GTD changeover to R: Review

[Hertsman]

GTD changeover to R: Review

This review is more aimed at those who are in a similar position to me a few months ago of having to select their next change from their present GTD and are considering a move to an R

So if have an R this might be quite dull!

Personal factors will vary of course towards making your final decision, but hopefully this will add a few more thoughts to the melting pot.

Firstly, will set the scene on the outgoing, and comment on the GTD.

Took the decision to move from back to back A3 S Line Quattro 170 BHP 3 Door to the new MK 7 GTD due to the better value, standard options, and fact that really needed a 5 door and the MK 7 really holds its lines well in that form.
The better value equated to being able to select both DSG and DCC as first experiences, and was pretty much a blind uptake, ordering not soon after the GTD became available.

If someone said to me now, that had to keep the GTD for another 3 years, I would have been happy to do so, it’s the perfect balance between economy, refinement, and performance, with the DSG in combination with Auto Hold proving a revelation,

My only 2 dislikes were the MIB unit, which felt had poor resolution, a clunky UI and poor connectivity, and the wet, cold getaways, which even with better tyres, is still an issue, as feather the accelerator to manage power and maybe more so an annoyance for me coming from a Quattro,

Will add, my definition of ‘fun’ on the road is quick and planted, so never bought into any review where a car is criticised for not sliding about, that’s only ever fun on a track, and I wish that definition was made more in reviews for those who will never, ever take their car to a track.

So that’s the GTD, a great car, but with a couple of limitations,

Was not originally looking at the R, the face lift A3 S Line Quattro was prime alternative, but on my scheme this car came out more expensive than the R with less options, as did many of the BMW without x Drive, baffling really.

So the R filled the AWD need and soon got used to the idea of the extra power as a bonus. Factors to consider still were economy and company BIK.

This is a personal element spoke of, but mileage has dropped markedly recently due University run being removed, so really not getting benefit of the diesel, with average 37-42 MPG being the normal long term on driving style, expect 30-32 MPG on R based on all understood, and on less recent mileage, expecting a minimal lift in outlay on fuel each month, 

If was doing high personal mileage it would 100% be a GTD, and the R would not have even be considered,

So with scene set, this is the head to head comparison,

Performance

GTD

The GTD is all about the mid-range punch, you do have to work hard to get it away quick, but once away it really does punch hard from 30mph +

The 170 BHP engines were sharper at getaway, the 184 BHP units are far more refined, with less sensation to speed moving at,

The biggest limitation with the GTD was the tramping, spinning of wheels in the wet/cold conditions on getaway, yellow light flashing! Maybe in reality momentarily, but always seemed an eternity, especially in tight gaps!

R

No surprise that the R smashes the GTD out of the park on getaway. When you read it’s quick, and see videos from everyone saying it’s quick, you still are not set up for the reality, as it’s ridiculously quick! 

However, in comfort and normal, it’s in its sheep’s clothing and mimics the GTD as perfect traffic cruiser, which is what personally wanted, but never far away is the drop back of the DSG to give you a limitless burst for any gap or situation.
 
Know this has been around for a while now, but new to me, and that’s being able to cycle the mode settings by the button alone, so simple, but such a joy!

Modes:

Comfort and Normal are good standard settings but you still get 50% Soundaktor, so for town drives, have set individual mode for engine as Eco, which pretty much kills the Soundaktor sound, and have ride set to comfort.

You can still hear some nice ‘pops’ when have to accelerate a little more, but it’s amazingly refined and smooth in this setting.

Wife drives the car also, and loves the extra power already, but if it was raw, and noisy know for a fact she would be really off put, but with the DSG and control of settings, she feels quite at one with the car, and is embracing the extra power,
 
Race is amazing, but it is only for certain roads, do find it holds onto gears too much (5th in particular) if piece of road does not allow you to really stretch out, and what have taken to, is using the paddles on shorter stretches. But ride, handling, speed and noise is addictive,

So for standard driving, to have it in any of Comfort, Normal, and Individual is acceptable for ride and noise depending on preference,

However in these modes, in just the time it takes to pull the DSG lever into Sport, you can change its character, tangibly hearing the exhaust notes change, a real sign of intent at some lights let’s say, or just to peacock a bit in slow traffic,

Used ECO on 3 x junction M1 stretch and you genuinely miss nothing once up to cruise speed, more responsive that GTD, and returned 32 MPG on a mixed journey, maybe due to the 3 junction stretch? If doing a motorway run, can easily see how folk have got near 40 MPG, and will be able to prove that soon with upcoming 360 mile return trip to Manchester.

