GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: WebRoP on 11 February 2025, 09:33
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Hi All, not had the pleasure of a GTI before and not had the pleasure of the DSG. Any tips welcome of how best to run it in from new and also what the difference is between Drive mode and Sport for the DSG (is one manual input with the paddles or can you use both?).
Also interested to know how the get the best out of it handling wise.
Thanks :nerd:
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Drive mode is for very sedate relaxed driving. Car doesn't hold onto revs, you'll be in 6th or 7th gear by the time you hit the speed limit.
Sport mode, the car holds onto the lower gears and revs longer, car feels more eager and more urgent, much nicer for more spirited driving. You'll also notice it blip and overrun on down-changes.
Personally I find D mode in the MK8 generation far too lazy, to the point of being dangerous. It caught me a couple of times when e.g. pulling out of a junction and car seems slower than you'd like to get moving.
And Sport mode in the MK8 is much easier to live with day to day than it was in the MK7, where in that generation the car used to hang onto low gears all the time needlessly... MK8 is much better in this regard. So I tend to always drive in S mode.
Manual (paddles), you're controlling the gear changes yourself (but the car will still override you in certain situations).
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Drive mode is for very sedate relaxed driving. Car doesn't hold onto revs, you'll be in 6th or 7th gear by the time you hit the speed limit.
Sport mode, the car holds onto the lower gears and revs longer, car feels more eager and more urgent, much nicer for more spirited driving. You'll also notice it blip and overrun on down-changes.
Personally I find D mode in the MK8 generation far too lazy, to the point of being dangerous. It caught me a couple of times when e.g. pulling out of a junction and car seems slower than you'd like to get moving.
And Sport mode in the MK8 is much easier to live with day to day than it was in the MK7, where in that generation the car used to hang onto low gears all the time needlessly... MK8 is much better in this regard. So I tend to always drive in S mode.
Manual (paddles), you're controlling the gear changes yourself (but the car will still override you in certain situations).
Thanks bud, that's really useful to know.
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I fine in my 8.5 that the Comfort mode is great for most driving requirements. Kicks down really well when needed and moving to Sports mode when you want to have fun. In comparison, my old 7.5 PP was much less enjoyable in the Comfort mode, with unpredictable changes etc., which made it a pain at times. So pleased with the 8.5 improvements.
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Hi All, not had the pleasure of a GTI before and not had the pleasure of the DSG. Any tips welcome of how best to run it in from new and also what the difference is between Drive mode and Sport for the DSG (is one manual input with the paddles or can you use both?).
Thanks :nerd:
Yes, you can use the paddles when in either mode; the car just switches to manual (M) mode in either case. Like JoeGTI, I also tend to most of my driving in Sport mode. Selecting this from the infotainment display sets a number of things to ‘sport’, including the DSG gearbox. The car just feels more alive and the ride is still good. You have other driving modes too (Eco, Comfort, Individual). Unless you select Sport (or specifically change the DSG setting within Individual), the DSG box will be in regular auto (D) mode.
One long standing annoyance (for me) with Drive (D) mode in VWs (and Audi's?) is that you don't know what gear you are in. This is another reason for using Sport (then you get the gear displayed as S1, S2, S3 etc on the digital dash). Obviously, you also get the gear number displayed when in manual mode. I don't think you will find any need to use the paddles when in S mode. You can, of course, also knock the gearbox into Sport (S) mode (using the drive selector knob) even if the overall driving mode (set on the infotainment display) is set to Comfort. Have a look through the Individual settings and this will make more sense.
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Don't believe the hype... Unpopular opinion incoming...
Drive is perfectly fine for normal or even rapid daily driving. It's never sluggish at junctions or traffic lights unless you are a F1 driver for your day job, in which case you might feel it slower than your tastes. That drive mode doesn't show you gear numbers... Its an auto box.. Why do you care?
Flick the chicken nugget to S... And hit the gas. Yeah it goes quick. Into the no driving licence zone pretty fast. Fun for traffic light grand prix vs chavved up corsas. For a few goes. Make sure it's not an unmarked police car you are racing though..
