GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: Andysills on 19 September 2021, 20:05
-
Hi Guys! :smiley:
First post. I'm looking to order a Mk 8 GTI (yest I know the lead times - I just heard 57 weeks :shocked:). My last GTIs were both Mk 2 back in the day, but kids are growing up no so no need for the trusty diesel estate!.
So looking to get something fun, naturally I thought of another GIT (as is used to affectionately call em'). Anyway, I test drove a Mk 8 GTI DSG at the weekend at Breeze VW in Poole. I wanted to try a manual but they didn't have any - nor had they seen any.
I thought it had great handing and superb brakes. The engine was a gem and I loved the half an hour or so drive I had. I was lucky enough to find some favourite twistys to properly test it out. I didn't have any issues with the haptic controls, well perhaps the temp control but I adjusted that via the menu. I liked all the customisable options.
Anyway I've had autos for the past 10 years and really want to go for the manual. It has nothing to do with the cost. Yes, I know the auto is quicker to change, slightly more economical and better in traffic (all good). But I'm looking for the feel and enjoyment of driving a manual again.
So to my question - has anyone here got or driven a manual ?
Also at some point - per haps in a year or two, Ill be looking to remap it so I think this is easier since no DSG remap is needed (any / all advice welcome!)
I'm looking to get the following options:
Dolphin grey or Moonstone grey - not decided yet
Adaptive suspension
Winter pack (front seats)
Reversing camera
I'm happy with the 18s it comes with.
Thanks guys
Andy
-
I’ve not driven the manual but would love to. If that’s what you want get it. The extra bit of pace due to the dsg doesn’t really matter and as good as it is using paddles it’s not the same involvement IMO.
As for mapping, it can’t be done yet on the mk8 but if the 7 is anything to go by it’s easier to do on a dsg and anything beyond stage 1 on a manual will need an improved clutch. I could be wrong but it will likely be the same for the 8.
-
Thanks Woeisme, I thought Id get shot down for posting that I'm looking to get a manual ! Manuals have a fun factor to them - as you more involving. Having said that the DSG gearbox was very impressive.
Re a remap, I'll probably do it after a year or so of ownership. With potentially a year to wait for delivery, that's in two years time so I expect by then it'll be remappable (if that's even a word!). I never go for more than a stage one, so I should be ok with the clutch.
I think the manual will be pretty much the same as the Mk 7. Anyone here got a Mk 8 or Mk 7 manual, if so what do you think of the gearbox
?
-
On the Mk7 Manuals it was the clutch that was the issue with mapping with it being recommended to upgrade that too. On the Mk8 GTI its the same clutch as the Mk7 Golf R so should in theory handle 300bhp without too much issue.
-
If you watch the American video from the GTI reviews page, he talks about the manual gearbox and the clutch…
https://youtu.be/jSXwQ9nZD5k (https://youtu.be/jSXwQ9nZD5k)
As per manual option, I had a manual 7.5 GTD… loved it, who cares about 0-60 times once you’re on the move, manual is so much more engaging. If I’d ordered a GTI and not CS 45, I’d 100% had manual.
-
I think the manual will be pretty much the same as the Mk 7. Anyone here got a Mk 8 or Mk 7 manual, if so what do you think of the gearbox?
My previous car was a MK7PP manual, I really liked it and would've preferred it when I changed but that wasn't an option. I fitted an Audi short shift from a TT/S3 which made a big difference, much more enjoyable and a more mechanical feel. I also removed the assistor spring from the pedal which adds a bit of feel there and a bigger bump stop so the pedal had less travel - that was particularly useful as I could also get my seat one notch further back which was much more comfortable. Another clutch mod which I didn't get around to, was removal of the valve in the bleed box on the gearbox - easy mod and free, apparently that gives a more 'old school' less assisted feel to the clutch, worth investigating. Another mod I did was to add a metal Audi bracket with solid bushes for the lever cables. Reasonably easy to do and not that expensive, removes the plastic bracket and rubber bushes that can flex when pushing hard. Given the type of driving I do that wasn't so much of a difference, but the TT shifter would be my no1 recommendation.
-
I have ordered a manual. I did test drive the DSG and though it was fantastic, however, like you, I wanted to feel more connected to the car so just took the plunge on a manual.
The way I look at it, it will be too soon before we are all driving EVs which are automatic, so enjoy a new manual car while you can!
-
I think the manual will be pretty much the same as the Mk 7. Anyone here got a Mk 8 or Mk 7 manual, if so what do you think of the gearbox
?
I have a 7.5 manual. The box is very good, very slick.
The big advantage of the manual over dsg is the complete control you have.
I can hold a gear as long as i like.
I can keep throttle position wherever I like- engine speed where I like- and there’s no computer fighting me ( there are a few frustrated DSG owners on the forum)
From your original post I’d say definitely go for manual, you won’t regret it.
-
I go from DSG frustration to enjoying the laziness of travel assist... when it doesn't reboot of course.
After 7 years of two manual GTD's it wasn't that much aggro really as unlike other marques automatic cruise control for the motorway does work with a manual box.
I just thought I'd try DSG for a change :) The beauty of course is the seemless shifts and lightning standing starts.
-
Thanks Guys,
Really useful info - what a friendly forum ! Hope I can be of help to you one day :smiley:
Andy
Fredgroves - Yeah the DSG was amazing, it has to be said. I think GTI buyers will be happy with either choice, but I fancy a change from 10 yrs of auto and I want to rekindle my carefree MK2 GTI days back in the early 90s (well the car part at least!)
