GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: DrivenToDistraction on 18 March 2025, 22:46
-
A platonic relationship that never blossomed into love! I am a manual gearbox fan at heart so learning to love the DSG in the 8.5 was always going to be difficult. I tried all combinations of drive modes and paddle shifting (over my 4 months of ownership), but the sense of fun I have enjoyed in some previous cars was somehow always lacking. We are all different I guess.
Perhaps I should have stayed with my manual 7.5 GTI (you can guess who has been saying that!), but things are always easy with hindsight. Going back to a 7.5 would have been a retrograde step – quite literally – so I have gone for the only ‘old school hot hatch’ that I could afford: a manual 2023 Focus ST, which I am very pleased with so far. I have only had it a couple of days, but a few pros and cons (mostly pros) are immediately apparent. If anyone is interested, I would be happy to elaborate.
I have enjoyed my time on this forum, which is one of the best I have been a member of. A refreshing lack of trolls and other undesirables! I may still pop in from time to time as I am still interested in things VAG.
-
Sorry to hear you just didn't bond with the 8.5 but these things happen. If its just not for you and its not too much of a financial hit then better to be in a car you can enjoy and feels more you.
Back in 2013 I bought a year old Merc CLS. I loved it for the first week then thought, this just isn't me, its more a car for my dad. It lasted 12 days!!!
I also understand your love of manuals. A dsg is so much easier for day to day stuff but the manual always gives that little bit more connection. In the last year we've done about 8k miles in the Up gti and 4k in the S3. The keys get grabbed for it first most of the time as its a wee old school manual you can chuck about and enjoy.
I'm sure you'll get on well with the ST, all fast Fords are good fun.
-
In the last year we've done about 8k miles in the Up gti and 4k in the S3. The keys get grabbed for it first most of the time as its a wee old school manual you can chuck about and enjoy.
I'm sure you'll get on well with the ST, all fast Fords are good fun.
Thanks. The Focus is obviously a lot bigger than the Up! but you can still chuck it around.
The financial hit wasn't too bad. For mainly logistical reasons (the ST was at a Ford dealership 100 miles away) I decided to px the GTI. So they had to give me a few £k, which is always nice. Judging by other similar cars on AT, the ST was also a bit under-priced, which was confirmed by plugging the ST's reg number into Motorway. I also got within £500 of the initial Motorway quote/valuation for the GTI as a trade-in, so I am happy with the financial aspect of the swap.
-
If anyone is interested, I would be happy to elaborate.
I for one would be very interested in you elaborating, and some photos of the ST would also be appreciated.
It’s a shame your ownership didn’t last beyond that short time but I can understand your reasons.
Without wishing to bore everyone stupid for the umpteenth time, I was very much a manual gearbox devotee myself until I decided to take a punt on a TCR back in 2019. I traded my cherished and much missed Ed40 in and embraced the more luxuriously specced TCR to use as a daily driver rather than the previous manual gearbox garage queen.
Similar to yourself, I didn’t really get on that well with the DSG, and I hated the DCC - the latter mostly because of the squishiness of the dampers in comfortable settings until the oil in them had fully warmed up combined with very stiff springs.
After a short time I moved to a recently launched F40 M135i that was better built, more comfortable and had a preferable (to me) auto box.
That car was a breath of fresh air after a long history of Golf ownership.
But alas it came to an end after only a short time as my darling pain in the backside son wanted a “loan” for a house deposit. As I owned that car outright it was a fairly easy decision to release some equity from that as I didn’t have masses of savings locked away doing next to nothing that I could “lend” him.
The mk8 Clubsport had just been launched and I managed to nab one of the first off the boat with a decent discount so it was win/win (sort of).
To keep this relatively brief, I immediately gelled with the mk8 Clubsport and kept it for a full 3 years which is a record for me. In fact I lament not keeping that car, even though I’m happy enough with my current Golf.
The DSG in the Clubsport felt more “right” to me and after a year or so of familiarising myself with auto-boxes this one felt more honed to the car than the TCR ‘box and now four plus years later I really couldn’t be bothered with returning to a manual ‘box car despite being half tempted by an up! GTI a few times.
The caveat here is when I occasionally jump into one of our works vans, even just moving it in the yard it immediately feels “better”. You really can’t beat the feel of a manual gearbox.
Oh, and I fully get why you wouldn’t return to a 7.5 after owning a newer car. Much as I adore the 7.5 things have moved on a bit and there probably aren’t too many mint ones left that are actually on the market. Most of the very best will be cherished possessions of enthusiasts.
-
I for one would be very interested in you elaborating, and some photos of the ST would also be appreciated.
It’s a shame your ownership didn’t last beyond that short time but I can understand your reasons.
Firstly, thanks for the brief history of your association with manual cars. Fascinating stuff.
My initial observations/impressions of the ST are as follows:
A. Features of the base spec ST that are (arguably) better than on a base spec GTI
1. Smart 19in alloys with Pirelli P-zero tyres
2. Sound system (B&O with sub-woofer in the boot)
3. Selecting drive mode menu options using a button on the steering wheel, with a separate dedicated steering wheel button for Sport mode.
4. Much more pronounced difference between ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ mode than the GTI.
5. Ability to turn off lane assist with the press of a physical button (at the end of the indicator stalk).
I think this feature was present on the Mk8 GTI but it was not carried over to the 8.5!
6. Proper bucket sports seats with huge side bolsters.
Some might not regard this as an advantage as they a pretty figure hugging!
7. Electrically powered front seats (both)
This has been an real eye opener. The tiny adjustments make it possible to achieve the perfect driving position. I have to admit that it took a while, but now everything "just feels right". No memory function but that's just another reason not to let anyone else drive it! One downside is that tall drivers (er, not me!) may find that the gear stick is a bit of a reach.
8. Better engine noise. Much better actually and totally authentic.
9. Room for a spare wheel and the sub-woofer in the space under the boot floor.
10. Sun visors are deep(er) and provide much better eye shading on bright sunny days.
This doesn’t sound like a big deal but it could be a life saver on bright winter days when the sun is very low.
B. Things that are not so good in the ST
1. Quality of the physical buttons in the cabin are not quite up to the quality of VW.
2. The doors do not shut with the same reassuring thud of a Golf.
3. No USB sockets in the rear
4. Exhaust tail pipe tips are not chromed so look a bit naff (I need to do something about that one).
5. Front fog lights are integrated into the LED headlights rather than being separate.
C. Features that are equally good in both cars
1. Native satnav
2. Infotainment system quality and ease of use
3. Digital dash layout and options
4. Smartphone app integration (via wireless CarPlay/AA)
5. General practicality (boot space, door pockets, etc).
I will post a few pics after I have given the car a good clean. Thanks for your interest.
-
Thanks for taking the time to write out that summary. Some really good insights in there and food for thought.
Little details like the exhaust pipe finish matter to enthusiastic owners and would rarely be mentioned by anyone who didn’t really care for their cars.,
What is the actual quality of the gear change like?
How does the fuel consumption fare after the Golfs?
And lastly for now - what colour? I’d guess grey but Ford do have some funky colours available.
-
I share the same feelings with regard to DSG v manual boxes. I have adapted but struggle to really like DSG. I really miss the engine / transmission breaking when driving spiritedly. Somehow, I never quite feel that sense of control to push cars with DSG boxes as much as I would with a manual.
-
What is the actual quality of the gear change like?
How does the fuel consumption fare after the Golfs?
And lastly for now - what colour? I’d guess grey but Ford do have some funky colours available.
Good question. I would say a bit slicker than in the 7.5 GTI but not as precise as in the Civic Type R. Basically, very good.
I think fuel consumption is roughly the same around town (I am getting about 30 mpg atm) but I think the GTI would be better (I got nearly 50mpg in mine once) on a long motorway run.
Colour. Yes! That is why I travelled over 100 miles to test drive this one. There were a couple of red ones and white ones with similar mileage about 50 miles away but I had convinced myself that this car really looks the part in black. I was going to wait till I had given it a good clean before posting photos, but I just remembered that I had taken a couple of shots in the showroom prior to purchase. These will give an idea anyway.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QtFXDRdv/Front-1a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/S2p0718G)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pXq1QyZY/Rear-1a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9rwpCmsr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SNJc5s4G/Side-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qzHt6pzt)
(https://i.postimg.cc/L6cgb3NH/Seats-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZCLq93Gg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/d1NLm2hc/steering-wheel-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nj7FnQK3)
-
That's very nice! Always had a soft spot for fast Ford's too. Shame they're killing off the Focus.
-
I took a bit of time to get with DSG when i got my Mk8.... it had some niggly things about it and I was going to get a DSG tune to delete some of them... but in the end I just got used to it.
Now I find driving the rest of the family manual cars a pain in the bum tbh, especially on long journeys.
DSG with all of the cruise/travel assist functions is simply amazing and takes the pain out of long journeys massively.
I'd not go back to manual now, well, not if an auto with travel assist was available.
-
I took a bit of time to get with DSG when i got my Mk8.... it had some niggly things about it and I was going to get a DSG tune to delete some of them... but in the end I just got used to it.
Now I find driving the rest of the family manual cars a pain in the bum tbh, especially on long journeys.
DSG with all of the cruise/travel assist functions is simply amazing and takes the pain out of long journeys massively.
I'd not go back to manual now, well, not if an auto with travel assist was available.
I can understand that. My kids have long since flown the nest and there is only me in the car for over 90% of my journeys. And I only tend to go on long trips (over 100 miles) a few times a year. The rest of the time is spent bombing around local A and B roads (at legal speeds of course..).
One thing about the DSG that I have never raised before is how it pulls forward slowly when in a queue of traffic. It is probably me, but I always found it slightly awkward to control; there usually being a slight 'lurch' forward before smooth movement. Very subtle for sure, but still there. This is after the car is in auto-hold after applying the brake. I know it sounds strange because most say that moving around in slow traffic is one of the great benefits of the DSG box. I just didn't find it to be, as I can control how the car pulls away much more precisely using a combination of clutch and accelerator pedals.
A very small criticism I know, and one that many won't even relate to. Bottom line? If you like auto gearboxes then the DSG is state of the art, no question.
-
Very interesting to hear your similar short lived journey. Mine will hopefully be going in 10 days, not because I don’t like it - it’s a great all round car - but I just need something bigger.
The GTI was my first auto/DSG car. Before it I had a T6 transporter with a petrol engine and manual gearbox, before that a manual S3. I must say that as a lifetime manual gearbox user, I’m now a convert to DSG. Do miss the full control of a manual, and the DSG is a bit pulley when moving off from stationary in traffic. But DSG is just easy. I had a new work van - a sprinter with auto box in October 23. After a week with that I said my next car would be an auto.
Mine is most likely going to WBAC - they are offering 2k more than Audi are for PX. Although also been messaged through Facebook by Rev Competitions, who said they will happily take it for the same as WBAC are offering.
My new A5 has arrived, but got a trip to the Lake District next week so going to put the miles on the golf before it goes. Should get the new barge on the 31st, just before they double the 1st year VED rates
(https://i.postimg.cc/cJq1tj7Q/IMG-0158.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WdncQ5H3)
-
A platonic relationship that never blossomed into love! I am a manual gearbox fan at heart so learning to love the DSG in the 8.5 was always going to be difficult. I tried all combinations of drive modes and paddle shifting (over my 4 months of ownership), but the sense of fun I have enjoyed in some previous cars was somehow always lacking. We are all different I guess.
Perhaps I should have stayed with my manual 7.5 GTI (you can guess who has been saying that!), but things are always easy with hindsight. Going back to a 7.5 would have been a retrograde step – quite literally – so I have gone for the only ‘old school hot hatch’ that I could afford: a manual 2023 Focus ST, which I am very pleased with so far. I have only had it a couple of days, but a few pros and cons (mostly pros) are immediately apparent. If anyone is interested, I would be happy to elaborate.
I have enjoyed my time on this forum, which is one of the best I have been a member of. A refreshing lack of trolls and other undesirables! I may still pop in from time to time as I am still interested in things VAG.
That ST looks lovely. Nice choice. How does it compare performance wise to the Mk8.5 when you're driving it - is there much in it ?
-
That ST looks lovely. Nice choice. How does it compare performance wise to the Mk8.5 when you're driving it - is there much in it ?
Thanks. It just feels a lot more "urgent". It reminds me of the Civic Type R EP3 I had way back in 2003, and that is high praise. The throttle response seems better but I can't quantify that. The 0-60 would be similar I guess, but it feels quicker (after a down shift) from 40 to 60 when overtaking. But for me it's really about the overall dynamic of a slick manual gearbox, which suits my driving style better than a DSG.
Just looks like I will have to be keeping it for the next 10 years at least as hot hatch manual gearboxes are rapidly disappearing. I might be ready for an EV by then!
-
Very interesting to hear your similar short lived journey. Mine will hopefully be going in 10 days, not because I don’t like it - it’s a great all round car - but I just need something bigger.
The GTI was my first auto/DSG car. Before it I had a T6 transporter with a petrol engine and manual gearbox, before that a manual S3. I must say that as a lifetime manual gearbox user, I’m now a convert to DSG. Do miss the full control of a manual, and the DSG is a bit pulley when moving off from stationary in traffic. But DSG is just easy. I had a new work van - a sprinter with auto box in October 23. After a week with that I said my next car would be an auto.
Mine is most likely going to WBAC - they are offering 2k more than Audi are for PX. Although also been messaged through Facebook by Rev Competitions, who said they will happily take it for the same as WBAC are offering.
My new A5 has arrived, but got a trip to the Lake District next week so going to put the miles on the golf before it goes. Should get the new barge on the 31st, just before they double the 1st year VED rates
Interesting story. The A5 is a sound choice in the circumstances. Hope you get it registered in time to avoid the new tax!
One suggestion: Have you tried plugging your GTI reg and mileage into Motorway? I have found that their initial offer can be higher than WBAC and the selling process is actually very smooth. Also, you usually get more than the initial estimate when it comes to the actual 'auction' a few days later. A few years ago, car forum members were saying negative things about WBAC (especially regarding their nit-picking inspection process) but things may have changed.
Good luck with the changeover.
-
Very interesting to hear your similar short lived journey. Mine will hopefully be going in 10 days, not because I don’t like it - it’s a great all round car - but I just need something bigger.
The GTI was my first auto/DSG car. Before it I had a T6 transporter with a petrol engine and manual gearbox, before that a manual S3. I must say that as a lifetime manual gearbox user, I’m now a convert to DSG. Do miss the full control of a manual, and the DSG is a bit pulley when moving off from stationary in traffic. But DSG is just easy. I had a new work van - a sprinter with auto box in October 23. After a week with that I said my next car would be an auto.
Mine is most likely going to WBAC - they are offering 2k more than Audi are for PX. Although also been messaged through Facebook by Rev Competitions, who said they will happily take it for the same as WBAC are offering.
My new A5 has arrived, but got a trip to the Lake District next week so going to put the miles on the golf before it goes. Should get the new barge on the 31st, just before they double the 1st year VED rates
Interesting story. The A5 is a sound choice in the circumstances. Hope you get it registered in time to avoid the new tax!
One suggestion: Have you tried plugging your GTI reg and mileage into Motorway? I have found that their initial offer can be higher than WBAC and the selling process is actually very smooth. Also, you usually get more than the initial estimate when it comes to the actual 'auction' a few days later. A few years ago, car forum members were saying negative things about WBAC (especially regarding their nit-picking inspection process) but things may have changed.
Good luck with the changeover.
My brother sold his 7.5 performance to Motorway, he was very impressed by the whole process.
-
That ST looks lovely. Nice choice. How does it compare performance wise to the Mk8.5 when you're driving it - is there much in it ?