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Don't believe the hype... Unpopular opinion incoming...
Drive is perfectly fine for normal or even rapid daily driving. It's never sluggish at junctions or traffic lights unless you are a F1 driver for your day job, in which case you might feel it slower than your tastes. That drive mode doesn't show you gear numbers... Its an auto box.. Why do you care?
Flick the chicken nugget to S... And hit the gas. Yeah it goes quick. Into the no driving licence zone pretty fast. Fun for traffic light grand prix vs chavved up corsas. For a few goes. Make sure it's not an unmarked police car you are racing though..
I’ve never disagreed with a post on here more than this one. In D Mode, the car is absolutely geared to be much more sedate. Markedly more so than the MK7 or any predecessor was. It’s even observable whilst cruising - the car backs off and goes into Eco mode (revs drop off). So i am sure that this is all quite deliberate by VW, to keep emissions down, EU regulators off their backs etc.
And as a consequence of this, in my direct experience, it is more hesitant to get moving at a junction than I feel is ideal - it’s got nothing to do with traffic light Grand Prix or impressing Corsa owners.
I also like to think most GTI drivers probably like to drive their car on a bit occasionally and it’s also nice to see the old school gear indicator with the actual selected gear displayed on screen. We do buy these cars because most of us still like vroom vroom noises, right?
We will be long enough in single speed EV’s before too long.
But you did preface it by saying it’s unpopular :grin: :grin:
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Joe,
In D mode it's still faster away from junctions than anything I've ever driven or anything else my family owns by a long way...
It's definitely not a problem... Nobody is going to die.
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Joe,
In D mode it's still faster away from junctions than anything I've ever driven or anything else my family owns by a long way...
It's definitely not a problem... Nobody is going to die.
:rolleyes:
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Thanks chaps, interesting. Looking forward to the experience next week :nerd:
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I haven't had my GTi long, but tend to drive it almost everywhere in comfort mode / D on the selector. It seems to suit my lethargic driving style! However, I have used the sport mode on the info screen for an occasional b-road blast, does flicking the gear selector to S from D do the same thing? (Can't say I've ever done it this way!).
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...
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yes it does, well it puts the gearbox into Sport. It won't change any of the other settings such as DCC comfort, etc.
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Why would the car be any slower out of junctions in D mode than in sport?
I presume it’s a less aggressive throttle response, ( and the shift up is sooner) - so you need a greater throttle input- but it should be just as quick- imho.
I read an interesting piece in this month’s Ride ( motorcycle) magazine by performance riding coach Dave Hewson- in which he explains the importance of smoothness on the throttle ( for winter riding).
He said- “ some riders feel a macho pressure to ride around in Race or Sport mode because they think the other modes must be for beginners, but that’s definitely not true. In my other role as crew chief for Rapid Honda, I know only too well that riders go faster with a soft, progressive throttle response rather than an aggressive one. In fact I happen to know that when the new S1000RR appeared in 2010, the BMW race teams were given an updated ignition map that had a softer throttle response than the road bike’s. It turned out the engineers had given the motor a sharper response to make it feel fast, but of course the racers wanted it to actually be fast around corners- and that meant it needed a softer throttle connection “
Just press the pedal harder, you’ll be fine 😉.
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Why would the car be any slower out of junctions in D mode than in sport?
I presume it’s a less aggressive throttle response, ( and the shift up is sooner) - so you need a greater throttle input- but it should be just as quick- imho.
Yeah that's it. The MK8 is deliberately very dialled back and geared very lazily in D mode. And I expect its by design, to keep emissions in check, meet certain minimum regulations, etc. But for me, it doesn't make for a pleasant driving experience, unless you're just pootling around or at cruising speed on the motorway, at which point D mode is absolutely fine.
Having owned a string of DSG performance Golfs, back to the MK5, the change in the gearing setup from the MK8 generation onwards was quite stark to me. In my MK5 to MK7's I almost always just used D mode, S mode in those cars was far too aggressive, in that it held onto low gears needlessly (so you'd be red-lining in 2nd/3rd gear all the time which obviously wears thin quickly). S-Mode in the MK8 is much closer to D-Mode in the MK7 than it is to S-Mode in the MK7 imo. The suggestion that I’m hooning around bouncing off the limiter in carparks with Corsa drivers is very very wide of the mark.