The only thing noticed was it stayed in 5th at 30 MPH speed limit and when manually shifted it to 6, the 'think blue' gauge (was playing with the bits and pieces) had a hissy fit and deducted me points haha, so maybe that indicates the ratios are different?as to what is optimum gearing for speed/engine, and that 5th at low speeds puts less pressure on the engine.

Like the way the R stops engine and auto holds, but starts up when car in front begins to move away, neat!

Will cover grip here, (Pretoria’s come on Pirelli P Zero 235/35 R19) and first getaway in the wet was seamless and fast! The GTD always felt solid in wet, but the R takes it all up a level, an on rails experience with fast seamless getaway even in the wet (well damp, as its not poured yet), much missed, and welcome back, love it! 

Launch Control. Have to report back on this, no doubt will try it but will let engine run in some more and brakes etc. (even if it’s said there is no need)

Ride/Steering

GTD

The GTD was two cars in one here, in normal a really pleasant ride, in comfort really cossetted and perfect for the commute and those worn out local roads. Flick the switch, and ride and handling becomes appropriately firm for them faster twisting roads,

R

Wanted a replicated experience on the R, but would the 19” Pretoria and slightly lower (5cm) ride become a compromise? Selected DCC again and hope was the GTD ‘normal’ would be the R ‘comfort’

The reality is that the R again mimics the GTD completely, with no compromise to comfort in any of the modes, even race as that active dampeners are still working away. Was expecting small drop off, and just hoping not big, but huge tick in box of selecting this option again.

Had to add steering to this, as there is a really noticeable difference in the front end, much lighter, you have a real feeling for the change, and so it seems much more maneuverable, and when say that, it’s not as if the GTD was bad, it was not, but in the small margins, you feel like work far less to move the R about, and it’s just ‘lighter’ as a feeling

Economy

GTD

As stated in header, was getting 37-42 MPG on my regular driving pattern, as an average, which is the important factor to understand, as all cars will suffer on short journeys, and benefit on the longer run.

R

My hope on selecting the R would be 30-32 MPG average for same driving style? And that ££ outlay would not really change much.

Average at the moment is 27 MPG with lows of 23 MPG and high of 34 MPG. But this is over such a small sample, and with November mapping out for mixed runs, think be better placed for a definitive average then, and think 30-32 MPG will be very achievable.

To be honest though, already seem over the economy worry, and once done this getting to know, it will be just drive the car, and fuel will be what it will be,

Exterior

Obviously not much changed in shape as selected like for like 5 door.

As we all do, went back and forth on colour so many times, latest was regretting the Lapiz after seeing a Lime Stone Grey. But now it’s here, absolutely love the colour, really pings in certain lights, and actually like the way the car disappears if not under street lighting at night, looks like just a Golf, which is what you want,

Not one for detailing much to some horror imagine, so it will get a winter covering from the roads, but it’s not like will not give it any love, it’s always 2 buckets and decent product, and this weekend it will get a good coat of collonite for its winter protection, which has always served me well.

4 exhausts, not for everyone, but think the styling of this particular R needs this statement of intent to just catch the eye, and think it fills that remit to the full, as personally love them, and knowing they are there for all around to see,

Pretoria. Do not want to stand on anyone toes here, as no one more than me understands personal choice differs massively, but these were a big decision for me cost wise, as financially they make no sense whatsoever, but personally think they complete the car, the R deserves them, and became must have against better judgement,

The Pretoria also fill the arches so well in combination with the 5 cm drop, and so the R has a slightly stealthier profile than the GTD, but due to the DCC, at no cost to ride and comfort,

Like the way the headlight stripe that MK7 has, is similar to the GTD and remains silver, as it is an added aesthetic that really looks right, complimented by the front skirt chrome, and so joins the car together, and really glad they were not tempted to put Blue to mimic the Red for GTI, as imagine? Yuk.

Keyless. Will include this here, as again new to me, and hard not to like, you just open the door, the cool button starts it all up, and shuts it down, and swipe of finger across notch on handle locks it all up on leaving, simplz!

Always wanted the twin DRL, you see them coming a mile off, and as much as 4 exhausts says R from rear, the twin DRL do the same, very cool, and always had twin DRL envy,

Wife drove car off this morning, and as she had to do a turn at end of road and come back past, saw both rear, front and heard the noises, and damn it looked good (just a shame not going to see it for rest of the day now!)

The GTD has a great stance, and the Nogaro are the best standard alloy across the range, but the signature R colour and the little touches outlined above, with the subtle air scoops, does give an additional presence, and had loads of looks so far! But to be fair, the GTD always got a decent head turn. 

Interior

GTD

Have always been comfortable in the GTD interior, taking it quite for granted after 3 years. It’s basically a nice comfortable place to be, with all the functions need even if media system was woeful (MIB 1).

R

Would say the R is a lift in experience, as the seats are much nicer in R trim, and the MIB 2 Unit has better screen quality and size, with the blue lighting being far nicer than the good, but ultimately plain white of the GTD.

The Dial surrounds are also different, giving this bright white, flat effect reminiscent of an LCD screen. Quite liked the carbon effect in the GTD, but similarly like the Piano Gloss effect in the R

Only new feature that aware of is the mirror and have to disagree with those who think it’s a step back, as it is sleek, but solid, and far more in fitting with the car, always thought the previous took up too much real estate with its housing, so much prefer personally.

But, basically not a huge difference, and definitely to my personal taste of a blackened, minimal interior with classy switches and lighting, but definitely still a little lift, and so still a good place to be.

Media

GTD

Huge dislike for the MIB 1, never rated it, slow! Poor screen, UI and ability to connect, a real kind 4/10

R

The MIB 2 is a big lift, improved resolution, for sharper icons, with more screen size, faster! And easier connection options, that take just a few moments.

Can connect two phones at once, and Bluetooth for music is quick and seamless, even from streaming app, in my case Deezer.
Do not have to import DAB Icons, in poor quality, they render immediately in high quality, and its select and save, again a painless set up.

Brightness has 4 settings, and ‘high’ matches the Speedo lighting,

Opted for App-Connect and it was to replace the Sat Nav as expensive option, but this is now standard fit on the R (as should have been) Have an IPhone 7 and connected immediately and works perfectly, (you can move icons around in the phone menu) you can ‘hey Siri’ messages and similarly for the phone.

Sat Nav is quicker and sharper, and the traffic alert section now displays a map!

Will likely just Bluetooth on short journeys, and only connect App-Connect on longer journeys. Needs more Apps really, and support for Siri with 3rd party Apps. Works well though and looks quite cool having Apps on screen,

Car-Net, an hour of life that will not get back in registering and trying, as it does nothing that your smartphone can do, but 10x better! As it needs WLAN (hotspot) connection, or dongle to function, it’s useless without your phone, no, let’s just settle for its useless, and wasted another 5 mins talking about it here! But hopefully may save whoever reading this same experience, so advice is, do not be tempted to try!

Summary

Finally you say!

If moving from a GTD to an R there is of course instant familiarity, unless moving to DSG, DCC etc. for the first time, but being badged an R means there is of course going to be differences, the question is, that asked myself many times, are them differences enough to justify the likely additional outlay and running costs,

There is a lot to digest above, and you can pick the pieces out that apply to you, but actually going to keep this final summary of ‘worth it?’ simple, yes!

The GTD is all the car you need, balancing economy, refinement and decent performance.

Imagine the GTI would fall somewhere in between as it too has its own sounds, lightness and performance lift.

But the R is the car you will always want, because it basically has a soul, the noises, the responsiveness, gives that intangible feeling that you are driving something just a little special.

So even though much of the time, the R is moving around no more capably than the GTD due to traffic and conditions, you always have that ‘feeling’, you are hearing them noises, and all till the times where the wolf sheds its sheep’s clothing and you can experience the R true capability    

The question to be answered maybe a year from now, is “do you feel the same?” will additional costs change that feeling? Will come back to you, with some facts and figures on economy etc. 

For now though genuinely feel that driving something a little special, which given come from a GTD with all that familiarity I have with the car, is quite a trick,

[Misterp]

Great read. I too am in the same position as you (GTD to R) an itch that needed scratching.

I will look to do a write up this evening but your thoughts mirror mine (except the Pretorias as I don't have them).

[Exonian]

A very good read, that must've taken a while to type!
Can't disagree with any of your points, your post covers just about everything.

[Booth11]

I have an R and found your read far, far from dull. A really good comprehensive review and fantastic pictures. 

[Raffe]

Another R driver who enjoyed your post 

I drive a 320d M-Sport as my daily and look forward to the weekend getting to drive the R for fun, really is a great package.

Enjoy 

[monkeyhanger]

As someone who made the change from GTD (last of a string of 7 new TDI VWs) to R 17 months ago after an epic 8.5 month wait, I haven't regretted the decision at all. Low fuel prices do help with that decision, I was paying 138p a litre for diesel for some of my GTD ownership, and have paid as little as 109p a litre for Tesco Momentum.

Looks like you're off to a good start having been given an R with decent tyres - after 6 months of less than perfect grip I had to spend £600 of my own money to correct VWs Bridgestone mistake. The car was transformed afterwards, and it was a great upgrade over the GTD in the first place. Dodgy Bridgestones replaced and the car is unflappable in the wet and dry no matter how hard it is flung around on the road.

Like with the GTD, the driving modes seemed utterly pointless to me, but I suppose with a manual and no DCC, there's no wider system integration to consider beyond the throttle response and lighting changes, mine gets left in Race all the time, Eco response is ridiculously blunt and i've never noticed any mpg improvement in Eco or Normal over Race (this is probably more true with manual rather than DSG as you're in control of your gear changes, so can choose to change gears and drive economically in Race, rather than DSG choosing to milk every gear because you're in Race). Mpg is as expected and more than I dared hope for (33mpg today in the kind of cold weather that would've seen me maybe scrape 42mpg in the GTD.

The R is far more of a Jekyll and Hyde car than any other performance Golf - if you keep it below 4k revs, it feels only as quick as a GTD once you're moving - having to wring the car's neck (4500-6700) to get the best out of it seems a bit alien coming from sitting in the lazy torque band of a TDI for 15 years. The R has plenty of torque if you only want to be as quick as a GTD, it pulls moderately well in any gear, but is manic above 5000 revs.

I do like to roar away up a steep sliproad to hit the dual carriageway at the same speed as the traffic already on the road, you don't come across too many cars on the road that can outdo an R.

I am a fan of the blue lit interior, but apart from the lighting and the black metal aspects of the steering wheel, it all looks pretty much the same as the GTD - its a pity the R didn't have any optional (or even standard) sportier seats like the S3 has or proper CS type buckets.

My R has got a little better with age/miles, but not much - I hit 13k miles this morning.

Reliability wise i've had a few visits to the dealership - ACC vision issues mainly, identifying a flaw in the system as despite multiple fixes, the error happens in one particular place (exiting the Tyne Tunnel in the right-hand lane following 1/2 a mile bearing a constant hard left, and McMaddy had it happen to him in his GTD. Mine has also had a new turbo - it didn't fail spectacularly, it just stopped working a few times, and it was replaced without fuss.

Having had a DTUK box for my GTD, i'd love an extra 70ps on the R, but it seems from others here than VW made the R's clutch "just enough" for stock, so I wouldn't dare make the enhancement. Sometimes I swear I get the whiff of burning clutch for 10 seconds after putting my foot down at around 3000rpm in a highish gear, but usually when that happens, i'm behind some old crapper and I convince myself it is their car making the smell (hope i'm right!) - I haven't had any clutch slip yet. If it does slip on stock befoore i'm done with it i'll be annoyed, a clutch that isn't abused (ridden at junctions etc.) should easily last 80k miles.

Prets were a no brainer for me, happy enough with 18" wheels, but don't like the Cadiz at all. I'd have lived with them on a white or red R (maybe black), but even an options tightarse like myself felt compelled to spend the best part of £900 to escape the Cadiz, and the R is very forgiving on 19" rubber without DCC.

The R is a keeper - it took ages to get and I can't think of a better car with reasonable running costs (inc residuals) at its discounted pricepoint. I got the 5 year warranty, but plan on changing at 3 years by selling privately to someone appreciative of 2 years peace of mind - maybe for a MK8 R. There's not many cars where i'm not thinking about the next one after a year's ownership, the last one was probably the 170TDI Scirocco I had in Rising Blue - loved that car too!

[Hertsman]

The mode settings really only come into play when you have DSG and then DCC as both have genuine impact via settings and now there is the ability to control the Soundaktor volume.

Eco is now quite responsive in comparison to the GTD and if on a motorway run you do not notice it at all, as to whether that equates to much saving its hard to tell but once hit optimum speed and cruising (maybe in ACC) it certainly is not taking anything away from experience as you lollop along in decent comfort (have a long run coming soon so will see what happens on ECO on way up and just normal on way back)

So if driving a manual then the benefit is minimal at best.

Ride is not ruined at all without DCC (colleague has vanilla GTI that been out in a few times) and is acceptable but the DCC does genuinely give an extra layer of comfort.

Liked the GTD seats in grey tartan, but really like the R seats with the brushed effect and R logo. Wish they did the half leather though and do like the standard leather but no way pay extra for them.

The Pretoria became must have and against everything believed into this point of not option something unless have real use, but the R deserves them in my opinion and as have to live and look at the car for three years know it would always have bugged me if not optioned. Great looking wheels though still shake head at justification of the extra ££

Was really surprised last night as put first full tank in.

First fill was a a partial of V Power at £1.27 but went for Tesco Momentum last night and £1.17 Litre.  That's quite a difference so it was £60 to fill up at 50 Litre. You also get an extra RON at 99 opposed to 98 

Momentum seems quite accepted as a decent fuel and its within a mile of me so think will stick with it unless on travels.

Will rack up another 200-300 miles at weekend and hopefully be able to stretch its legs in that as work week has restricted my distances.

[Daz Auto]

Another R driver who enjoyed your post 

As a Mk6 GTD driver I have to say I hated your post (just joking - really enjoyed it - thank you.)

Especially this bit...

""But the R is the car you will always want, because it basically has a soul, the noises, the responsiveness, gives that intangible feeling that you are driving something just a little special."

In defence of the GTD... When I moved from the Mk5 TDI Match - I had that 'something special' feeling too. But I was going from 105bhp to 170bhp. Strangely, it does make me feel better when I'm stuck in traffic. Probably because I know if there is an opportunity - overtaking is much easier with more power.

As for the Golf R... 'is it worth it', to me? My heart is saying yes. My head is saying no. My mid-life crisis is saying yes. My wife is saying no. My bank account is saying yes. My desire to stop working and retire early, is saying no.

Reading about the performance I'm thinking yes. Reading about the fuel economy I'm thinking no. Reading about the 4 motion, I'm thinking yes. Reading about haldex clutch pumps, I'm thinking no. 300 horse power, yes. Big turbos, no.

Is it worth it to me... yes and no! 

Wants and needs... heart vs head...

[Hertsman]

Another R driver who enjoyed your post 

As a Mk6 GTD driver I have to say I hated your post (just joking - really enjoyed it - thank you.)

Especially this bit...

""But the R is the car you will always want, because it basically has a soul, the noises, the responsiveness, gives that intangible feeling that you are driving something just a little special."

In defence of the GTD... When I moved from the Mk5 TDI Match - I had that 'something special' feeling too. But I was going from 105bhp to 170bhp. Strangely, it does make me feel better when I'm stuck in traffic. Probably because I know if there is an opportunity - overtaking is much easier with more power.

As for the Golf R... 'is it worth it', to me? My heart is saying yes. My head is saying no. My mid-life crisis is saying yes. My wife is saying no. My bank account is saying yes. My desire to stop working and retire early, is saying no.

Reading about the performance I'm thinking yes. Reading about the fuel economy I'm thinking no. Reading about the 4 motion, I'm thinking yes. Reading about haldex clutch pumps, I'm thinking no. 300 horse power, yes. Big turbos, no.

Is it worth it to me... yes and no! 

Wants and needs... heart vs head...

My girls are grown up, not quite independent though and doubt they will ever be, bank of dad always open for business it seems haha, but the uplift in costs is something for me while still working away and can afford it.

To be honest, going to enjoy the experience but if have to revert to a GTD even a MK 6 due to maybe wanting to balance monies for more leisure time then would readily do so. For example saw a stunning white MK 6 GTI last week outside the gym that would be quite happy to own

But all you stated in dilemma was exactly where I was a few months ago and given all my personal factors (I lease via company so its just small uplift in salary, extra BIK and fuel) it worked out as more but affordable in a "if not do it now, will i ever do it?" way.

Put a lot into family over years to ensure they all have what need, time for Dad to have something not so much need, but wanted.

So looks like review has not helped, just added to dilemma 

Best advice for anyone who really is unsure is to book a test drive for couple of days as pretty sure by end of that period you would know how feel.

[monkeyhanger]

Momentum is perfectly acceptable as high octane fuel with the R. I have tried a few tanks of V-power and it is no better or worse in response or mpg. Momentum is supposed to be just as full of detergents, so no worries there either.