Discussion
Reflections on a Mk7
My in-laws recently changed their 10-year old Mk5 GT 2.0 TDI for a Mk7. It's another GT 2.0 TDI, in Reflex Silver with upgraded Geneva wheels. I wanted to have a really good look around the car, as I'm fairly certain that a Mk7 of some variety will be my next car.
The first thing is how similar the Mk7 looks to the Mk5. There is of course the family resemblance from the outside, but this extends far beyond - it's things like the shape of the interior trim and layout of the essential components, which are much more like the older car.
Although my mechanical knowledge of the Mk7 is limited, it's easy to spot the same parts or at least some similar designs. The brake callipers, boot badge, interior grab handles and such like being obvious examples.
It feels like much less of a fundamental re-think than the Mk3, Mk4 or Mk5 were over their predecessors (ignoring the Mk6, which basically a facelift). The interior - especially the dashboard top, door handles and seat trim - look and feel lower quality than I was expecting, although this would be better with a leather interior model. However, the electronics and entertainment seem a lot more modern.
It's a very quiet and competent drive. The damping of the GT model seems well-judged, although obviously the performance is a little lacking compared to my own car. I averaged 55mpg during my stint with the car.
Overall, it feels like an evolved, modern and polished product - but also one that's a good 10% less "expensive" in feel. A bit like a less extreme version of what a Barratt home is to the Victorian equivalent it is modelled upon.
My in-laws recently changed their 10-year old Mk5 GT 2.0 TDI for a Mk7. It's another GT 2.0 TDI, in Reflex Silver with upgraded Geneva wheels. I wanted to have a really good look around the car, as I'm fairly certain that a Mk7 of some variety will be my next car.
The first thing is how similar the Mk7 looks to the Mk5. There is of course the family resemblance from the outside, but this extends far beyond - it's things like the shape of the interior trim and layout of the essential components, which are much more like the older car.
Although my mechanical knowledge of the Mk7 is limited, it's easy to spot the same parts or at least some similar designs. The brake callipers, boot badge, interior grab handles and such like being obvious examples.
It feels like much less of a fundamental re-think than the Mk3, Mk4 or Mk5 were over their predecessors (ignoring the Mk6, which basically a facelift). The interior - especially the dashboard top, door handles and seat trim - look and feel lower quality than I was expecting, although this would be better with a leather interior model. However, the electronics and entertainment seem a lot more modern.
It's a very quiet and competent drive. The damping of the GT model seems well-judged, although obviously the performance is a little lacking compared to my own car. I averaged 55mpg during my stint with the car.
Overall, it feels like an evolved, modern and polished product - but also one that's a good 10% less "expensive" in feel. A bit like a less extreme version of what a Barratt home is to the Victorian equivalent it is modelled upon.
Basil Hume said:
Reflections on a Mk7
My in-laws recently changed their 10-year old Mk5 GT 2.0 TDI for a Mk7. It's another GT 2.0 TDI, in Reflex Silver with upgraded Geneva wheels. I wanted to have a really good look around the car, as I'm fairly certain that a Mk7 of some variety will be my next car.
The first thing is how similar the Mk7 looks to the Mk5. There is of course the family resemblance from the outside, but this extends far beyond - it's things like the shape of the interior trim and layout of the essential components, which are much more like the older car.
Although my mechanical knowledge of the Mk7 is limited, it's easy to spot the same parts or at least some similar designs. The brake callipers, boot badge, interior grab handles and such like being obvious examples.
It feels like much less of a fundamental re-think than the Mk3, Mk4 or Mk5 were over their predecessors (ignoring the Mk6, which basically a facelift). The interior - especially the dashboard top, door handles and seat trim - look and feel lower quality than I was expecting, although this would be better with a leather interior model. However, the electronics and entertainment seem a lot more modern.
It's a very quiet and competent drive. The damping of the GT model seems well-judged, although obviously the performance is a little lacking compared to my own car. I averaged 55mpg during my stint with the car.
Overall, it feels like an evolved, modern and polished product - but also one that's a good 10% less "expensive" in feel. A bit like a less extreme version of what a Barratt home is to the Victorian equivalent it is modelled upon.
