First things first, if you're 100% happy with the way your mk7 drives or are completely against modifying your vehicle from standard spec (both 100% understandable) then move on to the next thread now, it's pointless for you to read on.
And if you're easily bored then skip this bit too!
Those that have been paying attention will note that the only real complaint I have with my mk7 is basically the same complaint I had with the mk5 and then the mk6 GTIs in that the accelerator pedal needs a ridiculous amount of travel before it does anything.
Now, I can understand why this is but I don't like it.
It's not just the GTI either, nearly all modern cars and vans seem to have the same issue.
Casting my memory back to cars like the Polo GTI 1.8T and the Lupo GTI, half of the fun and enjoyment of these cars were their responses to driver input. VW even made light of it with the Polo GTI in their TV adverts.
You don't need 1000 bhp to have lots of fun in a car, you just need a car to work with you. The 205 GTI wasn't masses faster than a mk2 Golf GTI back in the day but it certainly felt it because the accelerator had a hair trigger effect and despite the Golf GTI being more tractable engine wise (and it didn't stall at every junction like the 205 used to as they liked to cut out) the 205 was leagues better as a cross country car. Unfortunately the Golf GTI was just a much better car full stop when you stripped it all away and I've had at least four mk2 GTIs but only one 205 GTI many years ago which I only kept a short time. That doesn't escape the fact that the 205 was more fun to drive.
Now, when I saw the initial launch of the mk7 GTI my ears pricked up and I took sudden interest as it promised much on paper - the VAQ diff was what everyone with a remapped GTI had been waiting for (the ability to put 300 lb ft down without masses of wheelspin), the option of factory bigger brakes, and to me the fact it had as much torque as a mk6 GTD as standard was a huge appeal; finally a GTI that shouldn't be crying out for a remap to make it more fun to drive…
So, I guess wisely, VW have carefully mapped the mk7 GTI so that although it has 258 lb ft of torque at very low RPMs it doesn't unleash hell when pulling out of a junction a bit briskly and in fact it still feels as flat at times as a mk6 GTI that had much less torque. So basically the same complaint I've seen from BMW 135i drivers which have even more torque again - it's quick, very quick, but just doesn't feel it.
I've had 'quite a bit' of experience of remaps and have spoken to tuners and asked them why, even once remapped, a mk5 or mk6 still has a pretty rubbish throttle pedal response and their replies have been the same; it's just the way the accelerator pedal is programmed to work with the fly by wire throttle system.
I used a Sprint Booster on my mk6 and it made a world of difference, it doesn't give the car any extra power or torque but it makes the throttle pedal more akin to a k-jet mk1 or mk2 GTI in response on a medium setting and like a 205 GTI on the max setting. In other words it makes it FUN!!! Which to me is what a GTI is all about. I don't give a toss what the top speed is or how quick it books at 0-62 mph because I don't drive like a loon. But I do like the car to respond with minimal inputs so it actually feels connected to me and as the mk7 has super sharp steering and hardly a hint of understeer with very good brakes it just makes it a crying shame that the engine controls feel like they belong in a ship.
My answer with the mk7 was to contact Andrew at DTUK and at super rapid speed a PedalBox was sent to me which has indeed made the throttle response super rapid too now and finally my GTI actually feels like it has a GTI engine in it and I've only used part throttle and fairly low RPMs so far too. The car hasn't been driven particularly quickly but it does actually feel alive now.
The PedalBox feels fairly substantial and has a lot more programs than the previously used Sprint Booster and does feel a bit better value for money just on its construction alone.
It takes about ten mins to fit absolute maximum.
One torx bolt to undo, a trim panel to drop, one plug to unplug and two to plug in, a cable to route into the little side cubby hole next to the drivers right knee and job done.
I did attempt some photos but they came out pretty rubbish so I may have another go at them in decent light not using my phone, so apologies there. There's nothing on view once it's fitted anyway if you so desire with a stealth application.
Money well spent? Yep, for sure
