Author Topic: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions  (Read 8565 times)

Offline JoeGTI

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #20 on: 14 August 2015, 22:52 »
Great write up Craig. I was waiting for this as I'd seen you'd won this on Facebook!

I'm picking up my R next weekend. Similar ish spec to that one but I'll have the prets. Can't wait!
MK8.5 GTI Clubsport. Moonstone grey. Queenstown 19’s. DCC. Harmon Kardon sound. Pano roof.

Offline Booth11

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #21 on: 15 August 2015, 13:37 »
Lovely write up Craig, some interesting and thoughtful observations.  And what a great competition prize, and a very handsomely specced car too.  Sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed your dirty weekend with the R  :laugh:  Photos are stunning, what a backdrop.  :cool:

DSG - always divisive, but I'm a big DSG convert.  The R will be my third Golf with DSG, and I'm in no doubt that the R and DSG are perfect partners.  You do learn to drive in a slightly different way, but after a few weeks it becomes second nature.

Anyway, I wonder how you will feel after a few weeks back in you GTI?  The GTI is a superb car, but the R even better?   
Black Beauty: MK7 R 5dr DSG, DBP, 19" Pretoria, DCC, Vienna leather, Keyless, Dynaudio, DNS Pro, Rear camera, HBA
2012 MK6 GTI DSG
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2005 MK5 GTI Manual

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Offline david25

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #22 on: 15 August 2015, 16:12 »
On the metalic noise, that's a common warranty issue with the sound actuator buzzing.

Definitely not the waste gate rattle?
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Offline remlapeel

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #23 on: 15 August 2015, 19:14 »
On the metalic noise, that's a common warranty issue with the sound actuator buzzing.

Definitely not the waste gate rattle?

Could be, either way a warranty issue and not a characteristic of the car
2015 MK7 Golf R 3 door, DSG, lapiz blue, 19" wheels, winter pack, keyless entry, dynaudio and high beam assist.

Offline CraigW

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #24 on: 15 August 2015, 20:48 »
Thanks for all the kind comments guys. It's going to be a sad day tomorrow when I have to return the car but it's been a lot of fun. I will have had it for 7 days and I think I've washed it 6 out of the 7 days - slight OCD me thinks :grin: :grin:.

@ Hawaii I think you've hit the nail on the head when you talk about VW having shot themselves in the foot by making the R so good. It's definitely diluted the GTI brand in my opinion. I think with this new car being so good that the R will start to become an iconic mark in its own right.

@ Matchboy yeah I tried the flappy paddle a few times pal and it's a great option to be able to have that bit more control over the gear changes. The only thing is I don't know how often you would actually use the paddles. The DSG is fast becoming a favourite with me despite its slight hesitancy, it's just so relaxing to drive. I would definitely go down this route for the next car.

@ Watts yeah there's very few decent scenic views or good driving roads up here  :grin: :grin:. In all seriousness if anyone is looking for some fantastic roads to drive and for some spectacular views on the way then I recommend looking at the NC500. It's our equivalent of Route 66

@joe thanks very much pal. I'm very jealous that you and booth will soon own one of these beauties. You will absolutely love it!!

@ Booth I think it will take me a while to get over the R effect. The acceleration is amazing but it's the noise that I will miss the most, it's just so dam addictive. However, with first child on the way in a few weeks this will help take my mind of it - maybe  :grin:

@am1w  :grin: :grin: living up here you wouldn't be surprised if you saw snow during the cough cough summer months. I think the M235i looks fantastic and I would really like to try one and especially compare the 8 speed auto to the DSG.

Cheers Guys
« Last Edit: 15 August 2015, 21:53 by CraigW »

Offline Booth11

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #25 on: 15 August 2015, 22:58 »
@ Booth I think it will take me a while to get over the R effect. The acceleration is amazing but it's the noise that I will miss the most, it's just so dam addictive. However, with first child on the way in a few weeks this will help take my mind of it - maybe :grin:

Congratulations on impending Fatherhood Craig.  :cool:  Yeah, that should definitely take your mind off the R......maybe.  :whistle:
Black Beauty: MK7 R 5dr DSG, DBP, 19" Pretoria, DCC, Vienna leather, Keyless, Dynaudio, DNS Pro, Rear camera, HBA
2012 MK6 GTI DSG
2008 MK5 GTI DSG
2005 MK5 GTI Manual

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Offline p3asa

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #26 on: 16 August 2015, 09:48 »
Thanks for the review Craig. You must have been having a blast in it the last week.
How did you find the fuel consumption compared to the GTI? Obviously you would have been testing out the R more so I'd expect the results to be a bit skewed.

With your impending arrival, congratulations, you might be better off with leather in the car  :laugh:
HIS: R 5dr DSG Lapiz: Tech Pack: Keyless: 90% Tints: Pretorias: Rear View Camera
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Offline Watts

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #27 on: 16 August 2015, 10:30 »
Thanks Craig, l googled the NC500, that looks like a great holiday in the making! For anyone else interested, this website appears useful: http://www.northcoast500.com/home.aspx

And congratulations! Hope all goes well.
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Offline Exonian

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #28 on: 16 August 2015, 11:38 »
Just to echo what everyone else has said: great review and excellent pics Craig.

Having had my R almost exactly 2 months after swapping from a PP GTI it's really good to read your thoughts.

And obviously congratulations on your impending fatherhood (although as there's a bun in the oven I guess technically you're already a dad, minus the nappies and bags under your eyes... )  :grin:
‘25 8.5R, ‘23 8R, ‘20 8CS, ‘19 135iX, ‘19 TCR, ‘17 Ed40, ‘17 GTD, ‘15 7R, ‘13 GTI PP, ‘11 GTI, ‘09 GTI, ‘98 Ibiza Cupra, ‘05 GTI, ‘06 Polo GTI, ‘04 GT TDI, ‘05 Fabia vRS, ‘02 GTI T, ‘03 Ibiza TDI 130, ‘01 Leon 180, ‘89 mk2 16v, ‘99 Ibiza TDI, ‘96 VR6, ‘98 Ibiza TDI, ‘92 VR6, ‘88 mk2 8v, ‘92 Polo G40, ‘91 mk2 8v, ‘89 mk2 8v, 205 GTI 1.9, ‘83 mk1 GTI, ‘80 Scirocco GTI, plus some others I’ve forgotten 

Offline CraigW

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Re: My thoughts on the Golf R - Initial Impressions
« Reply #29 on: 17 August 2015, 10:51 »
Not too bad p3asa. On a 147 mile journey on twisty back roads I averaged exactly 35mpg and that was with a few naughty blasts thrown in.  :evil:

Thanks for all the kind comments re impending fatherhood. Life is never going to be the same  :grin: :grin: :grin: