I’m looking at getting one, so as title says, is the new face lifted model worth getting?
I’m looking at a 2015/16 model, or a newer 2018/19 model.
Any thoughts or opinions?
It’s a very tough question in some ways. For sure there’s more standard kit and the more modern digital dash with the facelift/7.5 R so possibly some tempting changes; but the mk7 (pre facelift) is still such a good car in so many ways. I’m just into my 5th year in the latter and have felt no desire to swap to a 7.5 despite usually changing cars at 3 years. Testament to what a fantastic car it is. If I were buying from scratch today? I really don’t know, it would come down to available budget and how long I’d want the car for.
Would you be intending keeping the R for a few years, as that may well sway you to the 7.5 as it will feel more current for longer.
But here’s a bit of info on both versions that might help your quest.
Mk7 R - For the 2015/16 mk7 pre facelift model, have a look for cars built after end May 2015 (MY2016) as those cars will have the 2nd gen MIB2 infotainment system which was an improvement over the original MIB1 system. Also at that time App-connect (CarPlay, Auto Android) was introduced but remained an optional extra unless pro nav was specced as it was included with that. The later pre facelift models have revised turbo over the earliest models, as there were some failed turbos early on.
Facelift / Mk7.5 R - As well as the slight engine power upgrade on 2018 version to 310ps (albeit later reduced back down 300ps, torque unchanged), the facelift/mk7.5, heralded the introduction of the digital dash over the previous analogue dash, including performance gauges (bit of a gimmick), App-connect became standard along with lane assist etc. Most notable aesthetically, was the move to more generic headlight design (shared with other golf 7.5 models), but that also brought the upgrade to LED headlights (pre facelift are bi-xenon), LED tailights and the LED sweeping indicators (the latter on hatch version only, not on the estate). There are also a number of other cosmetic exterior changes, the biggest being the altered more aggressive front end with lots of added gloss black trim, some minor styling changes to the rear and side skirts (both for the worse imo); and some other interior changes, including darker cloth seats as standard and new style perforated leather on the normal (non nappa) leather option. Another important change in the DSG version of the 7.5 was the move to the 7speed DSG (DQ381 box) from the mk7 6speed DSG (DQ250). Differing views as to whether one is an improvement over the other. 7.5 has additional wheel choices and colours (Atlantic Blue and Indium Grey, after deletion of some mk7 colours). And the very expensive optional Performance Pack with the Akrapovic titanium exhaust (and some with upgraded brake kit) but rare and adds ££££
Then came the WLTP (DPF and single port injection) version of the 7.5 R!
As well as here, if you haven’t already, it’s well worth paying a visit to the VWROC forum as that’s an R specific forum, and there’s a wealth of information and advice from owners of all iterations of the 7 and 7.5 R. And always a ton of help with questions asked. And lots of photos too!
https://www.vwroc.com/forums/Member JeffR on there has pretty much had every version of the R (think he’s on his fourth one) so worth looking at his threads/posts.