Really interesting vid, Carl_45
Watts - I like the idea of the Audi TT/ S3 short shift :-)
Foxy 367- good to know !
mynameiskris - So true - never looked at it like that!
Yusee - thanks for the 7.5 feedback !
-
DSG is the perfect do all box. Most of the time I drive and sit in traffic the seamless gearbox really does make normal day to day driving effortless. I do miss the tactility of gears and (attempting to) heal toe shifts and blipping the throttle.
I do think the Mk8 DSG is better than the 7.5 the software seems a step up and the shifts are definitely crisper, manual mode is pretty good and doesn't revert straight back to auto mode like for example Mercedes does but I miss knocking the gearstick over on the 7.5 into manual mode.
Sadly with the Clubsport manual was never an option anyway!
-
Welcome Andy :smiley:
It’s great to hear of someone actually ordering a manual Mk8.
Today I spent over an hour sat in a traffic jam in my DSG and around an hour in the other direction sat in an ID.3
Both of those are the ideal thing for sitting in mostly standing traffic. Except the aircon in the ID is a bit poop and the petrol uses too much fuel keeping said aircon running on a hot September day (because some idiot forgot to bring a bottle of water).
However, when you really want to drive (or more to the point - traffic permits you to drive) there’s no beating a manual sports hatch. You can be in exactly the right gear at any moment, no DSG lag, no screaming an inappropriate gear, no fiddling with paddles which don’t allow you to change more than one gear at a time…
And that interaction between driver and machine is just irreplaceable.
Full marks to those of you sticking to your guns and getting a manual.
-
Hi Andy
I took delivery of my moonstone grey Gti in May manual box ordered it without test drive. being old git I’ve only had manual box on every car I’ve owned ..... your right not as quick not as green but on the back roads nothing like it for driver involvement . Did read an article from a German car magazine that VW may stop offering any manual boxes across their whole range as early as 2023. The new Passat will be auto only apparently. So a Mk 8 manual GTI is looking like it could be a rare beast.
-
I have ordered a manual. I did test drive the DSG and though it was fantastic, however, like you, I wanted to feel more connected to the car so just took the plunge on a manual.
The way I look at it, it will be too soon before we are all driving EVs which are automatic, so enjoy a new manual car while you can!
Thats a good point. Part of the reason I went for the cs is because it’s the last ice car I’ll probably own. Unfortunately my mrs can only drive auto so manual was never an option for us. :cry:
-
I have ordered a manual. I did test drive the DSG and though it was fantastic, however, like you, I wanted to feel more connected to the car so just took the plunge on a manual.
The way I look at it, it will be too soon before we are all driving EVs which are automatic, so enjoy a new manual car while you can!
Thats a good point. Part of the reason I went for the cs is because it’s the last ice car I’ll probably own. Unfortunately my mrs can only drive auto so manual was never an option for us. :cry:
I was so tempted by the CS for that same reason too but alas, it was just outside my budget right now and the fact it was DSG only was the nail in the coffin. I am very envious though!
-
Andy, glad you are finding the community to be welcoming. It is extremely rare for anyone to be rude on this forum so don't be afraid to ask anything.
-
Thanks Guys,
I know there will be times in traffic when I wish I'd gone for the DSG!
'Drive the deal' has come up with a good price for me, my only concern is the 57 week lead time which Breeze VW have quoted for Golfs ! The good news for GTI owners is that this shortage is likely to keep second hand prices up for at least the next year.
Really pleased to have found this forum to be so friendly - must be something about GTI owners and fans ! :smiley:
Andy
-
This is a really good forum - if you like your car even a little, its a great place to be.
I wouldn't even say I'm a petrol head and I've never upgraded anything on a Golf! Yet here I am and I love it!
-
Thanks Guys,
I know there will be times in traffic when I wish I'd gone for the DSG!
'Drive the deal' has come up with a good price for me, my only concern is the 57 week lead time which Breeze VW have quoted for Golfs ! The good news for GTI owners is that this shortage is likely to keep second hand prices up for at least the next year.
Really pleased to have found this forum to be so friendly - must be something about GTI owners and fans ! :smiley:
Andy
Agreed a lot of knowledge, everyone is very friendly and helpful.
-
...It is extremely rare for anyone to be rude on this forum so don't be afraid to ask anything.
I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries! :tongue:
-
A different Noob question but probably relevant in here....
If i select Individual, or say Sport, does the car always remember that when i stop and restart?
Will it do this in Special mode too as i have a DCC car?
-
It does remember everything except the drive mode... Which goes back to normal when you restart. You need to reselect the profile or flick the chicken nugget to get it back to sport.
-
...It is extremely rare for anyone to be rude on this forum so don't be afraid to ask anything.
I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries! :tongue:
Nice Holy Grail reference!!
-
Nice Holy Grail reference!!
One of the greatest lines in a movie, ever! :grin:
-
I bought the manual, and it's great fun to drive, yes it's a pain in the arse in traffic, but totally worth it on country roads.
There's fewer and fewer manual GTI's so it'll be a rarity in years to come.
It does 49mpg on longer drives, which is nuts imo
A
-
Does anyone know if the manual has rev matching?
-
Does anyone know if the manual has rev matching?
It does not :sad: