Spec:Performance Pack
Leather
Panoramic Roof
DynAudio
Park Assist
Nav Pro
DynAudioHaving been in two minds about DynAudio recently I was pleased to hear the demonstrator was fitted with it so I could give it a decent test out on the road. It sounded fantastic but I had nothing to compare to so I got the dealer to show me a standard Golf stereo setup when I got back.
I have to say, there isn't much difference in terms of volume or even the level of bass that you get. But the difference really comes in clarity. The DynAudio system is just sharper and more defined. I personally found the subwoofer to be rather annoying if turned up anything above zero as it tended to pop when playing music at high volume.
Is it worth the upgrade? I wasn't sure, in fact I had to really consider whether I wanted to add it to my spec. But when it didn't adjust my build week I figured that if I didn't order it then I would regret that decision in the long run! So, it's now on order.
Picture of the sub in the boot for those still in doubt as to whether it comes with one or not!
Performance PackThis being the first mk7 GTI I've driven I really can't compare the standard power with this car. Also I had to remember that I was giving the poor thing a bit of a thrashing when it was fairly fresh off the lorry (it only arrived last week). There is simply bags of torque when you want it, and it doesn't seem to stop - certainly not before you either feel like you're about to cause an accident or you clock the speedo and get paranoid about running into the boys in blue!
The diff however is certainly noticeable when applying power on corners! Combined with the shorter distance lock to lock you really feel like the car is stuck to the road, again I can't compare to a standard car but the comparison to my Mk5 is unbelievable. There are many times where I have realised that my mk5 is not to be trusted in certain conditions - the mk7 doesn't have that at all. Depending on your personality, this in itself could be dangerous but there's nothing like a bit of self confidence when your going for a "spirited" drive in the countryside
Normal/Sport/Eco definitely made changes to the car, not least with the noise. If you are in Normal or Eco then you don't get the really throaty noise from the engine bay. I have to say knowing that this is down to the sound actuator it makes me feel a little cheated. I wanted real engine noise but then I guess I wouldn't want it all the time so the actuator is a great compromise. Average MPG is definitely higher with Eco on but then when you accelerate thinking you're in Sport you realise why, it's like being de-tuned. Should be useful on those motorway commutes though and you can quickly switch between the modes thanks to the dedicated mode button.
Panoramic RoofI love this. Simple as that. Looks great on the white car - it'll be less noticable on my Carbon grey when it comes and I'm sure it's a personal thing too but I would rather have a sunroof open getting air into the car than drive around with Air-con on all day. I do not regret ordering this!
Park AssistFantastic gimic but it won't stop you kurbing your alloys as it lines you up with the cars at either end of you, if they're touching the kerbs then so are you gonna be. Personally I like playing with it but don't need it.
Nav ProPersonally I hate built in sat navs. They cost a fortune to update and a fortune to buy as options. If it was possible to have the bigger screen without the nav I'd go for it. I didn't even test the nav, that's how much it doesn't interest me!
Leather I first got into the car and thought, wow I wish I had leather on my spec. I then reconsidered that further down the road as I realised that it felt like I was driving an Audi S3! The steering wheel feels just the same and with the leather seats you kind of forget what the true GTI feeling is. For me, ever since the return of the tartan cloth in the Mk5 if you don't have that then you're diluting the true GTI feeling somewhat. That and when I went on a long swooping bend I found I slid on the seat a little, you don't get that with cloth. Don't get me wrong, I love the red stitching and the general look but it's not for me thanks.
Adapative Cruise ControlWhat a fantastic invention. I have cruise on my mk5 and I'm forever turning it off and on to deal with people driving in front of me slowing down, this completely solves that problem. To give you a scenario, if you take the A23 north out of Brighton you have a little run at national speed limit then you get into some road works with a 40mph average speed limit restriction. I had cruise set at 70mph (honest) an went all the way through the 40mph limit with the adaptive cruise keeping me at the speed the car in front was doing. As soon as we came out of the restricted zone the car took me up to fulll speed again. It's brilliant.
ConclusionWhat a big jump this is going to feel going from my mk5 to a mk7. As engine power goes, they're not too far apart (sure the mk7 would kick the mk5's ass in a drag race) with plenty of torque across the rev range and that ability to put a smile on your face and make the right noises. The real difference is the overall driving experience, this thing is so well planted on the road you wonder what you'd have to do to get into trouble and it just encourages you to keep pushing.
Likewise when you're taking it steady you still get the same level of feedback and responsiveness that keeps you satisfied knowing you can unleash the real animal underneath whenever you want.
MPG wise, it seems to be doing about 7mpg better than my current mk5. That would mean that I could expect 40mpg average on a tank which is insane given how much of a beast this car can be.
I literally cannot wait to get my own one.
Roll on week 43!
