with GTI logo are only with the PP. Unless this has changed recently?

They are significantly bigger calipers on the PP as well as bigger vented disc on the rear. The PP would my choice again if I had to choose, but saying that it is all I chose anyway. Didn't want DCC as didn't like it on the car I test drove and the various assist systems I dislike as I like to be in control and I am able to park a car myself.
One good thing with park assist is that it can get you out of really tight parking spots when some ignoramus has left you only a few inches to play with.
Plus it's highly amusing.

I find the rear camera brilliant for this. Only for the rear end obviously, but it definitely is really useful when you need to get in or out of a tight spot.

You don't need the camera if you park in two bays Joe :whistle: sorry but I had to.
The rear camera is ideal for lining the line up to park dead central between two bays!!  :whistle:

 :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

I hear they sell well in Sunderland  :whistle:
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: mjh_056 on 05 May 2016, 16:01
Thought keep this questions amongst options opposed to starting new thread.

Pretty close to ordering my R

Options Specified
5 Door
DSG
Lapiz Blue
DCC
Pretoria
Apple Connect
Winter Pack
Keyless

One option that is there for me to select but do not think its available on the R is the Parking Pack? Obviously R comes with front and rear sensors and to be honest I am fine with just them, but wife drives the car and maybe she would like the auto park and rear camera which is in the pack? So is it available on the R?

Bit frustrating the winter packs and keyless and navigation are standard on GTD/GTI but can live without Nav and as can use the App Connect for rare times needed. Winter pack is the only real essential for warm derriere in winter! going to give keyless a go to this time around.




Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: JoeGTI on 05 May 2016, 16:08
No, the parking pack has never been available on the R. Must be something to do with the different bumpers design or perhaps the 4Motion system.
Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: mjh_056 on 05 May 2016, 16:25
No, the parking pack has never been available on the R. Must be something to do with the different bumpers design or perhaps the 4Motion system.

Yes, it does appear the auto park was not ever an option on the R and maybe it is to do with the 4Motion as you would imagine you could position sensors no matter the bumper. Be interesting to know the exact reason as on face of it you cannot see the problem? 

But thanks for confirming and unlikely to go for the rear camera on its own given never had an issue parking the GTD with just the sensors.

So think pretty set now and think safe to push the button and order as think within the 2017 changes timeframe

Title: Re: If you could only have 1 optional extra?
Post by: mortimerchris on 10 May 2016, 11:52
If money was no object than Discover Pro - My standard radio is fine and as I got my Gti near launch date I couldn't justify the £2K. My phone works fine for Sat Nav just less convinient

However I would say Lane assist  - this is because the ACC is amazing and I use if every day on my 35 miles up and then down the M4. Lane assist would be an amazing addition having since sued on an R test drive