Comparing a MKVI to a MKV

[Spaced]

I had a go in an Mk6 GTI the other day and as the board seems quiet I thoght I would try and dirrectly compare it to a MKV with a mini review.

On the road it did feel surprisingly different to the previous model but the controls were in exactly the same place. First up it seemed to ride better than the MkV despite it having the Optional  18” wheels (I am used to 17s) I thought maybe the suspension felt a little softer than the outgoing model and the one I drove did not have the switchable damper settings.

The steering seemed to be a bit faster and overall handling was probably better than a Mk5. I deliberately turned into to a wet corner fast and applied too much power, and either the new diff or the traction control sorted it out brilliantly.

The brakes are still a weak point with the Golf and were no improvement over the MkV. Performance wise it obviously felt slower than my remapped MkV but it didn’t really feel any faster than a stock MkV maybe down to the fact it had only done 250 miles and hadn’t loosened up. However the engine was smooth and the turbo was virtually silent but it did sound different to the MKV.

The interior looks better quality and feels more grown up and you can’t really knock it. The model I drove was a 5 door and as a 3 door owner I believe as well as looking better on the outside a 3 door feels more special on the inside so personally I would stick with 3 doors.

I remember when I first drove a MkV GTI in 2005 and was amazed by its handling ability and instant throttle response and I was beginning to think my car had lost some of that youthful sparkle. But the new model didn’t seem much different to my 60 thousand mile Mk5 which is a testament to how well the MKV has worn. So on reflection it must have been me becoming over familiar with my car. (Which is probably why I got mine remapped!)

So in summary a fine car and better quality GTI and I would buy one if I could afford it, but I don’t think it deserves some of the rave reviews it has been getting and it defiantly did not have the same impact on me as the MKV did 4 years ago.

I hope this will make cash strapped MKV owners like me feel better!

[Hurdy]

Nice little write up spaced

I drove the MKVI GTI just over a week ago and can honestly say it didn't thrill me at all. Perhaps I'm spoilt with all the modifications that are on my car. If anything I felt a little isolated from the road especially compared to mine. Quieter...yes...but not what I want. A fair comparison it isn't, but I somehow expected more from it as a rehashed new model. The electronic diff is good, but only really got it to do anything around a roundabout and it is certainly no substitute for a proper mechanical diff. The brakes are (from what I can remember) about the same as the MKV and are most likely adequate for most GTI drivers.
  I consciously went with a positive mind and with the possibility of moving to a MKVI I have the readies to do so. The test drive basically left me cold and convinced me to stick with the MKV for a while longer and spend some more on improving her. Even if/when I get a MKVI it would not stay stock for more than a week

I did like the colour and the front styling. The side looks more slabby than the MKV and the rear lights are awful. The interior is a definite step up in quality, but then again has introduced the silver and chrome era back into the car, which I'm not too fussed about - give me something different like carbon fibre, alcantara etc.
One of the features I really like about the MKV are the grab handles at each side of the ashtray, this has been "filled in" on the MKVI and that area now looks as plain Jane as most other cars. The tartan seat covering looks much better and well defined on the MKVI and I'm glad to see the tradition being passed on there.

In all, I like the MK5.5 MK6 and could easily recommend it to people who don't already own a MK5. For the MKV owners, keep it and hope the MKVII is a good step forward again!

[illyun]

Hurdy... spot on with your comments.  Its a nice car but as you say its an isolated drive and I think the Mk5 got the balance spot on in terms of ride comfort and performance...

[R32UK]

For me it was the better interior and cabin that swung it. Although I like a nice engine note i did find it after 4500 revs it sounded alot nicer that the mk5 (gti of course ). Althought the car I drove only had 13miles on the clock

[sambo]

Generally from what I have read people who are buying the mk6 fall into on of the following catergories.

  Want a new car and are cashing in on the scrappage allowance

  Replace there car every 1-2 years regardless

  Have had earlier golfs previously but don't currently own a mk5

  Always want the newest model

Not to be taken negatively, I really have no issues with a newer model being released (i had a mk4 up until last month!), and think the mk6 is probably the best GTi yet (mechanically, personally not keen on some styling issues). What I haven't seen any of, is a true enthusiast replacing the mk5 purely due to the fact that it is a better car and warrant's the ££££ to do so.

Anybody on here like to stand out from the crowd and be the first? 
Sam

[R32UK]

i do think the mk6 gti is a better car than than the mk5. i wouldnt have changed otherwise, and was looking into picking up a second hand mk5 anyway. The mk6 was just a little better planted, better quality and slightly better thought out.

Overall the differences between the 2 are very minimal, both just as desirable as each other depending on what your budget is.

[DL]

I agree with that too. My wife had her MK5 GT Sport 170 stolen and we went to replace it with a MK5 GTI but on driving the MK6 it is just a lot nicer inside than the MK5 and this is all that swung it for her. Her favourite car of all time was her old MK4 that although a bit portly was so well put together inside and out that the MK6 reminded her of it. There really isn't a huge difference between the 5 and 6 and both are outstanding cars but for us the 6 is just a little bit better in quite a few areas.

[FamilyDub]

I was with a mate looking at Alfa MiTo's the other week, and I happened to wander away to the garage next door... VW.

I drove the MKVI and while I thought quality, comfort and finish were a step up over the MKV, I kept thinking it was a bit too grown up for it's own good.

This may be at odds with some interpretations of a) What a 'hot hatch' should be, and b) Their appraisal of the MKVI GTi, but I thought my MKV was a better car for me at the moment.

All in my own humble opinion, of course   

[ben1.8T]

I saw a red MK6 the other say looked 

[adw555]

had my mk 5 for over four years and loved every minute of it....have changed it for a mk 6...only had it 2 weeks, but I'd not want to go back to the old car....maybe it's because I've got older but it feels classier but still an absolute hoot to drive

Well pleased with the new one...was either that or a Focus RS, but I think I've made the right decision..can see me keeping the mk 6 for another 3 years where as the focus probably would have lasted no more than a year