RE: VW Golf GTI: Review
Discussion
havoc said:
That said, if it had a Japanese/Korean badge (or even French) with those looks I'd suggest it wouldn't have had such an easy ride in the press...
Japanese or Korean? it would've been forgotten about I think if Korean... slighthly less sidelined if Japanes, hard to know of course.... but without doubt the BMW badge has allowed this awkward looking beasty to win-win-win... it's just a crushing kind of car it seems and for once the price is as shockingly appealing as the performance...
I'm design/aesthetics lead sadly...otherwise this would be right at the top of my want list...a realistioc want list... I just couldn't live with that face and I certainly wouldn't look back at it as I walked away after a satisfying drive.... sad....for me...
Know what you mean. The drive of the car is more important to me, and in concept I love the M135i, but I'd still struggle to be happy with something looking like that on the driveway, M-Sport kit or no.
Whatever happened to the elegance of the E46 M3 and the E39 M5?!? And please don't say "Bangle"...
Whatever happened to the elegance of the E46 M3 and the E39 M5?!? And please don't say "Bangle"...
Hub said:
Current Mazda 3 MPS is more of a dog's dinner... in my opinion!
Differently ugly, perhaps?!? 
That said, the original 3-MPS was just anonymous, had all the right ingredients (inc. more power than almost all the others AND a proper slippy-diff), yet got virtually ignored by the press in all the group tests. Not driven one to say if it's actually any good or not...but does sort of support my point.
Happy to report I've now driven a 135i and a Golf R back to back (not driven the GTi). Well almost back to back, about an hour in between, but on the same roads.
Straight line... both pretty impressive, both sound great and despite what most say, and even though the BMW straight 6 is a sound for sore ears... the Golf R sounds amazing too.
What the Golf lacks in feel, it makes up with anonymity.
Both great cars, it's hard to compare the two, genuinely hard; I'm no motoring journalist.
Weirdly, they both felt like quick versions of a pretty normal car. You know exactly where you are with the BMW though, maybe because I'm used to RWD? Quick exits out of junctions in the Golf and the power was cut immediately, no doubt there'd be lots of wheelspin without the traction on?
Still, due to my current license status, I didn't take either of them over the speed limit but I'd very much like to try them more comprehensively.
Looks aside, the BMW takes it.
Straight line... both pretty impressive, both sound great and despite what most say, and even though the BMW straight 6 is a sound for sore ears... the Golf R sounds amazing too.
What the Golf lacks in feel, it makes up with anonymity.
Both great cars, it's hard to compare the two, genuinely hard; I'm no motoring journalist.
Weirdly, they both felt like quick versions of a pretty normal car. You know exactly where you are with the BMW though, maybe because I'm used to RWD? Quick exits out of junctions in the Golf and the power was cut immediately, no doubt there'd be lots of wheelspin without the traction on?
Still, due to my current license status, I didn't take either of them over the speed limit but I'd very much like to try them more comprehensively.
Looks aside, the BMW takes it.
AB said:
Happy to report I've now driven a 135i and a Golf R back to back (not driven the GTi). Well almost back to back, about an hour in between, but on the same roads.
Straight line... both pretty impressive, both sound great and despite what most say, and even though the BMW straight 6 is a sound for sore ears... the Golf R sounds amazing too.
What the Golf lacks in feel, it makes up with anonymity.
Both great cars, it's hard to compare the two, genuinely hard; I'm no motoring journalist.
Weirdly, they both felt like quick versions of a pretty normal car. You know exactly where you are with the BMW though, maybe because I'm used to RWD? Quick exits out of junctions in the Golf and the power was cut immediately, no doubt there'd be lots of wheelspin without the traction on?
Still, due to my current license status, I didn't take either of them over the speed limit but I'd very much like to try them more comprehensively.
Looks aside, the BMW takes it.
So contrary to the PH stereotype you didn't fall asleep at the wheel of the Golf after having your socks blown off by the BMW, nor did you find that doing NORMAL driving ie NOT around a "ring in Germany" that both cars offer staggering amounts of performance.Straight line... both pretty impressive, both sound great and despite what most say, and even though the BMW straight 6 is a sound for sore ears... the Golf R sounds amazing too.
What the Golf lacks in feel, it makes up with anonymity.
Both great cars, it's hard to compare the two, genuinely hard; I'm no motoring journalist.
Weirdly, they both felt like quick versions of a pretty normal car. You know exactly where you are with the BMW though, maybe because I'm used to RWD? Quick exits out of junctions in the Golf and the power was cut immediately, no doubt there'd be lots of wheelspin without the traction on?
Still, due to my current license status, I didn't take either of them over the speed limit but I'd very much like to try them more comprehensively.
Looks aside, the BMW takes it.
I do agree that the Golf TC is perhaps a little keen. Was the R you drove a DSG model? when I had a go in a DSG model i found that the combination of a sensitive electronic throttle and a keen TC did make launching out of junctions a bit strange.
aka_kerrly said:
AB said:
Happy to report I've now driven a 135i and a Golf R back to back (not driven the GTi). Well almost back to back, about an hour in between, but on the same roads.
Straight line... both pretty impressive, both sound great and despite what most say, and even though the BMW straight 6 is a sound for sore ears... the Golf R sounds amazing too.
What the Golf lacks in feel, it makes up with anonymity.
Both great cars, it's hard to compare the two, genuinely hard; I'm no motoring journalist.
Weirdly, they both felt like quick versions of a pretty normal car. You know exactly where you are with the BMW though, maybe because I'm used to RWD? Quick exits out of junctions in the Golf and the power was cut immediately, no doubt there'd be lots of wheelspin without the traction on?
Still, due to my current license status, I didn't take either of them over the speed limit but I'd very much like to try them more comprehensively.
Looks aside, the BMW takes it.
So contrary to the PH stereotype you didn't fall asleep at the wheel of the Golf after having your socks blown off by the BMW, nor did you find that doing NORMAL driving ie NOT around a "ring in Germany" that both cars offer staggering amounts of performance.Straight line... both pretty impressive, both sound great and despite what most say, and even though the BMW straight 6 is a sound for sore ears... the Golf R sounds amazing too.
What the Golf lacks in feel, it makes up with anonymity.
Both great cars, it's hard to compare the two, genuinely hard; I'm no motoring journalist.
Weirdly, they both felt like quick versions of a pretty normal car. You know exactly where you are with the BMW though, maybe because I'm used to RWD? Quick exits out of junctions in the Golf and the power was cut immediately, no doubt there'd be lots of wheelspin without the traction on?
Still, due to my current license status, I didn't take either of them over the speed limit but I'd very much like to try them more comprehensively.
Looks aside, the BMW takes it.
I do agree that the Golf TC is perhaps a little keen. Was the R you drove a DSG model? when I had a go in a DSG model i found that the combination of a sensitive electronic throttle and a keen TC did make launching out of junctions a bit strange.
They still haven't retuned the TC to have less of an iron grip then? MK4s, 9N3 Polo GTI, MK5s GTI, MK4 / MK5 R32.... they all did that.
I always found it ironic how VAG moved the torque band so low down the revs from the MK4 GTI onwards, and then just take all that torque away again with an over zealous bloody TC system!!
collateral said:
I'd be interested to know if they've managed to fit pedals/steering which actually provide some feel.
The last one I drove was a mk5 GT, and the controls felt like they had been set up to isolate you from what was happening
Find our mk5 GTI the opposite! Maybe you drove a lemon? (saying that, I think the GT is a very different car).The last one I drove was a mk5 GT, and the controls felt like they had been set up to isolate you from what was happening
St John Smythe said:
collateral said:
I'd be interested to know if they've managed to fit pedals/steering which actually provide some feel.
The last one I drove was a mk5 GT, and the controls felt like they had been set up to isolate you from what was happening
Find our mk5 GTI the opposite! Maybe you drove a lemon? (saying that, I think the GT is a very different car).The last one I drove was a mk5 GT, and the controls felt like they had been set up to isolate you from what was happening
I think the effect was amplified by the fact I had a 306 at the time - the difference was light and day
I tried many cars before deciding on a VW GTi Mk 7 DCT, including the new BMW 135i (as well as many more expensive cars including the BMW M3, Porsche 997, BMW 435d). The BMW 135i did not feel particularly quick, had a very hard ride, and felt somewhat skittish over the bumps, but most of all it did not feel premium inside for its cost (unlike the other BMW's I tried). Now it should be noted I am a BMW enthusiast and have owned many different models in my time, for example, my e46 330d touring has been faultless in over 7 years and 100K of mileage, so I am not knocking the brand.
The Golf is just so easy and comfortable to drive, whether sedate town driving or at speed, it really does feel like a car to suit all situations. Handling is fantastic and, although I would like it to be a bit quicker, you rarely feel like you cannot keep up with most cars (especially round the lanes). I would thoroughly recommend the performance pack, especially the enhanced brakes, which also look better with the red calipers. Ride is just right, even in Sport mode, on the standard 18" wheels. The Dynaudio stereo is fantastic, easily as good as Harmon Kardon or Bose and may even be better in my view (having had them all in the past).
This is not to say it is perfect, for example, I have serious issues with most car manufacturers these days with regard to intrusive electronic, so-called safety systems, and in the Golf the worst of these are the collision warning system (who wants a car to brake for them when IT decides you may have not noticed the car in front braking - it can be very dangerous when the ABS suddenly kicks in, both for you, and those behind); and the adaptive cruise control (which decides to brake when the car in front is a mere speck in the distance, even if you select 'very close' as your warning preference). This may sound like I am a hooligan but far from it. Manufacturers seem to assume you are not aware of other road users, which perhaps maybe many owners aren't. However, manufacturers should allow drivers to select all the modes they want and then to set these as the default, not have to remember to switch them off every time you start the engine!!
I prefer my iphone's TomTom to the built in SatNav which dates so quickly and is far less intuitive.
Finally, the MPG is nothing like the figures quoted. The best I have managed at a steady 60-70 mph in eco mode is 40mpg, but for normal driving it is 30mpg and pushed hard the needle drops like a stone, at more like 20mpg.
Overall though I would totally recommend this car to anyone. Refined, fast, great looking, classless, timeless.
The Golf is just so easy and comfortable to drive, whether sedate town driving or at speed, it really does feel like a car to suit all situations. Handling is fantastic and, although I would like it to be a bit quicker, you rarely feel like you cannot keep up with most cars (especially round the lanes). I would thoroughly recommend the performance pack, especially the enhanced brakes, which also look better with the red calipers. Ride is just right, even in Sport mode, on the standard 18" wheels. The Dynaudio stereo is fantastic, easily as good as Harmon Kardon or Bose and may even be better in my view (having had them all in the past).
This is not to say it is perfect, for example, I have serious issues with most car manufacturers these days with regard to intrusive electronic, so-called safety systems, and in the Golf the worst of these are the collision warning system (who wants a car to brake for them when IT decides you may have not noticed the car in front braking - it can be very dangerous when the ABS suddenly kicks in, both for you, and those behind); and the adaptive cruise control (which decides to brake when the car in front is a mere speck in the distance, even if you select 'very close' as your warning preference). This may sound like I am a hooligan but far from it. Manufacturers seem to assume you are not aware of other road users, which perhaps maybe many owners aren't. However, manufacturers should allow drivers to select all the modes they want and then to set these as the default, not have to remember to switch them off every time you start the engine!!
I prefer my iphone's TomTom to the built in SatNav which dates so quickly and is far less intuitive.
Finally, the MPG is nothing like the figures quoted. The best I have managed at a steady 60-70 mph in eco mode is 40mpg, but for normal driving it is 30mpg and pushed hard the needle drops like a stone, at more like 20mpg.
Overall though I would totally recommend this car to anyone. Refined, fast, great looking, classless, timeless.
miles1969 said:
for normal driving it is 30mpg and pushed hard the needle drops like a stone, at more like 20mpg.
That really is unacceptable in what should be a competent, affordable, everyday car IMO. Disappointing that fuel consumption has not been improved at all from previous GTIs. I was hoping for better.skyrover said:
toppstuff said:
That really is unacceptable in what should be a competent, affordable, everyday car IMO. Disappointing that fuel consumption has not been improved at all from previous GTIs. I was hoping for better.
Laws of physics mateWhy can't VAG make their engine a bit more efficient? BMW manage it.
toppstuff said:
miles1969 said:
for normal driving it is 30mpg and pushed hard the needle drops like a stone, at more like 20mpg.
That really is unacceptable in what should be a competent, affordable, everyday car IMO. Disappointing that fuel consumption has not been improved at all from previous GTIs. I was hoping for better.Quite fancied a Golf Gti, best of all worlds and all that, but I just can't justify the price, especially with the A45 etc around. I think VW have managed to really convince themselves that they're in the same league as BMW Merc and Audi in the publics perception and priced themselves accordingly. Shame really...
andrewparker said:
toppstuff said:
miles1969 said:
for normal driving it is 30mpg and pushed hard the needle drops like a stone, at more like 20mpg.
That really is unacceptable in what should be a competent, affordable, everyday car IMO. Disappointing that fuel consumption has not been improved at all from previous GTIs. I was hoping for better.
The GTIs are otherwise the ultimate all rounder, still the hot hatchback to beat!
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