Just got back from driving a TR 5dr manual with Pro Nav and Keyless. First to answer Jimbles question, there is chrome finish on the window switches and the spoiler has black underneath and side supports.
Summary is, I want this car! For reference I'm currently driving a Fiesta Zetec S.
I wasn't impressed at all with the way the dealer handles the test drive. I had a 2hour slot but the first 30mins was all needless questions, taking of my details and legal crap. I almost wish I hadn't gone as now they'll be on the blower to me every five minutes and I ordered from a different dealer so I'll have to fib and say I've gone for an ST or something!
Anyway he finally goes to get the car and then tells me I can't just drive anywhere they have an approved 6min route?!?! Is that normal? Ford let me do what I want for about one and a half hours... I looked disappointed and got him to drag it out for 10-15mins but that's hardly enough time to get used to the brakes even. Not impressed VW!
So how did it drive?
Nice. The acceleration is great fun whether its going from 10mph or from 60mph it's so eager to soar away. Only problem is its over so soon because you catch up traffic in seconds. The steering is lighter than my Fiesta and getting back in it afterward I really noticed how much better the GTI is. Being a bigger car its a little less manoeuvrable but it's rock steady, this could be down to ACC maybe... In sport mode the ride matches what I get with the Fiesta pretty well and in comfort it's silky smooth. Normal is probably the best setting but I actually didn't try that in my 6min run.
I like that the bonnet doesn't stick out miles ahead, but the view to the front is more restricted than I expected, the rear view mirror seemed huge and got in the way. I think the chair height might have been set higher than I'm used to. For a bigger car it also felt a little cramped, but that is probably because of all the cool gadgets I don't have on the Fiesta.
Gear box was good. Getting back in my Ford I preferred the Ford one, but I think I didn't have enough time to get used to the VW, I kept going from 4 to 3 when I wanted to move up to 5. The brakes are very very powerful. The ride is very quiet. The noise from the exhaust is awesome.
Red is growing on me, it really did look good. I saw a Polo in white but was hard to visualise it on the GTI so I feel like I need to see a white one in person. There was a standard Golf with night blue. Looked great, but dirty. I feel like I'm 60:40 in favour of the white over the blue, but I'd like either. Interior trim and build is lovely, especially the steering wheel. Although I did find my wrists pressing on some of the multifunction buttons, probably need to adjust my grip vs what I'm used to on a Ford. The tartan seats look good and I was tempted to cancel the leather option, until I saw a Roc in leather. Is the Roc leather a similar quality to the GTI? I liked it a lot.
The Pro Nav looks beautiful. I saw a 5.8inch version too, and call me biased but, get the 8inch screen guys, it is in another league! 30gb SSD is a welcome bonus with the ProNav. The MFD was cool too, wish I'd had more time to play around with it.
No PP on this car, and I did find myself thinking the LSD would probably be very welcome taking corners as speed. Because of the dealers stupid test drive route I couldn't really push my cornering as the only sharp bends were in village centres or had heavy traffic taking them at 20mph. The additional brakes are absolutely overkill though. On balance I'm pleased I've got the PP and ACC.
LED running lights are good and the rear lights look great. I love the standard wheels. I like the 19inch ones too and would probably pick them if they were free (tyre cost might dissuade me though) but taking price into account the 18s are the best option I think. Didn't try the headlights. I wish the body kit and spoiler were just a tad more adventurous.
In conclusion, I think the dumb test route ruined it for me a bit, leaving me feeling decidedly underwhelmed. However, give me half a day with this car and no salesman in sight and I don't think I'll ever want to give it back! Very much looking forward to picking mine up and having a proper, stress free play!