Interesting comparisonMy in-laws recently changed their 10-year old Mk5 GT 2.0 TDI for a Mk7. It's another GT 2.0 TDI, in Reflex Silver with upgraded Geneva wheels. I wanted to have a really good look around the car, as I'm fairly certain that a Mk7 of some variety will be my next car.
The first thing is how similar the Mk7 looks to the Mk5. There is of course the family resemblance from the outside, but this extends far beyond - it's things like the shape of the interior trim and layout of the essential components, which are much more like the older car.
Although my mechanical knowledge of the Mk7 is limited, it's easy to spot the same parts or at least some similar designs. The brake callipers, boot badge, interior grab handles and such like being obvious examples.
It feels like much less of a fundamental re-think than the Mk3, Mk4 or Mk5 were over their predecessors (ignoring the Mk6, which basically a facelift). The interior - especially the dashboard top, door handles and seat trim - look and feel lower quality than I was expecting, although this would be better with a leather interior model. However, the electronics and entertainment seem a lot more modern.
It's a very quiet and competent drive. The damping of the GT model seems well-judged, although obviously the performance is a little lacking compared to my own car. I averaged 55mpg during my stint with the car.
Overall, it feels like an evolved, modern and polished product - but also one that's a good 10% less "expensive" in feel. A bit like a less extreme version of what a Barratt home is to the Victorian equivalent it is modelled upon.
As you might know I've a Mark 5 R32 & a Mark 7 R. The R feels like it's from a different universe. The R has got loads of "modern" stuff, some bad, most good. It's quite amazing how cars have changed in the 8 year interim. I would agree some of the build feels cheaper (the front lower section of the R feels like it's made from washing up bottles
) but overall my impression is the R is a quantum step up. Probably not as rapid as your forced induction R32..but the R is a real flier! It fair zings along. Not that it matters a jot, but also returns 5-6 mpg better too....but, I'll let you know in 8 years time if it has help up as well as the R32!
I've done both as well, had a Mk5 GTI last year and just got a MK7 GTD (with a MK6 in between).
The MK5 had more character and maybe felt a little better built in places, but overall the MK7 feels more polished and a lot more up to date. I actually found the MK6 felt the cheapest of the trio!
The MK5 had more character and maybe felt a little better built in places, but overall the MK7 feels more polished and a lot more up to date. I actually found the MK6 felt the cheapest of the trio!
va1o said:
I've done both as well, had a Mk5 GTI last year and just got a MK7 GTD (with a MK6 in between).
The MK5 had more character and maybe felt a little better built in places, but overall the MK7 feels more polished and a lot more up to date. I actually found the MK6 felt the cheapest of the trio!
That is even stranger as the mk6 was brought in as people thought the mk5 was poorly built compared to the mk4! My mk4 GTi turbo (while not really being all that fast) feels excellently built. Shame in standard form they're a bit of a pudding.The MK5 had more character and maybe felt a little better built in places, but overall the MK7 feels more polished and a lot more up to date. I actually found the MK6 felt the cheapest of the trio!
JakeT said:
That is even stranger as the mk6 was brought in as people thought the mk5 was poorly built compared to the mk4! My mk4 GTi turbo (while not really being all that fast) feels excellently built. Shame in standard form they're a bit of a pudding.
The Mk6 created the illusion of looking better built, but in actual fact a bit of cost cutting was going on. Little things like the cheap feeling glovebox lid and sun visors give the game away. It was brought out to be cheaper to manufacture than the Mk5 was.The only thing on the Mk7 annoying me so far is the fuel tank size, reduced to 50L from the 55L of the Mk5 and Mk6. Means I now struggle to get a weeks worth of range out of it
Month 19 - Holidays!
I'm writing this from a holiday cottage in Cornwall, with the R32 having gotten us to (and around) this part of the world in some reasonable comfort. Now that the kids are beyond toddler age - 3 & 5 - we don't need to take quite so much stuff with us, although a roof box is still mandatory:
I've enjoyed some deserted, well-surfaced and very twisty local roads over the last week. I think I'm taking this car for granted, because it's so easy to drive on unfamiliar roads; as well as in every gear and weather condition. As usual, the family is on board, so I'm mainly driving at modest speeds and in the 1,500-2,000rpm range.
Next week, we're off on another family holiday to the south of Brittany in the R32. I've bought a Sanef "Liber-T" tag for the motorway stretches, got my French emergency kit and investigated filling stations that sell Super 98. I'll report back on how we get along...