As for the pulling out of junctions issue, it's just one observation I'd have with it. I'd describe it almost like a "dead pedal" sensation, which is another thing that some MK7 owners complained about, using pedal boxes etc to alleviate it.
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@Joe
I’ll be careful what I say here- i don’t want to upset Exonian 😉
I also considered a pedal box for my mk7.5 because I didn’t like the initial “ dead pedal “ feel but I very quickly adapted to it and I’m not even sure I notice it now.
But the car would be no quicker with a more aggressive throttle map- and the main reason I wouldn’t want one is you getting a more jerky engine brake as you come off the throttle- particularly in town.
You can be smoother- and just as fast- with a softer throttle response.
But, yes, these cars are all about how they make you feel when you drive them- so if it feels better in sport, just stay in sport. It’s no quicker though.
Probably what’s happening when you’re at a junction in “ drive “ is that your brain hasn’t recalibrated to account for the softer throttle map.
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Just read this post.
I have to agree with JoeGti on this one.
I cant exactly remember how my 7.5 Gti was (had a few cars since it) but I'm pretty sure I had it in D most of the time and into S for accelerating or B road fun etc. I dont think I ever had any issues with having it in D and S felt a bit aggressive for just pottering about.
My current 2021 Audi S3 is however a different story.
It a great car and I have it in D most of the time and even E on dual carriageways/motorways etc.
If however I'm looking to get out of a busy junction, onto roundabout etc it has to go into S.
In D its just so sluggish (prob not the right word) pulling away. The car is obviously not slower but the pedal is definitely softer which means its takes an extra half second to get moving which can make all the difference when pulling out.
On a quiet road it doesnt matter, I leave it in D and its fine pulling out but anywhere busy/ on coming traffic it needs S.
I'm guessing the Mk8 is similar to this.
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Interesting.
Must be a DSG thing, because you can’t modulate the power to the wheels in the same way as you can with a manual.
Serves you all right for buying an automatic 😉
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Why do you think I also have an Up Gti!!! 👍
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Well after a couple of weeks driving the Mk8.5 GTI and a long trip to the east coast (Yorks) at the weekend, a few thoughts on how it drives (though i've barely pushed it until it's bedded in).
Gearbox in D mode, i find it great for everyday steady away driving, however for a quick overtake there's a fair bit of lag and noise until it kicks in (something the Mrs isn't keen on), I've started knocking it into S to do the overtake (it's the first DSG i've owned so i'm a rookie here).
Love the car in Sport mode, really feels sharp and responsive, though for round town driving it holds onto gears a bit longer than i'd like and therefore starts to drink petrol.. i'm finding best balance is Individual mode to get the sporty exhaust sound but keep the gearbox steady for everyday town driving.
Most MPG i got is to the coast at the weekend at 40.8mpg but it's quite thirsty around town at the moment until it loosens up.
I had a 21 plate Audi A3 35 SLine for 3 years before this, i think this handles much better and is much sharper to drive, the car is much more maneuverable and nimble than the A3 was, the steering is more precise. Also the build quality is better inside than the Audi which had too much black plastic for me and no carpet in the door bins.
Very happy with it so far and a lot let to learn no doubt.
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Hey buddy.
I'm new to the GTi world also had it 2months now and done
2400 miles (do about 300+) a week with work.
I absolutely love the car my pride and joy. With regards to driving I have found that the individual mode works well and normally never puts a foot wrong. I have played with the padles in sport mode and love it but as you say drinks fuel but suppose that's part and parcel of a GTi "smiles per miles" I tell the Mrs.
