GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: trueblue_ips on 27 May 2019, 14:07
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Hi, I test drove a 19 plate GTI PP yesterday with a view to buying or leasing.
I'd never driven a DSG before and loved it. The salesman switched autohold off and I loved the "creep" when you take your foot off the brake. So easy in traffic.
Overall, I was happy but a couple of negatives.
The accelerator response. Seemed a bit random. I could definitely detect turbo lag but it seemed more than that. One minute it was very responsive, the next I pushed on the accelerator and nothing seemed to happen.
Engine noise. I was a tiny bit disappointed with the engine noise in the cabin. I was driving in Normal mode. Is it more hushed in Eco mode? I only had 20 mins in the car so didn't get the chance to try other modes.
Loved the car though and will probably go for a two year lease. I am put off from buying because the dealer told me the Mk8 will be arriving as soon as Feb next year.
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There are lots of members on here that swear by pedal boxes as a means of addressing the unresponsive throttle.
You can alter the engine noise inside the cabin via the media screen. Mine has the engine in Sport mode but engine noise set to Eco.
The Mk8 will be revealed before the end of the year and will apparently open for sale in the UK in the first quarter of next year.
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Thanks for the reply. One of the best things about the car is that it is so well equipped as standard.
I will check out the pedal box. It was hard to judge as I only had 20 mins and am unfamiliar with the car and unfamiliar with a DSG but the accelerator response didn't seem linear.
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Putting the car in sport mode will improve the throttle responce slightly. As Guzzle said a pedal box will improve it a lot.
If you go into individual mode, you can set everything to sport and the engine noise to comfort. That will improve the engine sound in the cabin
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I hear what you’re saying about the Mk8 but when will the gti land? If last Golfs are anything to go by, it won’t be straight away.
Having said that, the discounts at the moment aren’t good enough to buy a Mk7.5 over a potential Mk8 if you can wait. I know that traditionally discounts haven’t been huge in new models either but that seems v different nowadays. Look how quickly the a35 was discounted.
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I'd expect Mk8 GTi's to be 2nd quarter next year, although that's only my opinion based on Mk6 and Mk7 launches. More important will be the lead times. Some members on here waited 6+ months, and with the early Mk7 GTi's nobody knew what the standard spec was IIRC.
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I'd expect Mk8 GTi's to be 2nd quarter next year, although that's only my opinion based on Mk6 and Mk7 launches. More important will be the lead times. Some members on here waited 6+ months, and with the early Mk7 GTi's nobody knew what the standard spec was IIRC.
Good points there. Vw aren’t the best at launching a car. I can see the threads now. ‘Is it worth waiting 6 months for my gti’? And ‘why’s the Configurator down?’ We’ve all been there.
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I waited almost 6 months for my 14 plate GTD... I can see GTI order books opening maybe June 2020 and the first cars in the UK maybe Just before Christmas 2020....
And as others have said, the spec won't be clear and exactly what any of the newly created options actually do (or don't do) won't be apparent until people on here start explaining what they do after their own cars have been received.
Then just when everyone starts getting their cars, the MY21 will come out, which then will include as standard loads of things people spent money on options for before...
That's based on what happened with the Mk7 and I can't see it being any different on the Mk8.
I would say if you can avoid ordering a Mk8 until Summer 2021 then you will be probably better off.
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That’s a very good point about lead times. I can remember some forum members who ordered a mk7 GTI around the time the order books first opened waiting 8 - 10 months or longer for their cars. VW lead times in general don’t seem to have improved - when the current Polo GTI was announced, some owners over on uk-polos.net had a 12+ month wait for their cars, and a few are still waiting 15 months after ordering! :shocked:.
I’d personally also not be an early adopter of a new model - especially one that’s laden with lots of new tech that could have a number of teething troubles. I wouldn’t want to be one of VW’s unpaid vehicle testers :grin:.
Also, based on current spy shots, and forum members comments, the mk8 isn’t as good a looking car as the mk7; being longer, and the bonnet line giving the illusion of the headlights and grille being quite low down, it looks oddly proportioned from some angles. The GTI might look better than the non performance models when VW release official pictures of the mk8 GTI or we see the GTI launch models in the metal, but IMO it’s not a thing of beauty.
If I was contemplating a new GTI now, I’d not wait for a mk8. With the mk7.5 being near the end of its lifecycle, there ought to be some really good deals to be had.
Life’s too short to play the waiting game.
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Are you being offered any decent lease deals?
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Best thing to do regarding engine noise is to turn the soundaktor off completely via OBDeleven. No fake engine noise = :laugh:
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The accelerator response. Seemed a bit random. I could definitely detect turbo lag but it seemed more than that. One minute it was very responsive, the next I pushed on the accelerator and nothing seemed to happen.
I think what you were experiencing was how the DSG gearbox actually works, nothing more than that. The DSG box takes a bit of time to get used too, and you have to game/know it to get the best from it if you aren't in manual mode. I first had DSG in an RS4 (albeit Audi call it S-Tronic) and I was initially very disappointed as I expected the shifts to be instantaneous regardless of what the engine was doing, but once you live with DSG and understand how it works and what it needs, it all becomes clear.
For example, if you are in 'auto', revs dropping down slowly and you're off the accelerator, then the gearbox is ready with the next gear it 'thinks' you'll need. If you suddenly stamp on the accelerator, it'll hesitate, select the gear you now actually need, and off you go. All this will take a bit of time, and cause momentary hesitation. DSG can do this quicker than any other 'Auto' box, but it can't defy the laws of physics. On top of this, depending on which mode (Eco, Comfort, Normal or Sport) you have the car in will further increase/decrease the hesitation.
If you're wanting the ultimate gear shifts from a GTI (or any performance DSG equipped car), then it's best in 'manua'l mode, you are in control of the shifts and gears, and it brings your driving ability/connection with the car.
:smiley:
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I waited almost 6 months for my 14 plate GTD... I can see GTI order books opening maybe June 2020 and the first cars in the UK maybe Just before Christmas 2020....
And as others have said, the spec won't be clear and exactly what any of the newly created options actually do (or don't do) won't be apparent until people on here start explaining what they do after their own cars have been received.
Then just when everyone starts getting their cars, the MY21 will come out, which then will include as standard loads of things people spent money on options for before...
That's based on what happened with the Mk7 and I can't see it being any different on the Mk8.
I would say if you can avoid ordering a Mk8 until Summer 2021 then you will be probably better off.
Agree with this completely
I was a relatively early adopter of the MK7 ordering a GTD May 2013 and receiving September 2013 on a 63 plate and though there was a few being driven by that order time the information as to what was best to option was still on everyone learning curve
For example most people were referencing the previous DCC and it was not worth having where as it became clearer that the MK 7 was new technology on the DCC, a v2, and was much more active and made a tangible difference
Think most of the unknowns will be in the new interior and connected technology with much of the MK 7 advancements in drive being a carry over.
Unless have to, or burningly wish to, I would wait 12 months and assess the landscape of the MK 8 before taking the plunge as it will be an informed jump in
I have happily signed up for another 3 years of the MK 7 - GTD > R > TCR to make 9 in all when that cycle completes - Just felt this last run out model is top of the curve.
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Think most of the unknowns will be in the new interior and connected technology with much of the MK 7 advancements in drive being a carry over.
The Mk8 is going to be all about the technology - whether you are a fan of such things or not, its the way of the modern high end car now.
VAG (and others) now have two things in clear sight:
1) Fully automated vehicles
2) The end of carbon power
Both are coming, maybe as soon as 2025... if not then a little bit after that.
The Mk8 is an important stepping stone towards that goal, as such, expect the advancement to be significant. If you expect something else, you are wrong.
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Think most of the unknowns will be in the new interior and connected technology with much of the MK 7 advancements in drive being a carry over.
The Mk8 is going to be all about the technology - whether you are a fan of such things or not, its the way of the modern high end car now.
VAG (and others) now have two things in clear sight:
1) Fully automated vehicles
2) The end of carbon power
Both are coming, maybe as soon as 2025... if not then a little bit after that.
The Mk8 is an important stepping stone towards that goal, as such, expect the advancement to be significant. If you expect something else, you are wrong.
Sadly think you are spot on and feel that staying with the TCR is more a stay of execution from the fast coming fly by wire driving and electric power
- not even too opposed to the electric power if charging is instant and you get a sporty type noise as it winds up, but connected driving should scare us all as thats the end of driving pleasure as we know it and track days 20 years from now will be full of ageing petrol heads reminiscing about the good old days when they used to push pedals and steer a car - going somewhere will be like ordering a Big Mac on one of those screens by 2025-30
Enjoy driving while you can everyone :)
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I waited almost 6 months for my 14 plate GTD... I can see GTI order books opening maybe June 2020 and the first cars in the UK maybe Just before Christmas 2020....
And as others have said, the spec won't be clear and exactly what any of the newly created options actually do (or don't do) won't be apparent until people on here start explaining what they do after their own cars have been received.
Then just when everyone starts getting their cars, the MY21 will come out, which then will include as standard loads of things people spent money on options for before...
That's based on what happened with the Mk7 and I can't see it being any different on the Mk8.