We've been talking a lot about a larger, more practical car. The R32 has risen to every occasion, but it's basically too small for the holidays, family visits and camping we've done this year - or would like to do more of - not to mention the gap between the performance available from this supercharged R32 and that which gets used.
My wife wants a new VW California, which we could afford - but I'm not convinced we'd use enough to justify. She won't even entertain the thought of a 4x4 or crossover (too noveau riche), nor anything from one of the more aspirational brands (BMW, Audi etc) - and I'm not keen on people carriers. That leaves a limited selection of models from Volvo, VW or Skoda - with the remaining question being whether we go back to 2 cars, in order to have a larger and smaller one.
At the moment, the choice of 1 car looks like: Golf R estate, VRS estate, another V60, or just possibly a Prius (yes, I know that's totally nuts - but it's a weird itch I'd like to scratch). For 2 cars, the larger one would be something like a B5/7 RS4 or vintage Volvo V70 T5... or just maybe that California my wife really wants - together with something like a VW Up.
Either way, I'll book the R32 in for a service and perhaps an early MoT once we're back in September. Happy holidays!
I'm writing this from a holiday cottage in Cornwall, with the R32 having gotten us to (and around) this part of the world in some reasonable comfort. Now that the kids are beyond toddler age - 3 & 5 - we don't need to take quite so much stuff with us, although a roof box is still mandatory:
I've enjoyed some deserted, well-surfaced and very twisty local roads over the last week. I think I'm taking this car for granted, because it's so easy to drive on unfamiliar roads; as well as in every gear and weather condition. As usual, the family is on board, so I'm mainly driving at modest speeds and in the 1,500-2,000rpm range.
Next week, we're off on another family holiday to the south of Brittany in the R32. I've bought a Sanef "Liber-T" tag for the motorway stretches, got my French emergency kit and investigated filling stations that sell Super 98. I'll report back on how we get along...
We've been talking a lot about a larger, more practical car. The R32 has risen to every occasion, but it's basically too small for the holidays, family visits and camping we've done this year - or would like to do more of - not to mention the gap between the performance available from this supercharged R32 and that which gets used.
My wife wants a new VW California, which we could afford - but I'm not convinced we'd use enough to justify. She won't even entertain the thought of a 4x4 or crossover (too noveau riche), nor anything from one of the more aspirational brands (BMW, Audi etc) - and I'm not keen on people carriers. That leaves a limited selection of models from Volvo, VW or Skoda - with the remaining question being whether we go back to 2 cars, in order to have a larger and smaller one.
At the moment, the choice of 1 car looks like: Golf R estate, VRS estate, another V60, or just possibly a Prius (yes, I know that's totally nuts - but it's a weird itch I'd like to scratch). For 2 cars, the larger one would be something like a B5/7 RS4 or vintage Volvo V70 T5... or just maybe that California my wife really wants - together with something like a VW Up.
Either way, I'll book the R32 in for a service and perhaps an early MoT once we're back in September. Happy holidays!
Month 20
After the summer months, when most mileage is added to my cars, the R32's total is now 60,625. That's 15,217 during my ownership - and 5,525 since the supercharger conversion.
Driving the car to France for the first week of September highlighted what a versatile, confident and capable car this is. With billiard-table smooth roads aplenty and a roof box to help, our family of 4 were able to cover the miles in comfort and barely going over 2,500rpm the whole week. Fuel economy for the trip was about 31-32mpg, based on brim-to-brim calculations and Super 98 fuel was easier to find than its equivalent at home.
It was also a frustrating experience. Imagine having the constant come-on suggestions of a 370hp car constantly nagging via its VR6 warble and the alluring whine of its supercharger... a constant torment, as my wife and 3 & 5 year-olds doze, playing I-spy or tell me to stop accelerating so quickly! (Which is pretty hard, when I usually change up at 2,000rpm with them on board!).
The car is now back in the hands of my wife in the main. Neither of us drive to work, so it's either used by her for local trips (e.g. taking our youngest to the zoo) or with me driving it at weekends on other family duties.
I did manage to break free for a trip to Turner Race Developments today, for a service and checkover at a very reasonable £177.79. Dan found the car to be in perfect health, recommending only that I changed of the auxillary belt (the "old" one was only 5.5k miles old) to a superior version. The tyres are on 5mm at the front and 4mm at the back, so a little less worn than I'd suspected.
