RE: Volkswagen Golf GTI
Discussion
r1ch said:
Honestly, as car enthusiasts, does anybody get "excited" when they release a new golf anymore?
Really, i appreciate the classy image and they are a versatile hatch, just about as exciting as sitting on a train doing a crossword to me. Sure they can't make hardcore hathbacks anymore, the safety aspect won't allow. Just, wheres the excitement of wallowing round in a car when you can hardly feel the road?
have you driven a fast modern hot hatch? you can feel the road and exactly what the wheels are doing even though the steering wheels doesnt wriggle and squirm like in a 205, but maybe the experience is dampened somewhat by not having the fear of imminent death upon you as you would get in say and old peugeot tin can.Really, i appreciate the classy image and they are a versatile hatch, just about as exciting as sitting on a train doing a crossword to me. Sure they can't make hardcore hathbacks anymore, the safety aspect won't allow. Just, wheres the excitement of wallowing round in a car when you can hardly feel the road?
after driving a few pug 1.9 205 gti`s when i was younger i never really get what all the fuss was about driving around in the most unrefined cars on the road.
Edited by rsstman on Friday 17th April 18:51
rsstman said:
although this is not a thread about the ST its is far from the size of a house (about the size of an old focus RS) and i havent heard 1 reviewer or owner or anyone that has actually driven the car say anything other than it being very very accomplished, certainly not driven with a playsation controller. very strange.
i like the general looks of the new golf but am so far not so keen on the rear end or the 5door shape.
Well I had one on demo for a week but to be fair it was no worse than its peers.i like the general looks of the new golf but am so far not so keen on the rear end or the 5door shape.
Matter of interest. ST is 114kg heavier than the old RS and both longer and wider. It's also wider than a classic ranger rover. And that was already the size of a house.
Back on topic, I fail to see any essence of the original GTi theory from the visuals of this car.
Fire99 said:
rsstman said:
although this is not a thread about the ST its is far from the size of a house (about the size of an old focus RS) and i havent heard 1 reviewer or owner or anyone that has actually driven the car say anything other than it being very very accomplished, certainly not driven with a playsation controller. very strange.
i like the general looks of the new golf but am so far not so keen on the rear end or the 5door shape.
Well I had one on demo for a week but to be fair it was no worse than its peers.i like the general looks of the new golf but am so far not so keen on the rear end or the 5door shape.
Matter of interest. ST is 114kg heavier than the old RS and both longer and wider. It's also wider than a classic ranger rover. And that was already the size of a house.
Back on topic, I fail to see any essence of the original GTi theory from the visuals of this car.
i suspect not, and you are most likely just saying that because it looks it as it is a much chunkier design.
and i expect almost all new cars are now wider than a classic range rover although i am not sure what that has to do with anything.
rsstman said:
and i expect almost all new cars are now wider than a classic range rover although i am not sure what that has to do with anything.
Size is size and weight is weight.. It doesn't shrink over the years.. 
I know there are mitigating cirumstances like safety and Mr/Mrs general public's want for every comfort / safety aid under the sun but the facts are the facts.
Hot hatches like the GTi and dare i say Focus have got fat and heavy and that impacts alot.
I really like the new Golf. The interior is a step up from the MKV. It has the adaptive suspension that audi charge £1200??approx for in the TT. The same one thats in the rocco iirc.. and that car is quite a pleasant drive, and looks quite classy even in the company of other so called premium brands. So whould I buy one??? Not a chance...
Its probably no secret to the detectives out there what I drive, but VW's failure to continue to be the only manufacturer that puts a big engine in a small hatch means I will be probably be jumping ship to something else.
So am I going to wait for the R20... no thanks. As great as the 2.0tfsi engine is, it just sounds a little lifeless, and I wont even start with the turbo lag. Great tuning potential mind!
So my only real option being BMW... most likely the 130i or 135i. Until then I think I might save up a few pennies and show the bhp mad boys what a really fast hot hatch should go like with a quick visit to HPA
Its probably no secret to the detectives out there what I drive, but VW's failure to continue to be the only manufacturer that puts a big engine in a small hatch means I will be probably be jumping ship to something else.
So am I going to wait for the R20... no thanks. As great as the 2.0tfsi engine is, it just sounds a little lifeless, and I wont even start with the turbo lag. Great tuning potential mind!
So my only real option being BMW... most likely the 130i or 135i. Until then I think I might save up a few pennies and show the bhp mad boys what a really fast hot hatch should go like with a quick visit to HPA
This thread has some good points, but at the end of the day the car may not be like the original but it will sell, as many have said on here, the majority of public aren't on here that would buy it. They may buy it for the badge/brand, reliability or just cos they know the name has been around for 30 years, but what else has that long? The marketing obviously worked for VW when they stuck with the name golf and gti.