I would say if you can avoid ordering a Mk8 until Summer 2021 then you will be probably better off.
This was my thinking exactly which is why I want to go for a 2 year lease. Dealer seemed sure the Mk8 GTI would be in his showroom by Feb/Mar next year which I'm not sure I believe.
Thanks to those that have recommended the pedal box and car settings. I'll check those out.
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Are you being offered any decent lease deals?
No, getting a bit disallusioned TBH. I can't find a White DSG 5 door for any reasonable money.
The best I've been offered is the indium grey, which is my second choice colour, for £332 a month, six months up front 8000 miles.
There are quite a few "pre-enhanced" ones knocking about for £60 a month less but these don't have keyless entry or reversing camera, or lane assist.
Are these things worth £60 a month is what I'm thinking.
It's frustrating because I get quoted good prices like £240 a month. But then I have to ask for a "personalised" quote and it gets bumped up every time. This is when they tell me that an offer has ended, or its for a pre-enhanced car.
The £332 + six months might be a good price? Never leased before so I have no benchmark.
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The accelerator response. Seemed a bit random. I could definitely detect turbo lag but it seemed more than that. One minute it was very responsive, the next I pushed on the accelerator and nothing seemed to happen.
I think what you were experiencing was how the DSG gearbox actually works, nothing more than that. The DSG box takes a bit of time to get used too, and you have to game/know it to get the best from it if you aren't in manual mode. I first had DSG in an RS4 (albeit Audi call it S-Tronic) and I was initially very disappointed as I expected the shifts to be instantaneous regardless of what the engine was doing, but once you live with DSG and understand how it works and what it needs, it all becomes clear.
For example, if you are in 'auto', revs dropping down slowly and you're off the accelerator, then the gearbox is ready with the next gear it 'thinks' you'll need. If you suddenly stamp on the accelerator, it'll hesitate, select the gear you now actually need, and off you go. All this will take a bit of time, and cause momentary hesitation. DSG can do this quicker than any other 'Auto' box, but it can't defy the laws of physics. On top of this, depending on which mode (Eco, Comfort, Normal or Sport) you have the car in will further increase/decrease the hesitation.
If you're wanting the ultimate gear shifts from a GTI (or any performance DSG equipped car), then it's best in 'manua'l mode, you are in control of the shifts and gears, and it brings your driving ability/connection with the car.
:smiley:
Thanks, I'm sure that's right. Never driven any auto before and I was a bit nervous and didn't have that much time in the car. The dealer drove me in it for 5 mins, accelerated instantly so he knew what he was doing :smiley:
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TBH i'd forego those extras to save £60 per month. I've got the rear camera on mine and although I find it useful I wouldn't pay £60 a month for it. I had lane assist on my Octavia and only used it once before I switched it off. Keyless entry just seems like more trouble than it's worth to me.
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TBH i'd forego those extras to save £60 per month. I've got the rear camera on mine and although I find it useful I wouldn't pay £60 a month for it. I had lane assist on my Octavia and only used it once before I switched it off. Keyless entry just seems like more trouble than it's worth to me.
^^^^ this.
Camera is OK but its a square box shaped car with big windows and with parking sensors.... its dead easy to park.
Lane assist will drive you mad and keyless will increase the chances of the car being nicked.
Save the sixty quid, spend it on take away curry instead :D
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My suggestion is go for a pre-enhanced model and push for a good deal. They will want to be rid of these older stock models. My car is a 2018 model 'pre-enhanced' and I don't feel like I am missing out because I don't have those enhancements. In fact, I am very thankful that I do not have the keyless entry! Honestly you won't miss any of those additions.
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I’d not want to pay an extra £60 a month for those options.
The camera looks cool to casual passers by but the screen is too low to be able to watch your mirrors and screen easily. I had it on my 2013 GTI but not had it on any of my subsequent cars and haven’t missed it. The mirrors and sensors suffice very well.
Some people rave about keyless, I don’t actually find it difficult to fish a key out of my pocket.
Lane assist I’ve never had but wouldn’t want to pay money for unless I did a lot of motorway driving and even then I’d want to try it out a few times first.
There’s a lot of demand for Golfs right now, discounts aren’t that great for an ageing design which shows it’s still at the top of its game and it still looks fresh and modern.
I’d go with the “pre-enhanced” and enjoy the savings.
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I have all those extra options on mine and, if given the choice between them and saving the £60, I’d save the money every time. I’ve turned lane off. It’s odd that there’s a bit of resistance when changing lanes. Rear camera is only ever used in a empty car park to get the lines spot on and the keyless adds nothing. It’s not a theft risk really as it can be turned off but that negates the point of it being easy to use. Save the cash.