Really, I recommend TRD without hesitation. They are gentlemen of the trade and are always one step ahead of your thinking when it comes to car maintenance. Mine was the 4th supercharged R32 at their unit today!
Unfortunately, nothing in the last few months has persuaded me out of my intention to sell-up and get a more boring car. Having such a lovely motor as our family wheels has proven mainly that a grey, luxurious Golf is great - but that the other attributes are mainly an indulgence that I can't use often enough.
As a Pistonheader, I'm embarrassed to say what new car I've this week placed an order for... so I won't (yet - it arrives in December). The private plates have come off this evening and I'll be making preparations for the car's sale over the coming weeks.
After the summer months, when most mileage is added to my cars, the R32's total is now 60,625. That's 15,217 during my ownership - and 5,525 since the supercharger conversion.
Driving the car to France for the first week of September highlighted what a versatile, confident and capable car this is. With billiard-table smooth roads aplenty and a roof box to help, our family of 4 were able to cover the miles in comfort and barely going over 2,500rpm the whole week. Fuel economy for the trip was about 31-32mpg, based on brim-to-brim calculations and Super 98 fuel was easier to find than its equivalent at home.
It was also a frustrating experience. Imagine having the constant come-on suggestions of a 370hp car constantly nagging via its VR6 warble and the alluring whine of its supercharger... a constant torment, as my wife and 3 & 5 year-olds doze, playing I-spy or tell me to stop accelerating so quickly! (Which is pretty hard, when I usually change up at 2,000rpm with them on board!).
The car is now back in the hands of my wife in the main. Neither of us drive to work, so it's either used by her for local trips (e.g. taking our youngest to the zoo) or with me driving it at weekends on other family duties.
I did manage to break free for a trip to Turner Race Developments today, for a service and checkover at a very reasonable £177.79. Dan found the car to be in perfect health, recommending only that I changed of the auxillary belt (the "old" one was only 5.5k miles old) to a superior version. The tyres are on 5mm at the front and 4mm at the back, so a little less worn than I'd suspected.
Really, I recommend TRD without hesitation. They are gentlemen of the trade and are always one step ahead of your thinking when it comes to car maintenance. Mine was the 4th supercharged R32 at their unit today!
Unfortunately, nothing in the last few months has persuaded me out of my intention to sell-up and get a more boring car. Having such a lovely motor as our family wheels has proven mainly that a grey, luxurious Golf is great - but that the other attributes are mainly an indulgence that I can't use often enough.
As a Pistonheader, I'm embarrassed to say what new car I've this week placed an order for... so I won't (yet - it arrives in December). The private plates have come off this evening and I'll be making preparations for the car's sale over the coming weeks.
Thanks for the update OP - always like reading about this.
Regarding the quality of the Mk5 vs later Golfs...
I'm sure I read that the Mk5 was the most expensive Golf VW ever made i.e. the margin they made on each one was lower than any other before it.
Evidently this was due to two things: 1) a general uplift in the quality of materials used compared with the Mk4 and 2) there were interesting features incorporated into the car, such as removal external door skins etc.
They then began to cut costs from the Mk6 onwards to increase GM in each Golf, hence a possible feeling that since the Mk5, nothing has been quite as well screwed together.
This is just stuff I read on VW forums (i.e. not from VW officially) however it does seem to tally with the idea that the Mk5 was a bit under appreciated in terms of its quality.
Regarding the quality of the Mk5 vs later Golfs...
I'm sure I read that the Mk5 was the most expensive Golf VW ever made i.e. the margin they made on each one was lower than any other before it.
Evidently this was due to two things: 1) a general uplift in the quality of materials used compared with the Mk4 and 2) there were interesting features incorporated into the car, such as removal external door skins etc.
They then began to cut costs from the Mk6 onwards to increase GM in each Golf, hence a possible feeling that since the Mk5, nothing has been quite as well screwed together.
This is just stuff I read on VW forums (i.e. not from VW officially) however it does seem to tally with the idea that the Mk5 was a bit under appreciated in terms of its quality.
Month 22
At the beginning of October, I agreed the sale of the R32 to its prospective owner - having placed the order for my new family-friendly replacement during September.
