First Impressions

[GTaye]

Well had the car for 13 days now and took the GTi to Scotland for a long weekend so a good chance for a proper runout, while still trying to run it in
Handling feels sharp, back end well stuck down despite running the Dunlops, a wee bit fidgety over uneven surfaces but generally very confidence inspiring, quite relaxed as a passenger on the motorway...I leave the missus to drive the boring bits!
Sounds okay when you put foot down but I miss the BMW 6 cylinder it has (not) replaced
It goes well and the DSG in manual mode using the stick is great when pushing on...long line of 50-60mph traffic on the A82...it swaps cogs smoother and at least as quick as I can and I never activated the kickdown by mistake.
And 37.7mpg over the 250 mile trip home
At least 8.5/10...I suspect this will increase when I can go above 4000rpm (and it gets there quickly) and not worry about the effects

[keelaw]

which 6 cylinder did you have?  i had a 530i (ok not a sports car) but that engine note was pretty boring and quiet.  sure the 5 series is going to be quieter than say a 3 series, but even when pressing on, the engine was barely audiable and uninspiring.

the MKVI on the other hand is pretty noisy when accelerating, but quiet and refined at low speeds.  much prefer it so far 

[GTaye]

I had a Z4 3.0 Sport, the 265bhp model.  It had a great burble all the time but when you put your foot down and it got above 4000 it sounded like an angry b*stard...fantastic.  You can't beat more than four cylinders for sound effects

[AlanD]

Heard a 335 drive past yesterday (she, I know a woman, was pressing on) and it sounded pretty tasty.

[keelaw]

Ah ok. Mine was the older 230bhp 3.0 litre engine and prob soundproofed to death in the big 5 series!!