Thanks. It just feels a lot more "urgent". It reminds me of the Civic Type R EP3 I had way back in 2003, and that is high praise. The throttle response seems better but I can't quantify that. The 0-60 would be similar I guess, but it feels quicker (after a down shift) from 40 to 60 when overtaking. But for me it's really about the overall dynamic of a slick manual gearbox, which suits my driving style better than a DSG.
Just looks like I will have to be keeping it for the next 10 years at least as hot hatch manual gearboxes are rapidly disappearing. I might be ready for an EV by then!
Yeah you do right, i won't be going electric anytime soon... i'm aiming at owning the likley last ICE GTI for some time to come..
interesting re performance, they have near identical 0-60 times, but i suspect the GTI might edge with the DSG but again who cares, that's nonsense really in real world. Focus has slightly more power and torque but weighs over 100kg more. Either way, both cracking cars imo. You'll really enjoy it i'm sure. Fast Fords are usually very good.
-
Just looks like I will have to be keeping it for the next 10 years at least as hot hatch manual gearboxes are rapidly disappearing.
I could be wrong, but with the end of the Focus this year I think thats already happened...
No I30N, Focus ST, Fiesta ST, Polo GTI, Civic Type R...
Remaining are all autos - Golf, S3, Skoda VRS, BMW 135i, Merc A...
-
My brother sold his 7.5 performance to Motorway, he was very impressed by the whole process.
There’s also been good feedback on other forums of the Carwow process, so another one to consider for anyone thinking of selling a car.
-
Just looks like I will have to be keeping it for the next 10 years at least as hot hatch manual gearboxes are rapidly disappearing.
I could be wrong, but with the end of the Focus this year I think thats already happened...
No I30N, Focus ST, Fiesta ST, Polo GTI, Civic Type R...
Remaining are all autos - Golf, S3, Skoda VRS, BMW 135i, Merc A...
There never was a manual version of the current shape Polo GTI for the UK market, although the launch marketing blurb said a manual version was to follow a few months after the DSG-only launch. It never happened though. Some other overseas markets did get a manual version. I think there may be 1 UK owner of a current shape Polo GTI with manual transmission over on the Polo forum, but I’m assuming their car is non-UK spec and imported.
The DSG version of the Polo GTI still being built though - VW haven’t killed it off yet!
-
Just looks like I will have to be keeping it for the next 10 years at least as hot hatch manual gearboxes are rapidly disappearing.
I could be wrong, but with the end of the Focus this year I think thats already happened...
No I30N, Focus ST, Fiesta ST, Polo GTI, Civic Type R...
Remaining are all autos - Golf, S3, Skoda VRS, BMW 135i, Merc A...
It appears that you are correct. I thought you could still order a civic type R but a quick Google search revels that Honda has suspended new orders in the UK. I think you can still order a Focus ST but only for the next few months.
I heard yesterday that Merc is stopping production of the A45, which probably means that Audi RS3's days are also probably numbered. I also read that more than half of the UK registered Focus RS's are SORNed, so it's pretty obvious what those owners are thinking.
-
Its all because of the emmissions testing I believe...
Auto boxes are more effecient in those tests.
Certainly when you could buy a manual GTI it suddenly had a lower official CO2 figure than the manual... whereas in the past (12+ years ago!) it used to be that autos were worse (I remember this as a company car driver.... autos made no sense at all back then - pay extra leasing monthlies for auto and then pay more tax because of worse CO2 and a higher list price!)
-
Ahhh next year for the end of the Polo. I thought it was this year...
-
I also read that more than half of the UK registered Focus RS's are SORNed, so it's pretty obvious what those owners are thinking.
Those owners are probably doing a stretch at HM’s pleasure :whistle:
-
I also read that more than half of the UK registered Focus RS's are SORNed, so it's pretty obvious what those owners are thinking.
Those owners are probably doing a stretch at HM’s pleasure :whistle:
I actually laughed out loud at that one! :grin: Yes, some of them quite probably. The rest are biding their time waiting for a miracle.