Playing swapsies
The buyer (who is of this parish) needed to shift his own GTI before the purchase could complete. With 2 months before the arrival of the new car, I was initially worried that I might be left without a wheels. However, with my new car now due this Friday and no sale of the GTI, I suggested that I take the GTI as part payment.
I'm actually quite looking forward to this: my family will be satisfied with the new family car (a Golf SV 1.4 GT with £5k of options) and I'll avoid going cold turkey by having the GTI...for a while at least. It's a very well-cared-for '08 Mk5 3-door with leather and 18" Monzas, with just 2 owners (the current one having taken it from 36k to its current 96k miles). I reasoned that it should be reasonably straightforward to sell in the New Year without the pressure to sell quickly - unless I decide to keep it long term.
Goodbye R32
I'll write some more reflective notes on the whole experience once it's actually gone, but it's already clear that I'll miss the R32.
I've barely had the chance to use the car in recent weeks. When I have done, the things that strike me are how easy it is to use; what a pleasure it is to all the senses; and how practical it is. New road in bad weather? Not a problem. Need to make "progress" under the radar? Sure thing. And it feels lovely the whole time.
Final update to follow - the sale is due this weekend.
At the beginning of October, I agreed the sale of the R32 to its prospective owner - having placed the order for my new family-friendly replacement during September.
Playing swapsies
The buyer (who is of this parish) needed to shift his own GTI before the purchase could complete. With 2 months before the arrival of the new car, I was initially worried that I might be left without a wheels. However, with my new car now due this Friday and no sale of the GTI, I suggested that I take the GTI as part payment.
I'm actually quite looking forward to this: my family will be satisfied with the new family car (a Golf SV 1.4 GT with £5k of options) and I'll avoid going cold turkey by having the GTI...for a while at least. It's a very well-cared-for '08 Mk5 3-door with leather and 18" Monzas, with just 2 owners (the current one having taken it from 36k to its current 96k miles). I reasoned that it should be reasonably straightforward to sell in the New Year without the pressure to sell quickly - unless I decide to keep it long term.
Goodbye R32
I'll write some more reflective notes on the whole experience once it's actually gone, but it's already clear that I'll miss the R32.
I've barely had the chance to use the car in recent weeks. When I have done, the things that strike me are how easy it is to use; what a pleasure it is to all the senses; and how practical it is. New road in bad weather? Not a problem. Need to make "progress" under the radar? Sure thing. And it feels lovely the whole time.
Final update to follow - the sale is due this weekend.
Ive just read this entire thread and really enjoyed it, I came across it when searching about Mk5 R32's as a Golf GTI or R32 is an itch I'm ready to scratch but cannot decide between the two!
Since 2004 my cars have all been turbo charged and mostly 4x4, so I'm leaning towards the R32, especially as I prefer the looks and sound too.
However, the power delivery and expense of more power puts me off.
FWD puts me off the GTI, and also the 4 pot sound, I've spoilt myself with far too many I5 and V6 over the last 10 years!
So would love to hear how you got on with the GTI after the R32 sold.
I was also definitely after a 3 door, but seeing all the pics of this 5 door it could sway me if needed.
Since 2004 my cars have all been turbo charged and mostly 4x4, so I'm leaning towards the R32, especially as I prefer the looks and sound too.
However, the power delivery and expense of more power puts me off.
FWD puts me off the GTI, and also the 4 pot sound, I've spoilt myself with far too many I5 and V6 over the last 10 years!
So would love to hear how you got on with the GTI after the R32 sold.
I was also definitely after a 3 door, but seeing all the pics of this 5 door it could sway me if needed.
Well, it's funny this thread should pop up; just as I'm visiting the site for the first time in ages! As djdest alludes to, I did indeed take the Mk5 GTI from si_xsi as part payment.
I'm afraid to say that I sold the GTI within a month or so of getting it. Simon had really looked after the car, but I only used it twice... so my comparison notes aren't going to run far! It was nice, but not a patch on the car it replaced - and I just wasn't using it. Oddly, my 64-year-old mum really took a shine to it and was especially sad to see it go!
