Thoughts on the GTI

[Booth11]

I blame Rebecca for starting all this with her thread. 
I wonder which Gti is best,normal or Performance Pack?

Yep I'll take the blame, but at least it's brought the GTI owners out from under their stones to extol the virtues of their cars, which is a good thing in my book.

Bloody hell, reading this I'd dare not start a "Thoughts on the GTD", I'd be laughed off 

What are you waiting for Sootchucker!

[maczi]

I've had my GTI PP DSG about a month now and after the initial excitement I've found it's made my daily commute very nice and quick and safe and comfortable but honestly a tad boring.

+ Great chassis
+ Covers ground very quickly and with surprising ease
+ Lovely cabin and general build quality

- Shouldn't have got DSG as it makes for pretty uninvolving driving experience (my fault)
- DSG normal mode is too sluggish for general running and sport mode is too hyperactive. Need something in-between.
- The solid composure makes the driving experience a bit isolated?
- Engine sound is pretty dull (compared to my old Focus ST mk2)
- Lots of wheelspin under strong acceleration hopefully caused by terrible Bridgestone tyres that can be replaced
- Standard audio fairly poor, wish I got Dynaudio option

I think I'm just missing some slight connection with the car and the driving conditions. Could it be too composed?

[kalimon]

Only one thing with your car and that's the DSG. It's the very reason I ordered a manual.

[maczi]

I think you're probably right.

[maczi]

Oh yeah, one more positive to balance things up a bit. I love the brakes, maybe made a touch better for being the PP version.

[kalimon]

When I drive my wife's A3 with DSG, it drives me crazy, especially at low speeds and pulling out of junctions.
I always feel like the car hesitates slightly and then lurches forward suddenly. Might be my driving but I don't like it and it was never an issue in my old manual A3.
By the way, I cancelled my original order an reordered with Dynaudio

[Gingernick]

liked mine so much I am getting another

same options, PP and dynaudio..just need the extra doors this time round

did toy with the thought of an R but really the gti is as fast as I ever really need, plus increased insurance etc

[Watts]

Interesting to hear what people are saying about the DSG, I was intent on getting one since my last car was an auto and I prefer it but I test drove a manual and was impressed with the easy clutch and precise change that I just bought that actual car! It doesn't even bother me too much when stuck in traffic now although if that was a daily occurence I might change my mind. I really enjoy driving now as much more of an event, loved my old car too, but that was totally different, much more relaxed all round.

Totally agree with the comments regarding the standard audio although for me I'm not so bothered and wouldn't want to pay the extra for Dynaudio. I don't mind the fake engine noise but would prefer better real engine sound, sometimes it sounds fairly raw especially at idle, my old V6 sounded great, that was the reason I bought that car!

[kalimon]

I think I would get used to using the DSG box if it was my everyday car and I can certainly see the attraction in owning one but it's just not for me at the moment.
My wife loves hers and it was me who talked her into buying it when she was adamant she was buying a manual car.

[Bungleaio]

I have DSG, it's my third autobox but 1st double clutch, it's brilliant and I love it. My car is a daily driver and I'm using it in cities and motorways along with taking the long way when the mood takes me. I really like it but I can see why people prefer a manual box.

The best part is using acc in traffic, leaving the car to crawl along and stop is brilliant. The pops that the exhaust makes under hard acceleration are great too but the most astonishing thing is how when you are doing 69mph and floor the accelerator it drops to 3rd and gets to 70 in no time. In manual you'd never consider third gear at that speed.