It may not be the fastest or cheapest car, but it's what people, the majority, want that counts at the end of the day and are willing to pay. Other hot hatches are more hardcore and what we may like, but some like myself choose not to go for that for everyday driving. I wanted a second hand MkV GTI but had to get a GT TDI in the end due to fuel costs etc when travelling 500 miles a week, and have to say after tuning it that it goes almost as well as a GTI, but I'm worried about what will go wrong when the warranty is up. It's already had a new shock, flywheel and turbo in the last year, and that was without a remap! I had a Megane DCI120 previously and in the 3 years owning that not one thing wrong! So not everything we thought is reliable is!
I always fancied a mk1 gti but after hearing some stories from people about how they are compared to modern car, I'd rather stick to modern. Maybe heavier, but you get some feel of the road and the knowledge that if you did have an accident you've more chance coming out in one piece.
But back on to the gti, I'd wait for a second hand R20 as it's got more for what I want of a golf without the weight of a 3.2 as per the R32 so get on with it VW, so I can have my middle age crisis as they say!
It may not be the fastest or cheapest car, but it's what people, the majority, want that counts at the end of the day and are willing to pay. Other hot hatches are more hardcore and what we may like, but some like myself choose not to go for that for everyday driving. I wanted a second hand MkV GTI but had to get a GT TDI in the end due to fuel costs etc when travelling 500 miles a week, and have to say after tuning it that it goes almost as well as a GTI, but I'm worried about what will go wrong when the warranty is up. It's already had a new shock, flywheel and turbo in the last year, and that was without a remap! I had a Megane DCI120 previously and in the 3 years owning that not one thing wrong! So not everything we thought is reliable is!
I always fancied a mk1 gti but after hearing some stories from people about how they are compared to modern car, I'd rather stick to modern. Maybe heavier, but you get some feel of the road and the knowledge that if you did have an accident you've more chance coming out in one piece.
But back on to the gti, I'd wait for a second hand R20 as it's got more for what I want of a golf without the weight of a 3.2 as per the R32 so get on with it VW, so I can have my middle age crisis as they say!
Pommygranite said:
wigsworld said:
This car is a complete rip off. If you start adding a few extras to these you're looking at 26k at least. I think it's possible to spend 32k with every conceivable option. I'm sure it's a decent drive but you can get better cars for quite a lot less these days. It also looks really boring to my eyes.
p.s compared to its rivals you can select a lot more options so yes it will cost more. Like for like i believe is a similiar cost.I'd be interested to see what cars you think are better for a lot less?
Targarama said:
wigsworld said:
This car is a complete rip off. If you start adding a few extras to these you're looking at 26k at least. I think it's possible to spend 32k with every conceivable option. I'm sure it's a decent drive but you can get better cars for quite a lot less these days. It also looks really boring to my eyes.
Go and work out how much a competitor's hot hatch equivalent costs - I think you'll be well into the mid 20s at the same spec. Residual values are higher than most as well - classic German car depreciation like BMW, Audi etc. Pay more, get more back.I love my GT TDI 170 DSG. Its one of the most impressive cars I've ever owned. Handles well and the mid range performance feels like it could even be better than my Elise ..... masses of mid range torque.
When the MK6 first saw the light of day I wasn't bowled over by the design ..... I still preferred the MK5 ..... but the new shape has grown on me and I definitely wouldn't say no ..... especially with all the reported chassis improvements ... either to a GTI .... or to a GT TDI when they're eventually released.
Just can't get on with those "telephone dial" wheels though .... never liked them on the MK5 GTI.
Much prefer the 18" Charleston alloys on mine.
When the MK6 first saw the light of day I wasn't bowled over by the design ..... I still preferred the MK5 ..... but the new shape has grown on me and I definitely wouldn't say no ..... especially with all the reported chassis improvements ... either to a GTI .... or to a GT TDI when they're eventually released.
Just can't get on with those "telephone dial" wheels though .... never liked them on the MK5 GTI.
Much prefer the 18" Charleston alloys on mine.
Rocky Balboa said:
Too fat. Too heavy. Slower than the previous model. Awful.
When the f
k are these cars going to start losing weight! Pisses me off!
I must admit this used to be how I looked at new cars in general! I know the new Golf is not to my taste at all, but a friend of mine has completely changed my perspective on them! When the f
k are these cars going to start losing weight! Pisses me off!Mk5 GTI 'Edition 30' with DSG
Miltek Exhaust
Revo chip
FMIC
Uprated fuel pump... and thats it! 1.6 bar standard turbo and engine internals!
I have actually seen it pull away from an RS6 and a 400bhp Evo 8
it really is impressive for a rep car! Pommygranite said:
Rather than just ranting about weight, blandness etc lets just take a step back and take a hard look at what it offers:
1. It may be a refresh but still looks more modern than a MK5 outside and inside.
2. It does 0-60 in 6.9 - Its a hot hatch - come on, this is perfectly adequate 99% of the time and top speed it irrelevant.
3. For every day use its great - comfy, refined, smooth and then when you want it go its quick, handles well, sounds great (by all accounts) covers the job.