By way of a rounder completion to the story (for me) - and as mentioned earlier in the thread - I sold the R32 after deliberating for around 6 months, starting just after the supercharer conversion. It just wasn't fitting well into my life and, so far, the cold turkey experience of going to a 150hp Mk7 Golf Sportsvan is wearing surprisingly well.
Several existing pressures built to the point where there was little enjoyment for me or point continuing with a delicious - but frustrated - supercharged R32 experience: my kids ageing to the point where they need bigger bikes and kit carrying around; my wife's insistence that she won't drive anything larger than a C-segment hatch; the fact I commute by bike every day; my city centre location; and a big reduction in work road trips.
For the time being, I'm taking a very unexpected satisfaction in having a baby MPV. Someone wise once said to me that the secret to happiness is to not care about the things you don't care about... I just don't care anymore about whether an alloy has gained a new kerb mark; about a new parking scratch on the bumper; whether or not cheese sandwiches were eaten in the back when my wife took my son to forest school; whether I will be able to find Shell Optimax on my next trip etc etc.
...And then there's all the good stuff: the delight my kids take in flipping the new Golf SV's rear seat trays up and down or sliding the rear bench back and forth; the cubbly holes for all their favourite animals; the fact that I can press a button to send more noise of that all-important kids' story to the rear speakers, so that I can speak to my wife without being berated; the 40:20:60 rear seats, which allow for a bike to be inserted whole between the kids without breaking out the roof rack; the 600 litres of boot space etc etc.
Simon posted elsewhere about his unfortunate introduction to life with the R32. We've been in contact as the ups and downs were borne and the resolution found.
As I say, I haven't been on this or other car forums since last November. I've been busying myself with building an ever-increasing number of bikes and trying to ride them as much as possible: it's called distraction therapy!
We'll see how long this withdrawal from performance cars lasts...
I'm afraid to say that I sold the GTI within a month or so of getting it. Simon had really looked after the car, but I only used it twice... so my comparison notes aren't going to run far! It was nice, but not a patch on the car it replaced - and I just wasn't using it. Oddly, my 64-year-old mum really took a shine to it and was especially sad to see it go!
By way of a rounder completion to the story (for me) - and as mentioned earlier in the thread - I sold the R32 after deliberating for around 6 months, starting just after the supercharer conversion. It just wasn't fitting well into my life and, so far, the cold turkey experience of going to a 150hp Mk7 Golf Sportsvan is wearing surprisingly well.
Several existing pressures built to the point where there was little enjoyment for me or point continuing with a delicious - but frustrated - supercharged R32 experience: my kids ageing to the point where they need bigger bikes and kit carrying around; my wife's insistence that she won't drive anything larger than a C-segment hatch; the fact I commute by bike every day; my city centre location; and a big reduction in work road trips.
For the time being, I'm taking a very unexpected satisfaction in having a baby MPV. Someone wise once said to me that the secret to happiness is to not care about the things you don't care about... I just don't care anymore about whether an alloy has gained a new kerb mark; about a new parking scratch on the bumper; whether or not cheese sandwiches were eaten in the back when my wife took my son to forest school; whether I will be able to find Shell Optimax on my next trip etc etc.
...And then there's all the good stuff: the delight my kids take in flipping the new Golf SV's rear seat trays up and down or sliding the rear bench back and forth; the cubbly holes for all their favourite animals; the fact that I can press a button to send more noise of that all-important kids' story to the rear speakers, so that I can speak to my wife without being berated; the 40:20:60 rear seats, which allow for a bike to be inserted whole between the kids without breaking out the roof rack; the 600 litres of boot space etc etc.
Simon posted elsewhere about his unfortunate introduction to life with the R32. We've been in contact as the ups and downs were borne and the resolution found.
As I say, I haven't been on this or other car forums since last November. I've been busying myself with building an ever-increasing number of bikes and trying to ride them as much as possible: it's called distraction therapy!
We'll see how long this withdrawal from performance cars lasts...
Read this thread from start to finish, such an enjoyable thread to read.
I've always like the r32 and always find it interesting to read people's day to day living with certain cars.
It's a shame you got rid but at least to person who will look after it.
You've given me inspiration to do a similar thread but on my Abarth 500 :-)
I've always like the r32 and always find it interesting to read people's day to day living with certain cars.
It's a shame you got rid but at least to person who will look after it.
You've given me inspiration to do a similar thread but on my Abarth 500 :-)
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