Have you ordered an 8.5 ?

[joet]

So I've had my base spec 8.5 GTI now for a couple of weeks. This was to replace the Mark 8 Clubsport that was stolen back in June and I discussed on another thread.

I've gone for base spec (with Moonstone paint) because I wanted to keep under £40K as a matter of principle. I must say, apart from the wheels, it really looks very sharp. The tweaks the've made add up to more than the sum of the parts. To my eye Moonstone suits the shape better than the Dolphin I had on the CS. So I'm pleased with the colour choice.

Interior feels very similar and yet quite different. Clearly the infotaiment screen makes a big difference, but overall it seems a bit more premium. Hard to say why. And talking of infotainment, I don't feel it's too intrusive, and is a world apart from the Mark 8. Intuitive, responsive, very customisable and not a single bong or peep out of it in two weeks. Fingers crossed. So a massive step up.

Driving wise, it's early days, but the engine feels every bit as strong as the CS. In day-to-day driving I don't think I will miss the additional 35 bhp. In standard driving mode it seems to hold on to the gears slightly longer than the CS did, which gives it a nice sporty feeling without having to put it into Sport mode. It also seems to sound a bit more interesting. I don't know what they have done there to make it so.

I have 18 inch wheels and no DCC, whereas the CS had 19 and DCC. Somehow it feels more 'taught' and connected than the CS  - must be the lack of DCC, and altough the ride is firm, it's in no way unpleasant. I seem to recall a post from Exonian a while back where he mentioned that he preferred a non DCC setup, and so far I have to say I am not missing it. Time will tell.

So overall, I'm very happy with the car and it does not feel like a step down from the CS at all.

Couple of pictures attached after ceramic coating.

[sipj]

Nice car!  I had the option of Moonstone on a new car that a dealer had, full of spec.  I was on the fence with the colour and the wife didn't like it, so I ended up making a factory order.  Looks great in the pics though.

A question, how to the brakes feel compared to your CS?  They are of course smaller, but is there any difference on the day to day use?  I have a 7.5PP at present and I believe the brakes on that are bigger than the 8.6 also.  The look is certainly different.

[joet]

Nice car!  I had the option of Moonstone on a new car that a dealer had, full of spec.  I was on the fence with the colour and the wife didn't like it, so I ended up making a factory order.  Looks great in the pics though.

A question, how to the breaks feel compared to your CS?  They are of course smaller, but is there any difference on the day to day use?  I have a 7.5PP at present and I believe the breaks on that are bigger than the 8.6 also.  The look is certainly different.

Thank you!
I have to say I have not noticed a great deal of difference in the brakes, but then I've not had to use them in anger yet. For day-to-day they are absolutely fine.

[SRGTD]

@joet; your GTI looks great . I really like Moonstone Grey and I think it really suits the GTI. Even though the standard GTI alloys aren’t the first choice of many, at least they’re not a fussy design so will be easy to clean - even more so with yours being ceramic coated.

I had a mk8.5 Golf (not a GTI) as a courtesy car a couple of months ago while my car was being serviced and I agree with you on the infotainment screen - it did seem large initially, but after a few minutes in the car you soon get used to it and it’s not at all intrusive.

Enjoy your new car .

[joet]

Thanks.

I must admit the wheels are not my favourite. But the Queenstowns would have taken me over the £40K.

I might change them for some aftermarket ones in the future.

[Carlosfandango]

Very nice! 😎 moonstone was one of my shortlist colours, but went with dolphin in the end as I felt moonstone was a little too light, looks really good in your pics though, several(including myself) seem to have also mentioned the feeling of being more premium but without being able to put a finger on it as to why!? The 8.5 Seems to be built a little better too in my opinion.

[Carlosfandango]

Nice car!  I had the option of Moonstone on a new car that a dealer had, full of spec.  I was on the fence with the colour and the wife didn't like it, so I ended up making a factory order.  Looks great in the pics though.

A question, how to the brakes feel compared to your CS?  They are of course smaller, but is there any difference on the day to day use?  I have a 7.5PP at present and I believe the brakes on that are bigger than the 8.6 also.  The look is certainly different.

The brakes on the 8 and 8.5 GTI are 340mm, I believe the 7.5 PP had the same size? 🤔

[Sharpe]

So I've had my base spec 8.5 GTI now for a couple of weeks. This was to replace the Mark 8 Clubsport that was stolen back in June and I discussed on another thread.

I've gone for base spec (with Moonstone paint) because I wanted to keep under £40K as a matter of principle. I must say, apart from the wheels, it really looks very sharp. The tweaks the've made add up to more than the sum of the parts. To my eye Moonstone suits the shape better than the Dolphin I had on the CS. So I'm pleased with the colour choice.

Interior feels very similar and yet quite different. Clearly the infotaiment screen makes a big difference, but overall it seems a bit more premium. Hard to say why. And talking of infotainment, I don't feel it's too intrusive, and is a world apart from the Mark 8. Intuitive, responsive, very customisable and not a single bong or peep out of it in two weeks. Fingers crossed. So a massive step up.

Driving wise, it's early days, but the engine feels every bit as strong as the CS. In day-to-day driving I don't think I will miss the additional 35 bhp. In standard driving mode it seems to hold on to the gears slightly longer than the CS did, which gives it a nice sporty feeling without having to put it into Sport mode. It also seems to sound a bit more interesting. I don't know what they have done there to make it so.

I have 18 inch wheels and no DCC, whereas the CS had 19 and DCC. Somehow it feels more 'taught' and connected than the CS  - must be the lack of DCC, and altough the ride is firm, it's in no way unpleasant. I seem to recall a post from Exonian a while back where he mentioned that he preferred a non DCC setup, and so far I have to say I am not missing it. Time will tell.

So overall, I'm very happy with the car and it does not feel like a step down from the CS at all.

Couple of pictures attached after ceramic coating.

Looks amazing. I’d originally ordered moonstone and swapped to black to take advantage of the additional £750 summer saving. Sort of wish I’d stuck with my original choice now. I’d planned on having the lower part of the bumper wrapped black, in between the flicked up edges

[sipj]

Nice car!  I had the option of Moonstone on a new car that a dealer had, full of spec.  I was on the fence with the colour and the wife didn't like it, so I ended up making a factory order.  Looks great in the pics though.

A question, how to the brakes feel compared to your CS?  They are of course smaller, but is there any difference on the day to day use?  I have a 7.5PP at present and I believe the brakes on that are bigger than the 8.6 also.  The look is certainly different.

The brakes on the 8 and 8.5 GTI are 340mm, I believe the 7.5 PP had the same size? 🤔

Oh, are they!  The brake callipers are different though. They seem smaller and don’t have the GTI logo printed on them.

[WelshGolf]

In its natural environment, getting a coffee.

Still only done about 30 miles so can’t really comment much on dynamics, however it seems a little more responsive? Did they do anything for the responsiveness for the 8.5?