She has done two long runs from home in Cornwall to London and she managed to get 46.3mpg out of it which I thought was decent. I've not tried overtaking using the padles so will tonight (I'm probably doing it wrong anyways) only things that are slightly annoying is the "pre flight" checks you have to do before you drive turning off all the lane assist etc and stop/start
I have found that on long drives that my knee/ankle have slightly ached a little possibly due to the pedals slightly to the right orientation (or at least to our other family car rav 4)
I've wanted a white Gti since I was 17 I'm now 41 and so happy to finally have it so can overlook the small little niggles and let's face it whats a knee replacement for and exceptional car!!
I've tried the "emotion" start as well (Google or read on here and try) and the 17year old in me grins every single time!
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Yeah use individual mode for all of your settings but leave the engine mode in normal.
Then when you want to overtake or blitz someone at the lights just flick the chicken nugget to S and off you go.
Gearbox into S and kick down the throttle (at the bottom of the travel of the pedal is a special switch) and it will fly like a greased weasel...
Flick the nugget back to D and everything is calm again.
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Brilliant Fred. made me chuckle that and a good tip re individual mode and using the S...
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Hey buddy.
I'm new to the GTi world also had it 2months now and done
2400 miles (do about 300+) a week with work.
I absolutely love the car my pride and joy. With regards to driving I have found that the individual mode works well and normally never puts a foot wrong. I have played with the padles in sport mode and love it but as you say drinks fuel but suppose that's part and parcel of a GTi "smiles per miles" I tell the Mrs.
She has done two long runs from home in Cornwall to London and she managed to get 46.3mpg out of it which I thought was decent. I've not tried overtaking using the padles so will tonight (I'm probably doing it wrong anyways) only things that are slightly annoying is the "pre flight" checks you have to do before you drive turning off all the lane assist etc and stop/start
I have found that on long drives that my knee/ankle have slightly ached a little possibly due to the pedals slightly to the right orientation (or at least to our other family car rav 4)
I've wanted a white Gti since I was 17 I'm now 41 and so happy to finally have it so can overlook the small little niggles and let's face it whats a knee replacement for and exceptional car!!
I've tried the "emotion" start as well (Google or read on here and try) and the 17year old in me grins every single time!
Hi mate, thanks for this and interesting to read. Have used the emotion start and i do like it... one of the neighbours lifted their head up to look the other morning when it fired up :laugh: :nerd:
I've wanted a GTI for a similar amount of time to you so i was super excited to pick it up and i'm loving it so far. Fabulous all round car imo.
i must admit i got a little right foot ache coming back from Scarborough at the weekend, couldn't quite work out why but i think the pedal set up is a tad different to the A3 i had, so probably a bit of muscle memory adjustment.
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Hey bud, yeah my neighbours commented on it a little specially at 0430 in the morning. My two sons (6) (3) love it so that's good enough for me.
I too think a little bit of muscle memory after a while it will the norm
The GTi is an unreal car I've got few ideas I'd like to do to it
But lack of knowledge on the subject and having to remember I'm a 41 year old not 17 is probably the one holding me back the most.
I've got a friend with a golf R he's on my case to do a Res delete on mine but I'm so unsure how loud it will exactly be but who knows.
Things I do want to do to it are
Set of queenstown 18inch alloys on it (hoping my current tyre will slip straight on)
Larger spoiler
But ATM just enjoying the car and banking some much needed funds!!
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I tell you what though, it's bloody thirsty, i've done nearly 1000 miles now and only once got over 40mpg... most days around town it struggles to get to high 20's and that is in Eco mode or normal mode taking it very steady... i'm hoping it gets better over the coming warmer weeks and months..
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I tell you what though, it's bloody thirsty, i've done nearly 1000 miles now and only once got over 40mpg... most days around town it struggles to get to high 20's and that is in Eco mode or normal mode taking it very steady... i'm hoping it gets better over the coming warmer weeks and months..
I'm same as you, I do a lot of town driving and pootle about in comfort mode, on last fill up my avg MPG was 23.9! On a run I have had over 40mpg on a journey, but tank to tank best is 30.3mpg and average 26.2mpg over 1200/1300 miles. I don't know if it will get better to be honest :shocked:
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Learn to take your foot off of the go pedal... thats what does it.