has anyone driven the mk7 GTi yet?

[Gryzor]

I know it's pretentious of me to say, but it sounds like you actually went in there not wanting to like it...  An edition 40 isn't going to change things up inside that much, certainly not with the buttons and layout.  Each to their own though, but if you think the interior of a Mk7 golf is cluttered, you should sit inside a Focus!  I know the interior of a car is where you spend your time driving, but what about the ride quality and handling?  How was that compared to your Mk6?

[Gung-Ho]

Hey pryda.... I think the problem is, if you were expecting a "Huge" leap from the Mk6 then you will be hugely disappointed.  When I test drove the Mk7 a few weeks back I didn't have any real expectations, so went with an open mind. My first intial impressions of the car after spending 10mins in it was that it pretty much drove like my current Mk6.  However after about half an hour though I soon began to get a feel for the new Mk7 and really enjoyed driving it.

Is it better than the Mk6?? ....  Yes! But in a very "Subtle" way.  Is it worth trading up?... Yes, if you're like me and are happy with the Mk6 and in a position to change cars say every three years... But No if you're expecting a totally different driving experience. 

Funny enough I quite like the idea it feels like a "Family" Car.  I got quite fed up with the frenetic nature of my old ST & Evo's, which is why I bought the Mk6 GTi in the first place. It offers the best of both worlds.

I respect the fact you dont find the new Mk7 appealing & it won't "tick" everyone's boxes, but luckily it ticks all of mine....

[Gryzor]

I respect the fact you dont find the new Mk7 appealing & it won't "tick" everyone's boxes, but luckily it ticks all of mine....

Well said, I echo those sentiments.  I love the exterior and interior design of the new Mk7, and as a car for all occasions, it ticks all of my boxes too.  To be fair, I had a similar decision when the Mk6 came out, but I thought the styling was a step backwards, and it felt "different" (hard to say better or worse) than my Mk5.  So, I decided to just stick with it, and when I saw the Mk7, I knew straight away that was the one for me.

[Running Man]

just back from the test drive event. was given the mk7 gti for 30 minutes, unsupervised. foot to the floor from start to finish. the model I drove was a top spec 5dr w/ pro nav, start/stop, auto handbrake, parking senors, dynaudio etc etc etc

verdict: not for me.

it just didn't captivate me the way the mk6 did when I first drove it. feels too much like a family car. when I first saw the interior of the mk7 I thought it was amazing, but after driving in it I really do prefer the mk6. too many buttons and gizmos in the mk7 and I felt the dashboard was too cluttered. I'm actually really disappointed, I expected to fall in love with it. but instead it's made me want to keep hold of my mk6 for longer than I intended. I'm sure others will have a difference of opinion, but I feel they've rushed the mk7. maybe we'll see some improvements with an Edition 40 (if they make one).

The question is where you ever in the market to order one or were you just going to compare it to your current car?

a bit of both really. there's no way I'd be looking to purchase for a few years anyway, mainly because I simply can't afford the asking price of them brand new. the model I drove was priced at just over £30k. maybe in a few years time when I'm looking to upgrade, an edition 40 or R line will be on the road.

Looks like you have added a number of performance enhancements to your mk 6 so a standard mk 7 is unlikely to feel much improved (driving wise)

Also notice you didn't mention the Performance Pack which I'm guessing this demo did not have.

I was at JCB Medway in Kent today and parked my candy white GTI next to their pure white mk 7 GTI demo.  Both looked stunning  however the mk 7 looked sleeker, more planted and sportier overall 

[AAddict]

I was at JCB Medway in Kent today and parked my candy white GTI next to their pure white mk 7 GTI demo.  Both looked stunning  however the mk 7 looked sleeker, more planted and sportier overall 

Dude, that's gotta be the biggest missed opportunity for photos if you didn't take any?

[Bill_the_Bear]

I was at JCB Medway in Kent today and parked my candy white GTI next to their pure white mk 7 GTI demo.  Both looked stunning  however the mk 7 looked sleeker, more planted and sportier overall 

Dude, that's gotta be the biggest missed opportunity for photos if you didn't take any?

I 2nd.  Please say you got a pic!

[Running Man]

I was at JCB Medway in Kent today and parked my candy white GTI next to their pure white mk 7 GTI demo.  Both looked stunning  however the mk 7 looked sleeker, more planted and sportier overall 

Dude, that's gotta be the biggest missed opportunity for photos if you didn't take any?

  ah guys I was literally passing, parked looked and left.  Ordered mine from the Ashford branch who have a blue one...........however I will be in Medway again next week and will try the same manoeuvre  with pictures   

[skippy]

Just to add to this thread, I drove a MK7 GTI last Saturday, I currently drive a 09 2.0 TSI Scirocco, and yes, it was not a huge leap in performance, but then again, the Scirocco already has 200PS against the 220PS of the Golf. (Non perf. pack of course).

We were also 3 up in the car and the engine was not giving of its best after only 1,500 miles on the clock.

Apart from that, fantastic, feels so planted and agile. Loved the way the salesman changed to sport settings on the screen! I have not made a decision yet but could be my next car. I will more than likely go for a DSG but I did enjoy the manual gearbox of the demo car.

I got to have a fair run it, probably about 20 miles or so and really enjoyed it. I need to go back and have another look, I was so foccussed on the drive, that I did not take too much notice of all the toys on board, but was generally impressed with the levels of kit and the quality of the interior. 

Fantastic car! 

[CraigW]

Just to add to this thread, I drove a MK7 GTI last Saturday, I currently drive a 09 2.0 TSI Scirocco, and yes, it was not a huge leap in performance, but then again, the Scirocco already has 200PS against the 220PS of the Golf. (Non perf. pack of course).

We were also 3 up in the car and the engine was not giving of its best after only 1,500 miles on the clock.

Apart from that, fantastic, feels so planted and agile. Loved the way the salesman changed to sport settings on the screen! I have not made a decision yet but could be my next car. I will more than likely go for a DSG but I did enjoy the manual gearbox of the demo car.

I got to have a fair run it, probably about 20 miles or so and really enjoyed it. I need to go back and have another look, I was so foccussed on the drive, that I did not take too much notice of all the toys on board, but was generally impressed with the levels of kit and the quality of the interior. 

Fantastic car! 

Perhaps not a big difference in BHP but a significant increase in torque and that's where the real difference will be felt 

[skippy]

Perhaps not a big difference in BHP but a significant increase in torque and that's where the real difference will be felt 

Indeed - I could feel more low down grunt as it were, once the engine runs in a bit, I think it would feel a good bit more powerful than the Roc.