4. Its quick, good looking car that means i can go to clients without looking like a) a boy racer cocktard or b) like i earn too much therefore alienating the clients
5. Its not a Focus RS - so why compare?
It does what it was designed to do rather well. It doesnt pretend to be anything else, so why slate it?
Well said.1. It may be a refresh but still looks more modern than a MK5 outside and inside.
2. It does 0-60 in 6.9 - Its a hot hatch - come on, this is perfectly adequate 99% of the time and top speed it irrelevant.
3. For every day use its great - comfy, refined, smooth and then when you want it go its quick, handles well, sounds great (by all accounts) covers the job.
4. Its quick, good looking car that means i can go to clients without looking like a) a boy racer cocktard or b) like i earn too much therefore alienating the clients
5. Its not a Focus RS - so why compare?
It does what it was designed to do rather well. It doesnt pretend to be anything else, so why slate it?
Plus a simple, cheap mod (£400) like a Bluefin will knock a 0.5-1.0 second off that acceleration time.
And your 4th point is very true. No-one would be embarrassed driving a Golf into a 5 star hotel - they are truly classless, whereas as Focus still has connotations, not as extreme as an WRX or Evo but getting there.
rwd.wiganer said:
Rocky Balboa said:
Too fat. Too heavy. Slower than the previous model. Awful.
When the fk are these cars going to start losing weight! Pisses me off!
I must admit this used to be how I looked at new cars in general! I know the new Golf is not to my taste at all, but a friend of mine has completely changed my perspective on them! When the f
k are these cars going to start losing weight! Pisses me off!Mk5 GTI 'Edition 30' with DSG
Miltek Exhaust
Revo chip
FMIC
Uprated fuel pump... and thats it! 1.6 bar standard turbo and engine internals!
I have actually seen it pull away from an RS6 and a 400bhp Evo 8
it really is impressive for a rep car! I'd echo the comments of those who say the comparison with the more hardcore hot hatches, the Focus RS and R26.R, is a pointless one. I'd seriously doubt anyone who test drives a GTi will consider either of those two. In fact I'd reckon the 3-series is possibly it's closest rival, even though it's in a different class.
The GTi is, as I see it, a family car for people who are into cars, it bridges the class divide, and as Clarkson says, is all things to all men! I've driven my 2006 black 4-door GTi everyday since I bought it, and it has provided thrills and practicality. I don't think I'll sell it.
The GTi is, as I see it, a family car for people who are into cars, it bridges the class divide, and as Clarkson says, is all things to all men! I've driven my 2006 black 4-door GTi everyday since I bought it, and it has provided thrills and practicality. I don't think I'll sell it.
Targarama said:
OK, reality check. The RS6 and Evo8 were probably not trying, or not expecting the Golf to be trying. The Golf will still be making less than 300hp.
A very conservative remap and exhaust would give an Edition 30 300bhp as a minimum.With what was described (fuel pump etc) it should be 330bhp minimum.
thehawk said:
Targarama said:
OK, reality check. The RS6 and Evo8 were probably not trying, or not expecting the Golf to be trying. The Golf will still be making less than 300hp.
A very conservative remap and exhaust would give an Edition 30 300bhp as a minimum.With what was described (fuel pump etc) it should be 330bhp minimum.
collateral said:
thehawk said:
Targarama said:
OK, reality check. The RS6 and Evo8 were probably not trying, or not expecting the Golf to be trying. The Golf will still be making less than 300hp.
A very conservative remap and exhaust would give an Edition 30 300bhp as a minimum.With what was described (fuel pump etc) it should be 330bhp minimum.
rsstman said:
collateral said:
thehawk said:
Targarama said:
OK, reality check. The RS6 and Evo8 were probably not trying, or not expecting the Golf to be trying. The Golf will still be making less than 300hp.
A very conservative remap and exhaust would give an Edition 30 300bhp as a minimum.With what was described (fuel pump etc) it should be 330bhp minimum.
More fool them then! Clarkson just writes controversial stuff so people read him - I recall he actually bought a convertable Lamborghini - if the mk5 GTI was so good, why didn't he buy one lol!
andrewparker said:
I'd echo the comments of those who say the comparison with the more hardcore hot hatches, the Focus RS and R26.R, is a pointless one. I'd seriously doubt anyone who test drives a GTi will consider either of those two. In fact I'd reckon the 3-series is possibly it's closest rival, even though it's in a different class.
The GTi is, as I see it, a family car for people who are into cars, it bridges the class divide, and as Clarkson says, is all things to all men! I've driven my 2006 black 4-door GTi everyday since I bought it, and it has provided thrills and practicality. I don't think I'll sell it.
The GTi is, as I see it, a family car for people who are into cars, it bridges the class divide, and as Clarkson says, is all things to all men! I've driven my 2006 black 4-door GTi everyday since I bought it, and it has provided thrills and practicality. I don't think I'll sell it.
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