Test Drive

[DubaiGTI]

Quick notes, typing on my iPhone on the move (not driving).

I just test drove the new GTI here in Dubai.  Frankly, I was disappointed. 

I respect most of the motoring press are raving about it, but I was left cold.  Firstly, the looks.  I think the current model is far prettier.  The new car looks far too 'square'.  It's lacking those smooth lines and curves of the existing model.  The rear view is the best angle. 

The interior looks over fussy, the steering wheel larger and not as chunky and sporty as the current version which I love. The finish feels less solid and plastic. 

Steering feel is very light in comparison.  Overly assisted in my opinion and not as weighted as the Mk 6.  Car feels much lighter overall.  Which it obviously is.

Engine noise is much improved and performance is more than decent.  My remapped Mk 6 is quicker, but the new model remapped would be even quicker no question. 

I went to the dealership yesterday with a view of upgrading.  I won't.  I'd rather go for the current R and remap it.  Some decent deals on the R here at the moment including free insurance for one year and 5 years warranty. 

I strongly suggest you test drive the Mk7 before committing. 

Just my opinion of course. 




 

[DubaiGTI]

[Gryzor]

Opinion duly noted, order still stands!  I much prefer the looks of the new car, never did like the curves on the Mk6 relative to the Mk5 that I have now.  If you think the interior of a the GTI looks overly fussy, you should take a look inside the Ford Focus!

[AAddict]

Looks are subjective, but I think the 7 GTI looks much better than the 6, lower, wider and more masculine IMO. It's funny you talk about the MK6 driving better when pretty much every review has said it's a big step forward, and in general a more accurate and fun drive.

[DubaiGTI]

Hence my comment I respect most of the motoring journalists are raving about it.

[CraigW]

Hence my comment I respect most of the motoring journalists are raving about it.

Is it possible that you always had it in the back of your mind that you were going to go with the R anyway so the test drive probably wouldn't have swayed you regardless of the outcome?

[DubaiGTI]

Not at all.  In fact I've been a big fan of the GTI from the start.  Just fancy a bit more oomph now, considering Dubai is full of long straights and limited bends.

Wish list, a Cayman R.   

[DubaiGTI]

As noted in my original post, my opinion. 

Please reserve judgement and report back after you have had an opportunity to test drive the new car. 

Look forward to your reviews.

[CraigW]

Not at all.  In fact I've been a big fan of the GTI from the start.  Just fancy a bit more oomph now, considering Dubai is full of long straights and limited bends.

Wish list, a Cayman R.   

As someone said above the looks are subjective. In terms of performance, well you are going to feel slightly underwhelmed coming from a remapped Mk6 but as you say a remapped Mk7 would probably be even quicker (provided the LSD can handle the increased power). Obviously, being one of many on here who have already pre-ordered I hope that, with all due respect, the current reviews are more along the line than yours.

p.s. if you want a car with more oomph then the TTRS is far more of a beast than the Cayman given it's considerable tuning potential - 450+ bhp

[DubaiGTI]

Opinion duly noted, order still stands!  I much prefer the looks of the new car, never did like the curves on the Mk6 relative to the Mk5 that I have now.  If you think the interior of a the GTI looks overly fussy, you should take a look inside the Ford Focus!

I think the interior of the new GTI looks overly fussy in comparison to the Mk6.

 

Focus